Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Thinking about a commercial van that doesn’t compromise on comfort? The Renault Trafic might be exactly what you’re looking for. This medium-sized panel van strikes an impressive balance between practicality and refinement, making it a popular choice for businesses and tradespeople across the UK. It’s the van for those who want professional capability without sacrificing driving pleasure.
From the moment you see it, the Trafic commands respect on the road. Its bold front grille and purposeful stance give it a confident presence that rivals like the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Crafter can’t quite match. But the real surprise comes when you climb into the cab. The interior feels more like a car than a traditional van, with comfortable seating and intuitive controls that make long working days more bearable.
Driving the Trafic is a genuinely pleasant experience. The engines are smooth and economical, making your daily rounds or long distance deliveries feel effortless. It handles well for such a large vehicle, giving you confidence when navigating tight spaces or motorway slip roads. It’s a van that aims to make every working day a little less stressful. While it commands a premium over some budget alternatives, you’re investing in Renault’s commercial vehicle expertise and proven reliability.
How Does the Renault Trafic Drive?
The Renault Trafic focuses on efficiency and reliability rather than outright speed. The range of diesel engines available are all tuned for economy and torque delivery. The entry level 1.6 dCi with 95 horsepower is adequate for lighter loads and urban deliveries. It feels responsive around town and has enough pulling power for most commercial applications. For heavier duty work, the 2.0 dCi versions with 120 or 145 horsepower offer stronger acceleration and better load carrying capability.
Where the Trafic really impresses is in its road manners. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making tight reversing manoeuvres much easier than you’d expect. At motorway speeds, it feels stable and composed, with minimal body roll despite its height. The suspension does an excellent job of isolating the cab from road imperfections while maintaining good control when loaded. This makes it a confident and comfortable commercial vehicle to drive in all conditions, whether empty or fully laden with equipment.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.6L dCi / 2.0L dCi
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Power Output
95 - 145 bhp
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0-60 mph
13.2 - 10.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
40 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
Inside the Renault Trafic: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Trafic cab and you’ll immediately notice the car like feel. The dashboard is well laid out with clear, easy to read instruments and logically placed controls. The materials used feel robust and fit for purpose, designed to withstand daily commercial use. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to help drivers of all sizes get comfortable.
The front seats are supportive and well cushioned, reducing fatigue on longer journeys. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a surprisingly refined environment for a commercial vehicle. Standard equipment includes DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and air conditioning on most models. Higher specification versions add features like satellite navigation and rear parking sensors. The overall ambience is professional yet welcoming, making the Trafic a pleasant place to spend your working day.
The Renault Trafic stands out in the competitive medium van market by delivering genuine refinement alongside commercial capability. It successfully combines car like comfort with the practicality and durability that businesses demand. The interior quality and driving experience are particular strengths that set it apart from more utilitarian rivals.
Is the Renault Trafic Expensive to Run?
As a commercial vehicle, the Trafic is designed with running costs firmly in mind. The efficient diesel engines deliver impressive real world fuel economy, with figures of 40 to 45 MPG easily achievable in mixed driving. This translates to lower fuel bills and reduced downtime at petrol stations. Insurance costs are reasonable for the commercial vehicle sector, though rates vary significantly based on usage and driver experience.
The initial purchase price is competitive within the medium van segment, offering good value against key rivals. Renault’s commercial vehicle network provides comprehensive support, with convenient service intervals and readily available parts helping to minimize maintenance costs. When it comes to reliability, the Trafic has built a solid reputation over many years of service. Choosing flexible car finance options can help spread the cost and preserve working capital for your business operations.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Renault Trafic
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Ford Transit Custom
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Volkswagen Crafter
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £28,000 | £30,000 | £32,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.6L dCi 95hp | 2.0L EcoBlue 105hp | 2.0L TDI 102hp |
| Power | 95 bhp | 105 bhp | 102 bhp |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 40 mpg | 38 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Car like interior, Good fuel economy, Refined ride | Strong payload, Excellent handling, Wide dealer network | Premium build quality, Advanced safety, Large load area |
Renault Trafic Practicality & Boot Space
For a medium sized van, the Renault Trafic offers excellent versatility. The standard panel van provides between 5.2 and 8.6 cubic metres of load space depending on wheelbase and roof height chosen. The loading bay features a low floor and wide rear doors, making it easy to load heavy or bulky items. Side sliding doors are available on both sides, providing excellent access in tight spaces or when parked close to walls.
The Trafic is available in multiple configurations to suit different business needs. You can choose from standard or long wheelbase versions, plus normal or high roof options. This flexibility makes it suitable for everything from courier work to mobile workshops. For businesses requiring passenger transport, crew cab and combi versions are also available. Its compact exterior dimensions compared to larger alternatives make it ideal for urban deliveries while still offering impressive load capacity for most used Renault cars and commercial vehicle applications.
We’ve been running Trafics in our fleet for three years now and they’ve been excellent. The drivers love how comfortable they are on long runs and the fuel economy is genuinely impressive. Build quality has been solid with minimal downtime.
The Renault Trafic excels in the medium van segment by offering a refined and comfortable driving experience without compromising on commercial capability. It combines efficient diesel engines, car like interior quality, and flexible load space options into a well rounded package. While it may not offer the highest payload in its class, it compensates with superior fuel economy and driver comfort.
You choose the Trafic when you want a van that doesn’t feel like a punishment to drive. Its smooth engines, quiet cabin, and intuitive controls make every working day more pleasant. It’s perfectly suited to businesses that cover high mileages or want to project a professional image. For those seeking bad credit car finance, flexible commercial vehicle finance options are available to help growing businesses access quality transport solutions.
A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
