2020 Renault Trafic gains automatic transmission

• Trafic finally receives an automatic option
• Auto comes with a more powerful diesel turbo
• Revised range comes with three newly named spec-levels
• Five-year warranty

The Renault Trafic light commercial van has received an update that brings fresh styling, an automatic transmission, and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine to the revised 2020 range.

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The belated addition of the six-speed ‘Efficient Dual Clutch’ (EDC) auto will help Renault meet demand for a convenient self-shifter from businesses, government, authorities, and rental fleets currently met by the likes of the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai iLoad.

Adding to its attraction is the fact that it’s coupled with a new Euro 6 compliant 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine capable of producing 125kW at 3500rpm and hefty 380Nm of torque at just 1500rpm.

The new powertrain has an official combined consumption of 7.3-litres/100km, that’s marginally more than the lesser powered 103kW/340Nm twin-turbo diesel’s 6.6L/100km rating. However, the auto-gearbox results in lower payload and braked towing capacity: The 125kW automatic long-wheelbase version can carry 1250kg and tow up to 1630kg, with the 103kW six-speed manual long-wheelbase able to carry and tow 1274kg and 2000kg respectively.

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The auto is available in the mid-range Premium, and range-topping Crew Lifestyle specs, with the Premium version costing $4000 more than its lesser-powered twin-turbo diesel manual counterpart.

Automatic Traffic versions also feature brighter LED lighting in the cargo area, and keyless-entry with secure single-door opening.

They also comes with a slight facelift that has also been applied to the manual versions.

The 2020 Renault Trafic range starts with Trafic Pro, available in both SWB and LWB, powered by the 85kW/ 300Nm turbo-diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission.

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Standard equipment includes a reversing camera, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog-lamps and under-bench seat storage.

CHOICES: Should I buy a ute or van for my business?

The new mid-spec Trafic Premium model is also available in both SWB and LWB with a choice of either the twin-turbo 103kW, 340Nm twin turbo diesel engine (as a manual transmission) or with the new 2.0-litre 125kW 380Nm turbo-diesel auto.

Each brings additional features over the Trafic Pro including a workstation bench, bulkhead with load-through flap, 7.0-inch touchscreen with inbuilt sat-nav and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, barn doors, an additional sliding door on the driver’s side, engine stop/start system, mobile phone cradle and security deadlocking.

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The range-topping Trafic Crew Lifestyle adds body painted bumpers, side door protection, chrome grille, climate control air conditioning, 17-inch Cyclade alloy wheels, heated driver’s seat, Renault Smart key card with keyless entry and engine start, and rear privacy glass.

Each Renault Trafic version is covered by a five-year/200,000km warranty. Servicing intervals remain at up to 30,000km or annually (whichever comes first) with capped price servicing offered from $549 for each of the first three scheduled visits to an approved dealership.

The 2020 Renault Trafic range will go on sale in December, 2019.

2020 Renault Trafic retail pricing

• Trafic SWB Pro 85kW manual - $36,490
• Trafic LWB Pro 85kW manual - $38,490
• Trafic SWB Premium 103kW manual - $39,490
• Trafic LWB Premium 103kW MT Diesel - $41,490
• Trafic SWB Premium 125kW auto - $43,490
• Trafic LWB Premium 125kW auto - $45,490
• Trafic LWB Crew Lifestyle - auto $52,490

Would the new automatic powertrain make you consider the Renault Trafic over rivals such as the Toyota Hiace, Hyundai iLoad and Peugeot Expert?