Our business switched to a Renault Trafic lease six months ago, and this versatile workhorse has proven its worth on UK roads. This…
Our business switched to a Renault Trafic lease six months ago, and this versatile workhorse has proven its worth on UK roads. This award-winning van (named Medium Van of the Year 2020) has been a reliable companion since the 1980s. Its multiple configurations and dependable performance make it stand out from the crowd. Source
We tested the Trafic thoroughly in business scenarios of all types. The van’s impressive 8.9m³ load capacity and 2.5 tonne towing capability paired with powerful diesel engines up to 170hp handled tough jobs easily. Our team explored Renault Trafic van leasing options to find the best value for companies of all sizes. This detailed six-month assessment will guide your decision, whether you’re looking at Renault Trafic finance solutions or searching for competitive lease deals.
The real-life testing gave us a full picture of this medium-sized marvel. We’re ready to share honest insights about our daily experiences with the Trafic. From actual fuel consumption figures to comfort features and maintenance needs, you’ll learn what it’s like to depend on this van every single day.
The Renault Trafic lease vehicle lineup shows impressive versatility. You can choose between SL30 (standard length) and LL30 (long wheelbase) models that adapt to your business needs.
This van gives you three main body types to pick from. The panel van maximises cargo space, and the crew van fits up to six people while keeping 4.3m³ of load space. The minibus version seats up to nine passengers in either SWB or LWB configurations. Standard (L1) and long-wheelbase (L2) versions come with standard (H1) or high (H2) roofs, which creates four different body configurations.
The well-laid-out trim hierarchy makes perfect sense. Advance trim gives you essential features like rear parking sensors and lane departure warning. Extra trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. Sport trim brings more style elements and comfort features. These options help you pick a Renault Trafic lease package that fits your needs and budget.
The Trafic’s cargo capabilities are a great match for business operations. Load space starts at 5.8m³ in the standard panel van and goes up to 8.9m³ in the L2H2 configuration. The maximum payload reaches 1,240kg in top-performing models. The class-leading load length of 4.15m with the load-through bulkhead helps you transport longer items easily.
Every Trafic comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine offering four power outputs:
The standard 6-speed manual gearbox works great, and higher-spec models can get a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission. The automatic option works best in city driving, while the manual gives better control with heavy loads. The dual-clutch automatic gearbox combines comfortable automatic shifting with the quick response and fuel efficiency you’d expect from manual transmissions.
Our team put thousands of miles on a leased Renault Trafic. This gave us a chance to learn about its performance in businesses of all types.
The Trafic’s high driving position gives drivers a great view of the road ahead. This helps a lot while manoeuvring in tight spaces. A clever wide-angle mirror sits in the passenger’s sun visor and helps with visibility at tricky junctions. The rear view could be better, but the rear camera and parking sensors make up for this limitation. The steering feels precise, which lets drivers position the van confidently on the road. Rural routes showcase the Trafic’s impressive stability and balance. The ride quality stays firm but never feels too harsh.
Official WLTP figures suggest up to 40.9mpg for most models. Our tests showed lower but decent numbers in real life. Data from fuelly.com shows most Trafic vans average between 27-30mpg. Our careful driving pushed this up to 45.6mpg. The ECO button can boost fuel economy by 10-15%. This feature helps businesses save money on their Renault Trafic finance plans.
The new firmer seats come with extra support that keeps drivers comfortable. Long trips don’t cause fatigue, even after hours of driving. The cabin works great as a mobile office. The middle seat folds down to create a workspace with room for a laptop and an A4 swivel stand. Sound insulation works well by blocking road and engine noise. Wind noise picks up at higher speeds, though.
The Trafic ran without major mechanical problems during our six-month test. Service intervals come every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever happens first. Renault’s three-year/100,000-mile warranty includes breakdown cover. The van proves reliable overall. Buyers should know about rare issues with turbo parts and fuel systems, but these don’t happen often.
Learning about finance options for a Renault Trafic lease means you need to understand what contracts are available and how they affect your business cashflow. We’ve tested this versatile van thoroughly and broke down the financial aspects of ownership.
Contract Hire gives businesses a straightforward option when they don’t want the financial risk of owning vehicles. You pay your original rental (3-12 months upfront) and then make fixed monthly payments throughout your contract term. You just return the vehicle when you’re done, which works great for companies that want predictable costs. Lease Purchase works like Hire Purchase but with one key difference – you can push some of the cost to a final “balloon” payment. This means lower monthly payments compared to regular Hire Purchase deals.
Our research shows competitive prices for both Advance and Extra trims. The entry-level SL30 Blue dCi 130 Advance variant costs £221.72 monthly on a 24-month contract with 5,000 annual miles. The Extra trim starts at £272.25 per month with similar terms. Higher-end models cost more – the SL30 Blue dCi 150 Extra Sport runs about £295.45 monthly. Most deals need an upfront payment of several months’ rental, usually between £2,600-£3,900 based on your chosen model.
Renault’s complete maintenance packages cover routine servicing, worn parts replacement, and repairs. You can add these to your monthly payments to get all-inclusive coverage with predictable costs. The protection packages are a great way to get breakdown assistance, accident management, and employee mobility protection. The Complete Care Package gives you third-party cover, own damage protection, glass protection, and breakdown assistance.
SMEs can really benefit from Renault Trafic van leasing with less paperwork and better cashflow. VAT-registered businesses might get back 100% of VAT on finance rentals when they use the vehicle only for business. Mixed-use vehicles can claim 50% VAT back. Contract Hire usually offers the most affordable solution for SMEs that want to keep their capital while getting modern, reliable transport.
Our six-month Renault Trafic lease gives us a chance to review what we loved and where the van needs improvement. This adaptable van has handled business tasks of all types admirably, giving us a clear picture of its strong points and limitations.
The Trafic’s cabin comfort exceeded our expectations. The seats supported us perfectly even on seven-hour trips, and the lumbar adjustment kept back pain away. We discovered the cargo space was truly impressive – up to 8.9m³ load volume and the best-in-class load length of 4,150mm thanks to the smart load-through bulkhead. This clever feature let us move extra-long items while keeping the rear lights and numberplate visible.
The 8-inch EasyLink touchscreen (standard on all but one entry-level models) comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the wireless phone charging pad was a great way to get through busy workdays. The automatic locking system stands out – it locks the van as you walk away, so you never worry about security.
The van isn’t perfect. The turbo lag shows up now and then, especially with heavy loads, which causes hesitation during acceleration. Limited rear visibility creates another challenge, making parking sensors and the optional rear camera essential rather than just convenient.
The infotainment system looks great but sometimes runs slowly when connecting devices. There’s another reason for concern – some storage spaces need better design, especially the door pockets that are too shallow to hold bigger items safely.
Without a doubt, yes. The Trafic costs less than key competitors like the Ford Transit Custom, yet offers better load capacity and comfort. Renault Trafic van leasing options give excellent value, particularly with the four-year/100,000-mile warranty. The van proved reliable, economical, and did everything we needed. Businesses looking for competitive Renault Trafic finance solutions will find this practical workhorse offers great value and functionality.
Our six-month experience with the Renault Trafic shows it’s a solid business partner. The van’s load space handled all our transport needs perfectly. Long trips felt comfortable in the well-designed cabin. The mobile office setup helped us stay productive during downtime.
We noticed some turbo lag and limited rear visibility. These small issues don’t take away from what makes the Trafic great. Businesses can pick from many models, trim levels, and engine options to find their ideal match. The van’s competitive lease terms make it available without huge upfront costs.
The Trafic’s fuel economy impressed us during testing. Though not quite matching official numbers, actual consumption stayed reasonable. ECO mode helped keep fuel costs down. Low maintenance needs and good warranty coverage made running costs predictable.
The van’s tech package stands out. An 8-inch touchscreen with phone connectivity raises the driving experience above typical commercial vehicles. The automatic locks are a great way to get peace of mind during busy days.
The Renault Trafic balances utility, comfort, and cost effectively. Not many vans offer this mix of cargo space, driving feel, and value. Our thorough testing in different business settings shows this van deserves a close look from companies that need reliable transport. We trust the Trafic completely and would choose it again when it’s time for a new van.