Renault launches big business van in SA

RENAULT SA has launched a big panel van in our market, called the 'Traffic'.

The French carmaker is, of course well rehearsed when it comes to building panel vans as these are favoured in Europe over bakkies.

The Traffic is not the first commercial vehicle Renault will sell in SA, having previously tried to convince business owners to buy the Kangoo, but this compact van was discontinued in 2020.

So what does the Traffic offer? Renault says it recently gave the big van a facelift, with a more horizontal hood and larger grille to bring it in line with modern styling trends.

It also sports LED headlights as standard, and 16-inch steel wheels with 'more elegant wheel covers'.

Interior amenities were enhanced, too, with the Traffic seeing a new dashboard design integrating an 'R&Go' radio with bluetooth, USB and aux connectivity, chrome panel inserts, wider armrests, a multifunction steering wheel and Zoning Mode that allows the driver to lock or unlock only the cabin and/or the cargo hold.

As for cargo space, the Traffic has a 54 litre storage box under the passenger bench, while the main hold offers 8.9m³ which can be accessed through a standard sliding door on the left of the vehicle, or two swivel doors at the rear that have 90 and 180-degree opening angles.

Powering the big French work van is a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

According to Renault, this drivetrain combination offers more power and torque, as well as improved fuel efficiency thanks to a new ECO drive mode.

The Traffic sells for R599 999 which includes a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a fiveyear/90 000km service plan.