The Renault Trafic badge has made a return to South Africa. Here’s how much you’ll pay for this fresh-faced, diesel-powered panel van…

Renault South Africa has added the updated Trafic light-commercial vehicle to its range, with the panel van available locally only in long-wheelbase form.

In years gone by, previous versions of the Trafic panel van were available in South Africa (along with an MPV version), though total sales – across two generations – come in at just 555 units. This is bakkie country, after all.

Still, the French firm’s local division will be hoping the freshened-up version will prove a little more popular as it heads into a fight with the likes of the Volkswagen Transporter panel van, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes-Benz Vito panel van, Hyundai Staria panel van, Opel Vivaro Cargo, Toyota Quantum panel van and Peugeot Boxer.

Priced at R599 999, the Trafic is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (dubbed the “dCi 170”), which drives the front axle through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Peak outputs come in at 125 kW and 380 Nm, while Renault claims a combined fuel economy figure of 7.2 litres per 100 km. Fitted with an 80-litre tank, that translates to a theoretical range of well over 1 000 km.

The Trafic’s middle seat folds down to form a temporary workspace.

Measuring 5 480 mm from nose to tail, the long-wheelbase Trafic boasts what Renault describes as the “best load length in the segment” (at 4 150 mm), while the payload is listed as 1 279 kg. The load area is accessible via a sliding door on one flank or a pair of swing doors at the rear.

Up front, you’ll find three seats and plenty of clever storage options (including a drawer under the passenger bench), along with items such as a revised dashboard and new instrument panel. Standard features include electrically adjustable side mirrors, cloth upholstery and a basic audio system with integrated R&Go radio and Bluetooth plus USB and auxiliary ports. In addition, the middle seat’s backrest can fold down to form a makeshift workspace.

The Trafic is available in two exterior paint colours, both non-metallic: Ice Cool White and Cumulus Blue.

How much does the Renault Trafic panel van cost in South Africa?

Renault Trafic 2.0 dCi panel van – R599 999

A 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) are included in the purchase price.

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