Renault Trafic

Renault Trafic
Overview
Manufacturer Renault
Vauxhall (General Motors)
Production 1981–present
Body and chassis
Class Light commercial vehicle (M)
Layout FF layout
(FR layout and 4x4 available for the 1st generation model)
Chronology
Predecessor Renault Estafette

The Renault Trafic is a light commercial vehicle produced by the French automaker Renault since 1981. It is also marketed as the Nissan Primastar and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro in Europe. Previous versions of the Renault Trafic have been sold by Chevrolet and the original generation is now sold in India by Tata Motors.

Vauxhall has confirmed that they will produce the next generation Vivaro at the GM Manufacturing Luton plant in 2013.[1]

First generation (1981–2001)

First generation
Overview
Manufacturer Renault
Also called Opel Arena
Vauxhall Arena
Chevrolet Trafic
Winnebago LeSharo
Tata Winger (since 2007)
Production 1981–2001
Assembly
Body and chassis
Class Light commercial vehicle (M)
Body style 4/5-door van
2-door pickup truck
5-door minibus
Layout FF layout, FR layout, 4x4
Related Renault Master
Powertrain
Engine petrol
1.4 I4
1.7 I4
2.2 I4
diesel
2.1 I4
2.5 I4
Transmission manual
5-speed
Chronology
Predecessor Renault Estafette
pre-facelift Renault Trafic rear

The original Renault Trafic was sold from 1980 to 2000 and was somewhat revised and updated during its lifetime. Originally the van had some variations in the front end shape depending which engine was fitted, with the original 1397cc motor fitting behind a flat grille, and the diesel engine and larger 1647cc petrol engines requiring an extended plastic grille and deeper bumper. The 1721cc OHC engine replaced the 1647cc OHV in the mid 1980s, which fitted under the shorter grille but required a small lump in the bonnet. The diesel and 2.1 petrol carried on with the extended grille. In 1990 the Trafic underwent a major front end facelift with rounder shape and a plastic bumper, the new longer body shape covering all varieties of engine. In 1995 the Mk1 Trafic got its final facelift, with new grille, new tail lights, large double rear view mirrors and a new interior with modern dashboard and multi-adjustable seats. This version was also sold as the Opel Arena from 1997.

Winnebago

The chassis and cab of the 1980s models were used as the base vehicle by Winnebago Industries to build the Winnebago 'LeSharo' from 1983,[3] and Itasca Phasar. In order for the chassis and cab version to meet United States safety and emission requirements, this version was sold with Renault's J6T/J7T: 2165 cc badged as 2.2L.

Campervan Variants

The Mk1 Trafic became popular for professional conversion into budget family motorhomes due to the flexibility of the design and the generous internal space for what was a relatively small van. Popular converters were Auto-Sleepers and Holdsworth (now defunct). Other motorhome builders using the Trafic Mk1 as a base include Elddis, Eriba and Autostar.

Opel Arena

From 1997 to 2000 the Renault Trafic was marketed as the Chevrolet Trafic and Opel Arena (Vauxhall Arena in the UK).[4]

Tata Winger

Main article: Tata Winger

In 2007, Tata Motors announced the introduction of the Winger, a panel van and minibus based on the 1995-2001 version of the Mk1 Renault Trafic but fitted with Tata's own 2 litre diesel engines, with or without turbo.[5]

South America

For South America, was made in the argentinian facility of Santa Isabel, Córdoba, for the Mercosur. In Brazil, was badged as Chevrolet Trafic and after as Renault Trafic. A pickup version was sold as the Renault Rodeo. The production ended in 2002.

Gallery

Second generation (X83; 2001–2014)

Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer Vauxhall (General Motors)
Also called Nissan Primastar
Opel Vivaro
Vauxhall Vivaro
Production 2001–2014
Assembly United Kingdom: Luton
Body and chassis
Class Light commercial vehicle (M)
Body style 4-door van
2-door pickup truck
Powertrain
Engine petrol
2.0 I4
diesel
1.9 I4
2.0 I4
2.5 I4
Transmission manual
6-speed
automatic
6-speed Quickshift
Dimensions
Wheelbase SWB: 3,098 mm (122.0 in)
LWB: 3,498 mm (137.7 in)
Length SWB: 4,782 mm (188.3 in)
LWB: 5,182 mm (204.0 in)
Regular Pickup: 5,038 mm (198.3 in)
Crew Pickup: 5,438 mm (214.1 in)
Width 1,904 mm (75.0 in)
Height Crew Van: 1,380 mm (54.3 in)
SWB: 2,497 mm (98.3 in) & 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
LWB: 2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Pickup Regular: 1,966 mm (77.4 in)
Pickup Crew: 1,973 mm (77.7 in)

The current Trafic resulted from a joint venture between German Opel, Japanese Nissan and French Renault. It is also sold as an Opel Vivaro, Vauxhall Vivaro and by Nissan as the Primastar.

Designed by Renault's corporate design department based within the company's Technocentre outside Paris, the Trafic was developed by the engineering team of Renault's light commercial vehicle unit at Villiers-Saint-Fréderic. Manufactured by GM Manufacturing Luton at its plant in Luton—beside Primastar and the Vivaro—the Trafic was the first Renault vehicle to be built in the United Kingdom in more than 30 years.[6][7]

In an agreement between Renault and Nissan, versions of the van are also manufactured at Nissan's plant in Barcelona, Spain.[8] In particular, high roof versions for Vauxhall, Renault, and Nissan are made in Barcelona because the Luton assembly plant has a low roof which cannot accommodate the extra height of the high roof.

The van exists in several versions, from a 3-seater with all the rear space available for loads, to a 9-seater. Its name is based on the French word for "trade" or "traffic" (depending on the context).

The van was designed by Renault in Paris, and both Renault and Opel versions are manufactured by Opel at their plant in Luton.[8] In 2012, UK production of the Vivaro totalled 36,982 and 16,483 for the Renault Trafic.[9]

A mild facelift in 2006 saw the orange indicators swapped for clear ones more integrated into the headlamp housings. On the Opel model, the indicators moved from the front bumpers, up into the headlamp housings, thus looking more similar to the Renault.

Nissan Primastar

The Nissan Primastar, was also launched in 2001, and is available in panel van, combi, bus and chassis cab configurations. Two wheelbases and two roof heights are available, as well as three diesel engines and a petrol.

Opel Vivaro A

The Opel Vivaro from the German automaker Opel launched in 2001. While the Vivaro is sold as an Opel in most European markets, in the United Kingdom it is sold as a Vauxhall. The Vivaro is primarily manufactured at GM Manufacturing Luton (previously IBC) in Luton, England and by Nissan at their Zona Franca (Barcelona) facility in Spain.

The Vivaro is available in panel van, minibus, combined bus/van and platform crew-cab configurations. Two different wheelbase styles and two roof heights options are also available, as well as three diesel engine power options and a petrol engine.

The vehicle was given a mild facelift in 2006 during which the front indicators were moved from the front bumper, up into the headlight housing and only a 2.0 L four-cylinder diesel engine is available in two states of tune; a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) or 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp)[10] mated to a six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission.

The Vivaro e-Concept debuted September 2010 at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany.[11] It is plug-in hybrid vehicle, with an extended range of up to 250 miles (400 km) and includes 21 kWh lithium ion batteries enabling over 60 miles (97 km) of pure electric driving range.[12][13]

Engines

Petrol engines
Model Engine type Power Torque
2.01,997 cc (122 cu in) I4 NA 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp)190 N·m (140 lb·ft)
Diesel engines
Model Engine type Power Torque
1.9 dCi1,870 cc (114 cu in) I4 turbo80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp)190 N·m (140 lb·ft)
1.9 dCi1,870 cc (114 cu in) I4 turbo100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp)240 N·m (177 lb·ft)
2.0 dCi1,995 cc (122 cu in) I4 turbo 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)242 N·m (178 lb·ft)
2.0 dCi1,995 cc (122 cu in) I4 turbo115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp)290 N·m (214 lb·ft)
2.5 dCi2,488 cc (152 cu in) I4 turbo150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)320 N·m (236 lb·ft)

Third generation (X82; 2014–present)

Third generation
Overview
Manufacturer Renault
Vauxhall (General Motors)
Also called Opel Vivaro
Vauxhall Vivaro
Production 2014–present
Assembly France: Sandouville
United Kingdom: Luton
Body and chassis
Class Light commercial vehicle (M)
Body style 4-door van
Renault Trafic rear
A Vauxhall Vivaro of West Yorkshire Police.

Renault released a new generation in 2014. It is again sold by Opel in Europe. Production was centralised to the Sandouville factory in France for Renault and Nissan; Opel/Vauxhall variants for the UK and mainland Europe continue to be manufactured at Luton, except for the high-roof variants which are manufactured at Sandouville.[14]

References

  1. "Luton immediate future secure as Vauxhall confirms Vivaro build". Just Auto. 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2012-04-12.
  2. Walker, Alan (September 1982). Kennett, Pat, ed. "The great European retreat". TRUCK (London, UK: FF Publishing Ltd): 37.
  3. "Curbside Classic: 1985 Winnebago". Truth about cars. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  4. "Opel History" (PDF). General Motors. 2006-12-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-18. Retrieved 2011-09-24. 1997: With the Arena, Opel reenters the commercial vehicle market segment.
  5. "Tata Motors says holding margins a challenge". Reuters. 18 June 2007.
  6. "New Renault Trafic voted International Van of the Year 2002". Renault. 2002. Archived from the original on 2011-06-08.
  7. "History & Heritage". Vauxhall Motors Ltd. Company Profile. General Motors. Archived from the original on 2009-02-11. Retrieved 2011-09-24. GMM Luton Vehicles is also based in Luton. Its Vivaro medium sized van is produced for sale under the Opel/Vauxhall, Nissan and Renault brands.
  8. 1 2 "New Renault Trafic voted International Van of the Year 2002" (Press release). Renault. 2002-01-01.
  9. "Facts and Figures 2012" (PDF). Adam Opel. p. 36. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  10. "Vauxhall Vivaro: Technical Data". Vauxhall. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  11. "Visitors: IAA – Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung". Iaa.de. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  12. "Vauxhall reveals range-extended van". TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk. 2010-09-21. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  13. "Discussion about the battery capacity". The Green & Energy Consulting Group. 2010-11-08.
  14. Dallas, James (24 September 2013). "Vivaro production keeps on rolling". WhatVan?. Retrieved 2014-08-04.

External links

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