Behind the wheel

Speaking to a Renault executive the night before my test drive, he kept referring to the Trafic as a car.

As he was speaking with a heavy French accent, I forgave him the slip-up, particularly as the firm was keen to promote a people carrying version of the Trafic, called the Generation.

However, I had to groan after spending five minutes behind the wheel when I realised I would have to roll out what is becoming an over-used phrase in the LCV market at the moment – it really was like driving a big car.

Now before you throw this magazine across the room, let me explain why the Renault – and the Vauxhall Vivaro that shares the same platform – is different.

We only tested the diesel 115bhp version, but when one drove past me in the parking area, it sounded like a petrol engine, such was its level of refinement.

And when I took to the road, even though we were dragging a half load of sand behind us, the engine was almost silent at 70mph.

Quieter than some cars in fact.

The dashboard wouldn’t look out of place in a large car.

The seats were firm and supportive (unlike those in some French cars) and the steering wheel was easy to reach and adjust.

Gearchanges were light and the engine pulled strongly almost to the 4,000rpm mark, when there was a sharp drop-off in power.

The mirrors provided excellent vision and manoeuvring was easy.

Life was even easier with the Quickshift gearbox, which has almost reached the level where changing is seamless.

Treat it gently and it is so good that you will never want to drive a manual again.

In the rear there were plenty of floor hooks available to keep cargo in place and ply lining is £170, which seems reasonable.

Verdict

There is a danger that drivers are becoming spoilt with all the great vans appearing on the market.

The Trafic feels as close as you can get to a car without actually sitting in one.