The Renault Trafic market offers plenty of choice for UK businesses. We spent six months testing this French van to see how it stacks up against…
The Renault Trafic market offers plenty of choice for UK businesses. We spent six months testing this French van to see how it stacks up against the Ford Transit. With over 1,272 used Renault Trafic vans on Auto Trader alone, buyers face a wide range of options.
Price differences tell an interesting story. The market spans from older models at £4,980 with no VAT right up to brand-new 2025 models at £21,200 plus VAT. What caught our attention during testing was the Trafic’s rectangular shape that maximises loading volume (up to 8.9 m³ on the L2h2 version) and the 4.15m of usable loading length, reportedly the best in its segment.
Our six-month ownership period tracked every cost from fuel to maintenance. We also found unexpected savings that most reviews miss. The ten new advanced driver-assistance systems gave us peace of mind, but do they justify the higher price? Our extended test reveals the hidden costs and surprising benefits that emerged during daily use.
Engine options changed significantly for 2025. Renault dropped the older 1.6L diesels and now offers four 2.0L Blue dCi engines: 110hp, 130hp, 150hp, and 170hp. Torque figures range from 300Nm in the entry-level variant up to 380Nm in the top-spec model. The base dCi 110 feels underpowered when fully loaded, but the mid-range options work well for most users.
Every model comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The two higher-powered engines can be paired with an optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic—useful for urban driving. These diesel-only powertrains return around 40.4mpg combined.
Configuration choices give buyers flexibility. Two lengths (L1/short wheelbase or L2/long wheelbase) and two heights (H1/standard roof or H2/high roof) create four combinations: L1H1, L2H1, L1H2, and L2H2. Load volumes span from 5.2m³ to 8.9m³.
Payload capacity ranges from 886kg in base models up to 1266kg in optimised configurations. The load-through bulkhead hatch extends usable loading length to 4.15m—reportedly best-in-class.
The rectangular floor plan works well for business use. Even the smallest L1 variant fits three Euro pallets. Practical details include 84L of front storage and options for wooden interior trim and protective coverings.
Three trim levels remain available: Advance (entry-level), Extra (mid-range), and Sport/Extra Sport (premium). All variants now include ten advanced driver-assistance systems as standard, including Blind Spot Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Six months with our Renault Trafic produced some solid numbers. We managed 45.6mpg with careful driving against the official 46.3mpg figure. Most vans fall 10-15% short of their claimed efficiency, so this result impressed us. The Citroën Despatch claims 53.3mpg though, which could save £375 in diesel costs over 100,000 miles.
Daily comfort surprised us during longer trips. The lumbar-adjustable driver’s seat kept backaches at bay even on seven-hour journeys. The mobile office setup turned the cabin into a proper workspace. That wide central seat folds down to hold a tablet, laptop, or the built-in A4 document holder.
Storage beats most rivals hands down. The 84 litres of cabin storage spreads across door pockets, under-seat trays, and cup holders that actually fit proper mugs. Everything stays within easy reach and well-organised during daily use.
Loading proved straightforward with our long-wheelbase model’s 6.0 cubic metres. The ply-lined interior let heavy items slide in smoothly without snagging on metal floor ribs. That bulkhead hatch earned its keep when we needed to carry extra-long materials into the cab area.
Safety systems proved their worth beyond the spec sheet. Reversing at a supermarket one day, the rear camera showed a teenager on her phone standing directly behind us, completely hidden from the mirrors. This prevented what could have been a serious accident.
Daily driving quality held up well on Britain’s rough roads. The steering felt solid and purposeful, staying planted whether loaded or empty. Road noise stayed minimal even at motorway speeds.
Our extended test showed the Trafic works well beyond the brochure promises. It handles the daily grind of commercial use without fuss.
Ownership costs matter when choosing a Renault Trafic. Prices rose £389.14 across the 2025 range, making value calculations essential for buyers.
New 2025 Trafic vans cost £32,210 (ex-VAT) for higher-spec models, though standard variants start just above £20,000 (ex-VAT). Four trim levels exist: Business, Business+, Sport and Sport+. Business+ hits the sweet spot for value-conscious buyers.
Used Renault Trafic prices show clear patterns. 2025 models average £32,301 with just 249 miles. Older stock depreciates steadily: 2024 models cost £30,136 with 3,706 miles, while 2023 examples fetch £22,929 with 24,310 miles.
Business financing comes in several forms. Lease Purchase defers part of the cost to a balloon payment, cutting monthly payments below traditional Hire Purchase. Contract Hire starts at £227.99 monthly (ex-VAT) on 24-month terms.
Warranty runs four years or 100,000 miles, extending to five years through Renault hire purchase. VAT-registered UK businesses using vans solely for business can reclaim the 20% VAT through HMRC.
Rival comparisons show mixed results. The Trafic costs less than the Ford Transit Custom and represents a “comparative bargain” next to the Volkswagen Transporter. However, the Citroën Despatch XL offers more cargo space (6.6 cubic metres versus 6.0) at £26,115 ex-VAT.
Special-edition models appear occasionally during our test period. These limited variants typically include extra equipment at small cost premiums, making them worth finding.
Our six-month test with the Renault Trafic proved this van earns its place in the UK commercial vehicle market. The 2025 price increase feels justified when you consider the daily benefits that emerged during extended use.
Real-world performance matched expectations better than most vans manage. The fuel economy came close to official figures, while comfort levels exceeded what we expected from a commercial vehicle. The lumbar-adjustable seats made long journeys bearable, and the mobile office layout worked well for client visits.
Load space design impressed us most. The bulkhead hatch solved awkward loading situations repeatedly, and the rectangular floor plan used every bit of available space efficiently. These practical touches matter more than specifications suggest.
Price positioning sits somewhere in the middle when compared to rivals. The Trafic costs less than premium options like the Volkswagen Transporter, though the Citroën Despatch XL offers more cargo volume for less money. Running costs, comfort and practical features help justify the Trafic’s pricing.
Safety systems earned their keep during our test. The reversing camera prevented a potential accident that mirrors alone would have missed. These features provide genuine protection, not just marketing appeal.
Finance options make this van accessible for most businesses. Contract Hire packages around £228 monthly suit many budgets, while the four-year/100,000-mile warranty offers peace of mind for long-term ownership.
The Trafic suits businesses wanting reliable performance without premium pricing. This van delivers solid daily performance, reasonable running costs, and thoughtful design features. Though not the cheapest option available, it combines good driving dynamics with practical benefits that justify the investment for businesses needing a dependable workhorse.