Renault Trafic automatic confirmed at last

Better late than never. The Renault Trafic mid-sized van will get a much-needed automatic transmission in current-generation guise, the company has confirmed.

A firm timeline is not clear because it’s a bit of a moving feast internally, but Renault Australia light commercial line manager Lyndon Healey says the self-shifter has at least been green lit.

A time time frame of about 18 months from now has been mooted, however.

The automatic question has long been asked by Renault Australia, but given the company sells vastly more Trafics into manual-heavy markets such as France, it’s been a low R&D priority.

But with growing demand for autos in the big-volume UK market too, the decision has been made in Australia’s favour at last. The availability of an automatic is vital for Renault here to stop its market share stagnating.

It expects 50 per cent more direct Trafic sales, as well as greater retention of Master or Kangoo owners set on staying with a one-brand fleet once the auto comes on stream.

The automatic in question will be a reworked version of the dual-clutch semi-auto ‘box used in the Euro-market Talisman and Espace, and not a more conventional robotised manual as with the old model, and matched to the familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engines.

“We can say for certain we are getting an auto Trafic, but it’s hard to pin down an exact date,” Healey said, though confirming it’d be in the current car’s life cycle, which began in 2015 and will go well beyond 2020.

These comments prove the veracity of those given to us back in September 2015 by Renault’s global executive vice-president Jerome Stoll, who said: “Frankly I think we have to reconsider… the auto gearbox is becoming more and more a part of the life of everybody”.

The manual-only Trafic, alongside the Ford Transit, has been losing out to some rivals with automatics like the Toyota HiAce, Hyundai iLoad and Volkswagen Transporter. Autos are especially favoured by tradies in congested areas.

Not that Trafic sales are stalling — yet. It managed 1730 sales in 2016, giving it 8.6 per cent share. But an auto would, by the company’s projections, put it beyond the Transporter (1960 sales last year). The leaders are the HiAce (7478 in 20167) and iLoad (5467).

Renault is this week launching a six-seater Trafic crew van derivative. Expect a review on that car soon.

If the Renault Trafic has caught your attention - book a test drive at Group 1 Renault or view the Renault Trafic online for more specs and information.

Article source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/524715/renault-trafic-automatic-confirmed-at-last/

New Renault Duster in SA: Revamped, revitalised

WINNING FORMULA: Renault builds on the local success of it Duster with design and interior tweaks as well as revised diesel engine.

• More than 8000 units sold in SA

• New production factory in Romania  

• Revised diesel engine

• Revised exterior and interior

Revamped and revitalised, facelifted Renault Duster has arrived in South Africa. Enhanced inside and out, Renault builds on the local success of its Duster with refreshed styling, new features and improved turbo diesel.

LOCAL SUCCESS

Since its launch in 2013, Renault has sold more than 1.3-million globally and 8000 units locally.

According to Renault: "The first Renault model designed to meet stringent European standards - yet be capable of conquering international markets where usage and road conditions are considerably more rugged - two years down the track, Duster continues to be a formidable contender in South Africa’s B-SUV segment."

IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Renault Duster

The Duster line-up remains unchanged; two specification levels (expression and dynamique), two engine options (petrol and diesel) and two variants (4x2 and 4x4)

The 1.6 normally aspirated petrol (Expression and Dynamique 4x2) is capable of 75kW/148Nm and is mated to a five-speed manual. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 litres/100km with emissions of 181g/km.

The 1.5 dCi turbo diesel engine (Dynamique 4x2 and 4x4 models) is capable of 80kW/240Nm. The revised diesel outperforms its predecessor in terms in terms of fuel efficiency, with a claimed consumption of 4.8 litres/100km (down from 5.5 litres/100km) with emissions of 127g/km (4x2) and 135g/km in 4x4 guise.

What's new

 • Two chromed horizontal grille strips (instead of three) and re-designed Renault diamond logo   

 • Less chromed trim at the front

 • New roof bars with Duster moniker etched into the aluminium insets.

 • Body coloured side-mirrors

 • New alloy rims.

 • Parking distance control (standard)

 • Patterned fabric replaces plain seat and door panel design.

 • 7” touchscreen satnav (Dynamique variants only)

 • Cruise control now standard

 • Leather trim and seat optional on all three derivatives

HOW FRUGAL IS IT?

Sure the new diesel is refined with, Renault says, reduced consumption but can it walk the talk? Renault SA pitted journalists against each other in its Duster eco challenge (part time-trial, part economy run). In reality, it was more akin to a 300km off-road rally as we took on tar and dirt roads throughout Parys.

During the run I kept an eye on the fuel gauge throughout, while my navigator observed a stopwatch to make sure we reached our check points on time.

I achieved 4.8 litres/100km but due to time penalties was relegated to second place. The winner achieved 5.03 litres/100km without receiving a single penalty.  

Overall, an impressive improvement by Renault.

At moderate speeds on smooth surfaces, the ride is adequate and with the addition of slick cruise control for its entry-level units, road trips are made that much more pleasurable.

Renault maintains its Duster is quite adept as an off-roader in 4WD guise. It’s no Land Rover but considering its price and performance the Duster is accomplished off-road.

In terms of practicality it ticks all the right boxes for space and comfort with a spacious boot and plenty of head- and legroom.

ROMANIAN-BUILT FRENCH SUV

Production of the 2015 Duster has been moved from Chennai, India to Pitesti in Romania and is now manufactured at the same factory as its Sandero sibling.

Product manager at Renault SA Jeffrey Allison said: “Moving production to Pitesti provides us with the opportunity to refresh Duster within a sharper turnaround time - good for the brand and good for our customers here in SA.”

OVERALL

The Duster is a bargain compared to other SUVs with similar talents. It’s not perfect but if you’re looking for space and practicality, the Duster could be the car for you. If you're in need of a something more upmarket you could consider the Renault Captur.

The Renault Duster takes on the likes of Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport in South Africa.

The Duster is sold with a five-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty, a three-year or 45 000km service plan (service intervals at 15 000km) and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Test drive the Renault Duster at a Group 1 Renault dealership near you.

Article source: http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels4Women/CarCandy/New-Renault-Duster-in-SA-Revamped-revitalised-20150820