Renault Trafic
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Founder | Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles, commercial vehicles, trucks |
| Owner | Groupe Renault |
| Website | www |
The Renault Trafic is a light commercial vehicle manufactured by the French company Renault since 1980. It has also been sold under various names such as the Fiat Talento, Nissan NV300, Nissan Primastar, and Mitsubishi Express. Up until 2019, it was available as the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, originally launched as the Opel/Vauxhall Arena, distributed by Opel and Vauxhall. Starting in early 2022, Renault Trucks began offering it under the name Renault Trucks Trafic. Earlier iterations were also rebadged by manufacturers like Inokom, Chevrolet, and Tata.
From 2014 onwards, the second generation of the Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro was assembled at GM Manufacturing Luton alongside Renault’s Sandouville Renault Factory. Following the acquisition of Opel/Vauxhall by Groupe PSA, production of the Trafic-derived Vivaro ended in 2019. It was succeeded in 2020 by a new Vivaro model based on the Citroën Jumpy, built on PSA’s EMP2 platform.
First generation (1980)
The initial Renault Trafic was manufactured between 1980 and 2001, undergoing several revisions throughout its production span. Early variants displayed differing front-end designs depending on engine displacement: smaller engines were housed behind a flat grille, whereas larger petrol and diesel units required an extended grille along with a deeper bumper. In the mid-1980s, a 1721 cc OHC petrol engine replaced the previous unit, which led to the addition of a bonnet bulge while maintaining the shorter grille; diesel and larger petrol models continued to feature the longer grille design.
A part-time four-wheel drive option was introduced in late 1984, paired with the diesel engine and a five-speed manual gearbox. This system primarily operated as front-wheel drive but engaged the rear wheels through a dog clutch mechanism similar to that found in the Renault R18 4x4.
In May 1989, the Trafic underwent a significant redesign that included a more rounded front end with plastic bumpers and a lengthened body standardized for all engine types. The final update of this first generation arrived in 1995, featuring a refreshed grille, redesigned tail lights, larger side mirrors, and an enhanced interior equipped with a contemporary dashboard and adjustable seating.
Winnebago
During the 1980s, the chassis and cab of this model served as the foundation for Winnebago Industries’ Winnebago LeSharo beginning in 1983, as well as for the Itasca Phasar. To comply with U.S. safety and emission regulations, these vehicles utilized Renault’s J7T gasoline engine alongside 2.1-litre diesel and turbo diesel (J8S) powerplants—the latter also found in AMC/Jeep Cherokee (XJ) and Jeep Comanche models from 1985 to 1987. Jeep variants were equipped with Garrett T2 turbochargers, whereas Winnebago versions employed larger T3 turbos. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) granted annual exemptions to Winnebago for omitting On Board Diagnostics (OBD I), enabling production from 1983 through 1992.
Campervan Variants
The first generation Trafic became favored as an economical base vehicle for family motorhomes due to its adaptable layout and relatively roomy interior given its compact dimensions. Prominent conversion companies included Auto Sleepers and Holdsworth (now defunct). Other motorhome manufacturers that utilized the Mk1 Trafic platform were Hymer, Elddis, Eriba, and Autostar.
Opel Arena
From 1997 until 2001, the Renault Trafic was marketed as the Opel Arena in Germany and under the name Vauxhall Arena in the United Kingdom. Nick Reilly, then chairman and managing director of Vauxhall, highlighted that this launch marked the brand's first comprehensive commercial vehicle lineup since production of the Bedford CF ended in 1986. The Arena signified Opel's successful re-entry into the panel van segment after a ten-year absence.
Tata Winger
In June 2007, Tata Motors introduced the Tata Winger, a minibus and panel van derived from the 1995–2001 Renault Trafic platform. It was powered by Tata's proprietary two-litre diesel engines, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
Inokom Permas
The Inokom Permas was launched in Malaysia in 1998, with manufacturing based in Kulim District. This model targeted the domestic commercial van sector, aiming for a monthly sales volume near 30 units.
South America
In South America, production took place at Renault Argentina's Santa Isabel plant. In Brazil, the vehicle was sold under the Chevrolet Trafic name before being rebranded as either Renault Trafic or Chevrolet SpaceVan. A pickup variant, known as the Renault Trafic Rodeo, was also available. Production ended in 2002.
Second generation (X83; 2001)
The second-generation Trafic emerged from a collaboration between German Opel, Japanese Nissan, and French Renault. It is also sold as the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar.
The design originated from Renault’s corporate design team at the Technocentre near Paris, while engineering was handled by Renault’s light commercial vehicle division in Villiers-Saint-Frédéric. Manufacturing primarily occurred at GM Manufacturing Luton in the UK—marking Renault's return to British production after more than three decades. Nissan’s Barcelona facility in Spain assembled additional units, particularly high-roof variants that could not be produced at Luton.
This generation was offered in various layouts, ranging from three-seat cargo vans to nine-seat passenger models. In 2012, production numbers included 36,982 Vauxhall Vivaro units and 16,483 Renault Trafic vehicles.
A minor update introduced in October 2006 featured clear lens front indicators integrated into headlamp assemblies across all versions, bringing Opel/Vauxhall styling closer to that of Renault. Production concluded in June 2015.
Nissan Primastar
Introduced in 2001 by Nissan, the Primastar was available as a panel van, combi, bus, and chassis cab. It came with two wheelbase options, two roof heights, three diesel engines, and one petrol engine choice. Production ceased at the end of 2014, with its successor—the NV300—arriving in September 2016.
Opel Vivaro A
The Opel Vivaro debuted in September 2001 from German manufacturer Opel and is marketed as a Vauxhall in the UK. Production mainly took place at GM Manufacturing Luton (formerly IBC) in England and at Nissan’s Zona Franca plant in Spain. The Vivaro is offered as a panel van, minibus, combined bus/van variant, and platform crew cab. It features two wheelbase lengths, two roof height options, three diesel engine variants, plus a petrol engine.
A subtle facelift introduced in 2006 relocated front indicators into the headlamp units and standardized the powertrain to a 2.0 L four-cylinder diesel engine delivering either or , paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic gearbox.
At the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, the Vivaro e Concept was revealed—a plug-in hybrid equipped with a range extender. It incorporates a 21 kWh lithium-ion battery providing over of pure electric driving range and an extended total range up to .
Engines
| Gasoline engines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine configuration | Output | Torque |
| 2.0 | 1,997 cc (122 cu in) I4 NA | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) |
| Diesel powertrains | |||
| Model | Engine configuration | Output | Torque |
| 1.9 dCi | 1,870 cc (114 cu in) I4 turbocharged | 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.9 dCi | 1,870 cc (114 cu in) I4 turbocharged | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) |
| 2.0 dCi | 1,995 cc (122 cu in) I4 turbocharged | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) | 242 N⋅m (178 lb⋅ft) |
| 2.0 dCi | 1,995 cc (122 cu in) I4 turbocharged | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) |
| Model | Engine configuration | Output | Torque |
|---|
Third generation (X82; 2014)
Renault introduced the third-generation Trafic in September 2014, which was marketed as the Opel Vivaro across Europe and as the Vauxhall Vivaro in the United Kingdom. This model has remained in production with periodic updates in 2019, 2021, and 2024, incorporating design enhancements and adopting Renault’s updated logo.
The vehicle is mainly assembled at the Sandouville plant in France, while certain low-roof, right-hand drive versions are produced at the Luton facility in the UK. This light commercial van is available in both 4-door van and minibus formats. Initially, engine choices included a 1.6-liter Renault R9M diesel unit (2014–2019), which was later replaced by a 2.0-liter Nissan M9R diesel engine starting from 2019.
Available powertrains feature variable geometry turbochargers for the lower power outputs (95 PS and 115 PS), while higher-powered variants (125 PS and 145 PS) utilize twin-turbo systems. The engineering enhancements also include variable output water and oil pumps alongside maintenance-free timing chains, all designed to improve fuel efficiency and lower running expenses.
This generation served as a foundation for various badge-engineered models such as the Fiat Talento (2016–2020), Nissan NV300 (2016–2021), Nissan Primastar (2022–present), Mitsubishi Express in Australia and New Zealand (2020–2022), and the Renault Trucks Trafic (2022–present).
Rebadged variants
The Opel and Vauxhall Vivaro models destined for Europe and the UK were manufactured at GM’s Luton plant and at Sandouville. High-roof and left-hand drive versions were exclusively produced at Sandouville. The updated Vivaro transitioned from larger diesel engines to a 1.6 Energy dCi engine developed by Renault/Nissan. Beginning in 2016, Vauxhall Vivaro units bore a Made In Britain insignia. Production ended in 2019 following Opel/Vauxhall’s acquisition by Groupe PSA, with the model being replaced by a rebadged Citroën Jumpy starting with the 2019 model year.
Within the Renault–Nissan Alliance, Nissan sold a rebadged version of the Trafic II (X83) under the Primastar nameplate, which was renamed NV300 in 2016 upon adopting the Trafic III (X82) platform. The light commercial vehicle reverted back to the Primastar badge in 2021.
In July 2016, Fiat introduced the Talento, a rebadged Trafic that succeeded its Scudo model (previously a rebadged Citroën Jumpy). The facelift in 2019 brought a new 2.0-liter EcoJet diesel engine boasting an 11% fuel efficiency improvement, a variable-geometry turbocharger, redesigned front bumper, black plastic wing mirrors, updated interior finishes, and a 7-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Renault ceased supplying Talento models in September 2020 due to Fiat Chrysler’s impending merger with Groupe PSA to form Stellantis. The Talento was then replaced by a new Scudo/Ulysses model, again based on a rebadged Jumpy.
In Australia and New Zealand, from 2020 onwards, the Trafic was marketed as the third-generation Mitsubishi Express, replacing the Mitsubishi L300; however, this variant was discontinued in 2022. The Renault Trafic had been available in these markets since 2014.
Starting in 2022, Renault began providing the Trafic to Renault Trucks (a subsidiary of Volvo AB), which sells it under its own branding through its dealer network.
Trafic Formula Edition
Released in 2018 alongside the Kangoo and Master, the Formula Edition featured unique paintwork, specialized wheels, and black-and-yellow accent trims.
Trafic X-Track
Launched in 2016, the Trafic X-Track represents an off-road adaptation of the Trafic, equipped with front-wheel drive.
Trafic Van E-Tech
Unveiled at the 2022 IAA, the fully electric Trafic Van E-Tech is powered by a motor supplied with energy from a 52 kW-hr battery, also utilized in the larger Master E-Tech model. It delivers a WLTP driving range of . Charging capabilities include single-phase AC up to 7 kW, three-phase AC at 22 kW, and an optional DC fast charger supporting 50 kW. A passenger version may be inspired by the Hippie Caviar Hotel concept introduced in 2021.
Engines
| Diesel engine options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine configuration | Output | Torque |
| 1.6 dCi | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) inline-4 turbocharged | 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) | 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.6 dCi | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) inline-4 turbocharged | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) | 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.6 dCi | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) inline-4 turbocharged | 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) | 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) |
| 2.0 dCi | 1,997 cc (122 cu in) inline-4 turbocharged | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) | 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) |
| 2.0 dCi | 1,997 cc (122 cu in) inline-4 turbocharged | 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) | Nm}|lbft}|0}|abbr=on}} |
Dimensions
| rowspan=4 colspan=4 Template:Diagonal split header 2 | L1 | L2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior | 5,080 mm (200.0 in) | 5,480 mm (215.7 in) |
|---|
| Wheelbase (WB) | 3,098 mm (122.0 in) | 3,498 mm (137.7 in) |
|---|
| Interior | 2,537 mm (99.9 in) | 2,937 mm (115.6 in) |
|---|
| H1 | Exterior | Interior | Volume |
|---|
| 1,971 mm (77.6 in) | 1,387 mm (54.6 in) | 5.8 m3 (200 cu ft) | 7.75 m3 (274 cu ft) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2 | 2,498 mm (98.3 in) | 1,898 mm (74.7 in) | Volume | colspan=2 | 6.7 m3 (240 cu ft) | 8.9 m3 (310 cu ft) |
|---|
- Notes