Renault Trafic Sport Plus Review: Is It Worth It?
So, you're thinking about getting a Renault Trafic Sport Plus, huh? Good choice! This van is a serious contender in the medium van market. But before you drop your hard-earned cash, let's dive deep into what makes this van tick. We're talking engine performance, interior comfort, tech features, and, of course, whether it's worth the investment. Forget those boring, dry reviews – we're going to break it down in a way that's easy to understand, like you're chatting with a mate down at the pub. Let’s get started, shall we?
What is Renault Trafic Sport Plus?
The Renault Trafic Sport Plus is essentially the cooler, more decked-out version of the standard Trafic van. Think of it as the Trafic's stylish older brother who's got a bit more swagger. It's designed to appeal to those who want a van that's not just practical but also looks good and offers a few extra creature comforts. We're talking about businesses that want to make a good impression, or individuals who use their van for both work and leisure and want something a little bit special.
One of the key things that sets the Sport Plus apart is its enhanced styling. It typically comes with things like sporty alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers and side moldings, and sometimes even unique decals or badging. It's all about giving the van a more premium and dynamic appearance. These visual tweaks make a big difference, transforming the Trafic from a workaday van into something that looks genuinely smart and professional. But it's not just about looks.
Inside, the Sport Plus usually boasts a range of upgrades over the base model. This might include a more sophisticated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, sat-nav, and smartphone integration. You can also expect to find features like air conditioning, parking sensors, and a more comfortable and adjustable driver's seat. Some models even come with leather upholstery or other premium trim options. These additions make the cabin a much nicer place to spend time, which is especially important if you're spending long hours behind the wheel.
Under the hood, the Sport Plus typically offers a range of engine options, usually diesel, with varying power outputs. These engines are designed to provide a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making the van suitable for a variety of tasks. Whether you're hauling heavy loads or racking up motorway miles, the Trafic Sport Plus should be able to handle it with ease. And because it's a Renault, you can expect a decent level of reliability and relatively affordable running costs.
In short, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is a step up from the standard Trafic, offering a combination of style, comfort, and practicality. It's a van that's designed to make your working life easier and more enjoyable, while also projecting a professional image. But, like any vehicle, it's not without its pros and cons, which we'll explore in more detail in the sections below.
Engine and Performance
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does the Renault Trafic Sport Plus actually perform on the road? The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and in the Sport Plus, you'll typically find a range of diesel options, each offering a different blend of power and efficiency. These engines are designed to provide the torque you need for hauling loads, while also keeping fuel consumption reasonable.
The engine options usually range from around 110 horsepower to 170 horsepower, depending on the specific model and year. The lower-powered engines are ideal for urban driving and lighter loads, while the higher-powered ones are better suited for motorway work and heavier cargo. Regardless of which engine you choose, you can expect a smooth and responsive driving experience, thanks to the Trafic's well-tuned suspension and refined gearbox.
One of the standout features of the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is its fuel economy. Renault has worked hard to optimize the engines for efficiency, and as a result, you can expect to see some pretty impressive MPG figures. Of course, real-world fuel economy will vary depending on your driving style and the type of journeys you're making, but overall, the Trafic is one of the more economical vans in its class. This can save you a significant amount of money on fuel costs over the long term, which is a big plus for any business.
In terms of handling, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is surprisingly nimble for a van. It's easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the steering is light and responsive. This makes it a great choice for city driving, where you need to be able to navigate through traffic and park in small spaces. On the open road, the Trafic is stable and comfortable, making it a great choice for long journeys. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, providing a smooth ride for both the driver and passengers.
The Renault Trafic Sport Plus also comes with a range of driver-assistance features that can enhance safety and convenience. These might include things like electronic stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist. Some models also come with features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which can help to prevent accidents. These features not only make the van safer but also give you more confidence behind the wheel.
Overall, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus offers a strong and well-rounded performance. The engines are efficient and responsive, the handling is nimble and comfortable, and the driver-assistance features are a welcome addition. Whether you're using it for work or leisure, this van is sure to impress with its performance capabilities.
Interior and Comfort
Okay, let's climb inside and see what the Renault Trafic Sport Plus has to offer in terms of interior and comfort. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time in here, so it's important that it's a pleasant and practical space. The Sport Plus typically comes with a range of upgrades over the base model, designed to make the cabin more comfortable and user-friendly.
One of the first things you'll notice is the upgraded infotainment system. This usually consists of a larger touchscreen display, which is much easier to use than the standard system. The touchscreen provides access to features like satellite navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to stay connected on the go, whether you need to make calls, stream music, or get directions.
The seats in the Renault Trafic Sport Plus are also typically more comfortable than those in the base model. They often come with additional padding and support, as well as adjustable lumbar support. This is especially important if you're spending long hours behind the wheel, as it can help to reduce fatigue and prevent back pain. Some models even come with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the cabin.
Storage is another important consideration in a van, and the Renault Trafic Sport Plus doesn't disappoint. There are plenty of cubbies, bins, and shelves throughout the cabin, providing ample space for storing your belongings. The glovebox is a decent size, and there are also storage compartments in the door panels and on top of the dashboard. This makes it easy to keep the cabin tidy and organized, which is essential if you're using the van for work.
The Renault Trafic Sport Plus also comes with a range of other features that enhance comfort and convenience. These might include things like air conditioning, cruise control, and parking sensors. Air conditioning is a must-have for those hot summer days, while cruise control can make long motorway journeys more relaxing. Parking sensors are a lifesaver when you're trying to maneuver in tight spaces, helping you to avoid bumps and scrapes.
Overall, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The upgraded infotainment system, comfortable seats, and ample storage make it a great place to spend time, whether you're using it for work or leisure. The added features like air conditioning, cruise control, and parking sensors further enhance the driving experience, making this van a pleasure to own and drive.
Practicality and Load Space
Let's talk practicality – because at the end of the day, a van needs to be practical. The Renault Trafic Sport Plus is no exception. It's designed to be a workhorse, offering plenty of load space and a range of features that make it easy to transport goods. So, how does it stack up in this department?
The load space in the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is generous, to say the least. It offers ample room for carrying a variety of items, from tools and equipment to boxes and furniture. The exact dimensions of the load space will vary depending on the specific model and configuration, but in general, you can expect to find a cargo area that's both long and wide. This makes it easy to load and unload goods, even if they're bulky or awkwardly shaped.
The Renault Trafic Sport Plus also comes with a range of features that enhance practicality. These might include things like tie-down points, which allow you to secure your cargo and prevent it from shifting during transit. Some models also come with a load-through hatch, which allows you to carry long items like pipes or planks of wood. This is a particularly useful feature for tradespeople who need to transport materials on a regular basis.
The rear doors of the Renault Trafic Sport Plus are designed to open wide, making it easy to load and unload goods from the back of the van. Some models also come with a sliding side door, which provides additional access to the load space. This is especially useful when you're parked in tight spaces and don't have room to open the rear doors fully.
Payload capacity is another important consideration when it comes to practicality, and the Renault Trafic Sport Plus offers a competitive payload rating. This means that it can carry a significant amount of weight without compromising its handling or performance. The exact payload capacity will vary depending on the specific model and engine, but in general, you can expect to be able to carry a load of around 1,000 to 1,200 kg.
Overall, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is a highly practical van that offers plenty of load space and a range of features that make it easy to transport goods. Whether you're using it for work or leisure, this van is sure to meet your needs in terms of practicality and versatility. The generous load space, tie-down points, and wide-opening doors make it a breeze to load and unload goods, while the competitive payload rating ensures that you can carry even heavy loads with ease.
Is the Renault Trafic Sport Plus Worth It?
So, the million-dollar question: Is the Renault Trafic Sport Plus actually worth the investment? Well, it depends on what you're looking for in a van. If you need a practical, reliable, and comfortable vehicle for work or leisure, then the Sport Plus is definitely worth considering. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and value, making it a strong contender in the medium van market.
One of the main reasons to choose the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is its enhanced styling. It looks more modern and professional than the standard Trafic, which can be a big plus for businesses that want to make a good impression. The sporty alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers, and unique decals give the van a more premium appearance, setting it apart from the crowd.
Another reason to consider the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is its upgraded interior. The more comfortable seats, larger touchscreen display, and additional storage make the cabin a much nicer place to spend time. This is especially important if you're spending long hours behind the wheel, as it can help to reduce fatigue and improve your overall driving experience.
In terms of performance, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus offers a range of efficient and responsive engines that are well-suited to a variety of tasks. Whether you're hauling heavy loads or racking up motorway miles, the Trafic should be able to handle it with ease. The fuel economy is also impressive, which can save you a significant amount of money on fuel costs over the long term.
Of course, the Renault Trafic Sport Plus isn't perfect. It's not the cheapest van on the market, and some of its competitors may offer more advanced technology or a more refined driving experience. However, when you factor in its overall package of features, performance, and value, the Trafic Sport Plus represents a compelling option.
Ultimately, whether or not the Renault Trafic Sport Plus is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value style, comfort, and practicality, and you're looking for a van that can handle a variety of tasks, then the Sport Plus is definitely worth a look. Just be sure to do your research, compare it to other vans in its class, and take it for a test drive before making a final decision. But overall, this is one seriously impressive van.
