Things we like
- Car-like cabin design
- Good additions of active safety
- Responsive diesel engine
Not so much
- Pricier than many competitors
- Simple infotainment unit
- Safety still lags behind others
The Renault Trafic has long been a staple for businesses requiring a reliable, efficient and versatile commercial van.
The 2024 Short Wheel Base (SWB) Pro variant, available in both manual and automatic transmissions, builds on this legacy with an update last year that brought in a fresh look and additional safety technology.
Designed to meet the diverse needs of modern professionals, the Trafic SWB Pro combines practicality with performance in a compact package.
But how does it fare against the solidified competition in the commercial van sector?
Pricing and features
The Trafic line-up starts from $49,000 (before on-road costs) for the manual version of the Short Wheel Base Pro option. An extra $2000 moves you into a Long Wheel Base version of the entry-level variant.
Next in line are the Premium grades which add more specification, followed by Crew versions that add three rear seats to the van.
All versions of the Trafic share the same economical 2.0-litre diesel engine outputting 125kW and a torquey 380Nm. On a combined cycle, automatic variants have a claimed fuel economy of 6.5L/100km.
Its exterior design is both functional and modern, with the SWB configuration making it a perfect fit for tight city streets and crowded job sites.
The interior of the Trafic SWB Pro is designed with the driver in mind, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch driver cluster display, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Featuring a leading load length of up to 4.15 meters via a load-through bulkhead hatch located in the passenger seat footwell of the Long Wheel Base (LWB) model, and 3.35 meters in the Short Wheel Base (SWB) versions, this vehicle stands out for its capacity.
The SWB offers a total load space of 5.8 cubic meters, supporting a maximum payload of up to 1279 kilograms for the MT variant, which can be secured with the 10 tie-down points to accommodate various types of freight securely.
Safety
The Renault Trafic is currently not rated by ANCAP, Australia's independent crash test authority. However the current model shares the same platform which received three stars when assessed by Europe's safety authority– Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and driver and passenger airbags.
The next variant in the range – Premium – adds adaptive cruise control, front and side parking sensors, blind spot monitors and traffic sign recognition.
Key rivals
The Renault Trafic SWB Pro faces competition from:
Should I put it on my shortlist?
For businesses and professionals in search of a compact yet capable commercial vehicle, the 2024 Renault Trafic SWB Pro presents a compelling option.
Although pricier than competitors, the Trafic is well-suited to meet the demands of urban logistics and beyond. Whether in manual or automatic transmission, the Trafic SWB Pro is ready to support your business needs with reliability and style.
Things we like
- Car-like cabin design
- Good additions of active safety
- Responsive diesel engine
Not so much
- Pricier than many competitors
- Simple infotainment unit
- Safety still lags behind others
COMMENTS