Car Evolution: New Renault Trafic and Generation Facelifts Revealed

New Trafic Generation � the missing link between the MPV and the combi

This leisure-oriented MPV is equipped with special front seats which pivot for enhanced conviviality when parked, a rear benchseat that can be quickly and simply converted into a bed and a removable table. The model comes with new, two-tone �Digital� upholstery which emphasizes the forms of the seats. A version with six individual seats is avail�able as an option.

Ingenious stowage space

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation are prime examples of Renault Design�s ingenuity when it comes to travelling comfort. All free space has been converted into storage space, including the front door panels, plus map pockets on the back of the front seats (according to version) and even a ski-trap under the Row 3 benchseat.

The structure of the dashboard has made it possible to fit a lit, cooled (with the climate control option) glovebox that can take a 1.5-litre bottle, plus a sun�glasses/spectacle holder, cup holders incorporating a removable ashtray and several cubby holes.

The under-parcel shelf boot volume of the short ver�sion of NewTrafic Passenger is a spacious 673 litres (New Trafic Generation: 500 litres) and 1,084 litres in the case of the long version. This figure increases to 3,092 litres with the Row 3 benchseat of the short version removed (long version: 4,009 litres). And to hold loads securely in place, both vehicles come with lashing hooks as standard, while a baggage retention net is optionally available.

A long list of equipment features

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation feature a long list of equipment familiarly associated with passenger cars and are now equipped with (according to version and market):

Passenger airbag disable function.
Emergency Brake Assist.
Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor. - Automatic headlamp activation.
�See Me Home� light.
Speed limiter.
Renault Anti-Intruder Device (RAID).
Latest-generation Carminat Navigation System, as seen on M�gane.

According to version and market, the following comfort equipment specific to passenger-carrying vans is also available:

Additional high -performance rear heater
The additional heater is located at the rear of the vehicle close to the rear-seat floor cross-member and the blower blends in harmoniously with the overall design. The new-design control panel is located on the roof near the rear-seat cross-member. This feature is coupled with an improved hot air blower system in the driver�s side footwell which represents a gain of between 4 and 5�C.

Reversing radar.
Two sliding doors for New Trafic Passenger Authentique and Expression. The addition of a second sliding door, derived from the development of the right-hand drive combi version, necessitated modifications to the rear left footplate and headlining.

Higher capacity load securing.
The capacity of the load securing hooks has been uprated from 500 to 625daN.

Provision for a second battery (for leisure versions):
The size of the tray which houses the battery has been increased with a view to enabling the addition of a second battery (the second battery � like the wiring loom � is fitted as an aftersales conversion as a func�tion of special needs and conversion requirements). Access is facilitated by a floor trap located under�neath the driver�s feet. Meanwhile, the electrics of New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation have been uprated. Depending on the version, the power of the batteries and the alternator has been increased. By way of the example, the power of the alternator has been uprated from 125A to 150A.

A third factory-supplied key.
New range of diesel engines. New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation are available with an all-new range of environmentally-friendly diesel powerplants offering increased power and flexibility. The transmissions have also been revised for greater strength and a smoother drive.

A comprehensive powertrain range

The range of engines for New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation has evolved to offer even more driveability and flexibility thanks to their higher torque. To comply with Euro 4 standards, the 82hp (60kW) and 100hp (81 kW) versions of the 1.9 dCi (F9Q) have been replaced by the new 2.0 dCi (M9R) which now delivers either 90hp (66kW) or 115hp (84kW). Both versions are coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the more powerful of the two will shortly be available with the new six-speed robotized transmission. Meanwhile, power of the 2.5 dCi engine has been increased from 135hp to 150hp (107kW) and can be specified with either six-speed manual or robotized transmission. The 120hp (88kW) 2.0 16V petrol engine is also Euro 4-compliant.

90hp (66kW) and 115hp (84kW) 2.0 dCi: reliable, powerful and quiet-running

The 2.0 dCi engine (M9R) is now available on New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation. Derived from a Renault-led Renault-Nissan joint develop�ment, this new 1995cc unit features all the latest diesel engine technologies available on the market, including piezo-electric injectors, 1,600-bar common�rail injection, fixed-geometry turbo and new-generation combustion chambers. Two versions of differing power outputs are available, both of which ensure excellent pick-up response, driving pleasure and low fuel consumption.

90hp (66kW) version. Maximum power is reached at 3,500rpm and remains available until the limiter kicks in at 4,250rpm. This version of the 2.0 dCi out�puts 240Nm of torque at 1,600rpm and consumes 7.9l/100km in a combined cycle. This engine can be ordered with the new PF6 six-speed manual gearbox. - 115hp (84kW) version. Maximum power is reached at 3,500rpm and remains available until the limiter kicks in at 4,250rpm. The torque of this particularly flexible and responsive engine peaks at 290Nm from 1,600rpm. Its fuel consumption is 7.9l/100km. This engine is available with either the new PF6 six-speed manual gearbox or, in 2007, the PA0 six-speed robo�tized transmission, which is an evolution of the PA6 transmission.

Both versions of the 2.0 dCi boast a very broad useful rev band, with outstanding pick-up response from low engine speeds all the way up to maximum revs which are set at 4,250rpm. For power, comfort and safety, 90% of torque is available from 1,500rpm all the way up to 3,250rpm.

For maximum efficiency, the 2.0 dCi engine features Bosch piezo-electric injection which improves fuel injection speed. They are also equipped with valve control by roller cam followers and hydraulic stops for less friction and consequently lower fuel con�sumption.

Control of noise was a priority throughout the devel�opment of this engine and the bottom end, which features an aluminium bedplate, is engineered to ensure enhanced damping of vibrations. The long cast-iron crankcase skirt and sump and timing covers are also designed to absorb vibrations.

Finally, the chain-driven timing gear not only enhances the engine�s acoustic performance but also its reliability and durability.

150hp (107kW) 2.5 dCi: response and performance

This evolution takes the level of the New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation engine range a step higher. Like the 16-valve 2.2 dCi from which it is derived, it benefits from common-rail direct injection, a 16-valve cylinder head, tubular twin overhead camshafts and roller cam followers. The transition to Euro 4 compliance has enabled this 2.5 dCi powerplant, which first became available

for Trafic early in 2003, to now deliver 150hp (107kW) at 3,500rpm, with maximum torque of 320Nm at 1,500rpm. It is equipped with a partic�ulate filter and is available with six-speed manual or robotized transmission.

Despite targeting customers looking for performance and response, it is sill inexpensive to run and its overall fuel consumption is a low 8.2l/100km with Quickshift transmission, equivalent to 1,100km on a full tank!

120hp (88kW) 2.0 16V: a proven product

The 2.0 16V petrol engine, which has already proved itself on several other models from the Renault range (Sc�nic, Laguna, Espace), boasts 120hp (88kW) at 4,750rpm, plus maximum torque of 190Nm at 3,750rpm. Its European combined cycle fuel consumption is 10.3l/100km. The evolution for Euro 4 compliance concerned the catalytic converter, the pre�cious metal content of which has been enriched.

More torque with the new six-speed manual gearbox

Derived from the PK4 passenger car gearbox, the new Renault PF6 six-speed gearbox is coupled as standard with both the 90hp and 115hp versions of the 2.0 dCi engine as well as with the 2.5 dCi. The new transmission can handle torque of up to 350Nm and was also developed to comply with more stringent specifications with regard to reliability and durability. There are many benefits of having a sixth gear: the wider ratios allow the potential of the torquey diesel engines it equips to be exploited from very low engine speeds, while the closer gearing permits lower engine speeds and is more suited to the characteristics of the torque curve. The six-speed manual box accordingly favours pick-up in all intermediate gears while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and noise.

The reverse gear is synchronized and the gear shifts between third and fourth have been revised for a smoother drive and greater precision.

Added driving comfort with the new six-speed robotized transmission

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation benefit from an evolution of the PA0 Quickshift six�speed robotized transmission seen on previous�generation Trafics. The new version combines the acclaimed performance of the former generation PA6 electro-hydraulic system with the durability of the PF6 manual gearbox.

This flick-shift robotized gearbox optimizes the trans�mission of power to achieve lower fuel consumption (a saving of 0.9l/100km in the urban cycle), fewer emissions and greater driving pleasure. The PA0 transmission can handle torque of up to 350Nm com�pared with 320Nm for the former-generation PA6.

Low running costs

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation were designed to achieve a high standard of reliability and durability for their particularly exacting clientele. In addition to their extremely low fuel consumption, servicing intervals have been extended with oil changes only every 30,000 kilometres (or every year), air and diesel filter changes every 90,000km and an accessory drive belt change every 120,000km. Outer body panels are fully galvanized and wax injection is used in box sections, enabling Renault to offer a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Best-in-class safety

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation offer occupants a level of comfort and safety worthy of a grand tourer thanks to their reassuring handling, precise braking and the introduction of Emergency Brake Assist.

Safer braking, with better response

For control in all situations, New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation benefit from the considerable expertise of Renault�s engineers in the realm of active safety and notably feature disc brakes all-round. The big front discs (305mm x 28mm) are ventilated and equipped with 40 and 45mm diameter dual-piston callipers, while the 285mm x 12mm rear discs come with self-adjusting callipers. The vehicles� durable, efficient stopping power is further enhanced by ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard, plus Emergency Brake Assist � new to Trafic.

Ride and handling worthy of a touring car

New Trafic Passenger combines a level of steering precision and comfort on a par with that of MPVs. These qualities are heightened in the case of New Trafic Passenger Privil�ge and New Trafic Generation thanks to specific suspension settings.

The front suspension features an anti-roll bar with articulated mountings on the spring/damper units. At the rear, the torsion beam with trailing arms and Panhard rod layout ensures both outstanding acoustic comfort � by effectively filtering out the vibrations responsible for road noise � and dynamic performance comparable with that of the market�s top MPVs. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the use of load-sensitive variable-rate hydraulic dampers coupled with variable flexibility suspension

Top-class passive safety

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation occupant protection features include a driver airbag as standard plus, according to market and version, a passenger airbag which can be deactivated by a switch in the cabin. The two vehicles also come with three-point seat belts with load limiters, as well as pretensioners for the outer rear seats and headrests for all seats. And for even greater protection, front lateral airbags and rear curtain airbags are also avai labl e.

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