Renault is targeting a popular segment in passenger transport. It has just unveiled a new MPV (multi purpose van/vehicle) designed for business and private customers. The Renault TRAFIC SpaceClass is new model designed to meet the needs of both business and private customers. This is basically something in the premium MPV category like we are used to see here these days.
According to Renault, Taxi operators, transport companies, hotels, tourist agencies, and the like will appreciate the premium design cues that meet the expectations and requirements of their customers, often business people traveling “executive class” who are looking for comfort, a modular layout, and more seating.
This model will also appeal to private customers – families with more than two children, for example, who want plenty of space and practical features, or adventure-seekers looking to get away in comfort.
There will be two variants and two lengths - The "Signature" version (2 to 7 seats) turns SpaceClass into a real lounge on wheels with a removable sliding central table, an array of storage compartments and swivelling seats for a face-to-face layout.
The "Escapade" version (2 to 8 seats) on SpaceClass is aimed more at new nomads looking for adventure. It includes a couchette configuration up to 1.95m long for two people.
The two lengths (L1, L2), SpaceClass features a unique passenger area of generous dimensions with a wide door opening and "easy-entry" function for excellent accessibility. Designed to carry up to nine people, it also includes plenty of boot space: between 550 dm3 and 1,000 dm3 in L1 and between 890 dm3 and 1,800 dm3 in L2. When all the seats are removed, SpaceClass has a maximum boot space of 6m3 in L2.
In fact, this model could be something that Renault needs to sell over here in the South East Asian region. Our people have basically embraced the large premium specced MPVs. You see a whole lot of Toyota Alphards & VellFires, Hyundai Starexes and even a few Nissan Elgrands here in Malaysia. The category of large people movers is so popular here in the city of Kuala Lumpur that Westar / Maxus have recently launched the Maxus G10. Even Mercedes-Benz have the revitalised Vito which I have seen on our roads recently. These are all large sized MPVs that are actually more popular than smaller ones here.
It would make perfect financial sense for Renault to try penetrate this market here. It's a Renault. It most lilkely can be specced with Nissan technology engines and transmissions. It could be quite popular here as it does look quite good for a bungalow-on-wheels. Or warehouse...But you get the picture. It is spacious, has flexible seating and has that Renault badge for that Euro flair.
But at this moment there is a small issue for Malaysia. The SpaceClass would currently be sold over in Europe with the same engine and transmission as the bread and butter TRAFIC, which is the 1.6 liter commonrail turbodiesel engines which makes 120hp/320Nm and 140hp/340Nm. The diesel engines aren't the issue as it would be like the Hyundai Starex here but to succeed in the premium transport crowd here in Malaysia it would need to have an automatic transmission and not the standard 6 speed manual which the standard TRAFIC has. You can see that it has a manual stick shift in the photo above. Renault would need to produce an automatic transmission version of this to move some of these here. I hope they do as it does bring more variety into the premium MPV market!
The TRAFIC SpaceClass is built at the Renault Sandouville plant and is scheduled to launch across Europe's main markets from October 2017.
SpaceClass in Cannes! Trafic SpaceClass was previewed at the 70th Cannes International Film Festival. Bearing the renowned "Renault, Cannes Festival, Official Partner" decal, it carried a number of today's biggest celebrities to the foot of the red carpet.
MEDIA RELEASE (More details and equipment specification)
TRAFIC SpaceClass: the new mobile lounge by Renault
Renault is targeting a new segment, passenger transport. To do this, it is launching an executive vehicle: Trafic SpaceClass.
SpaceClass can carry up to nine people. It is designed to meet the needs of private and business customers looking for maximum onboard comfort with a modular layout. SpaceClass is a distinctive vehicle with its elegant design and spacious, refined interior.
SpaceClass is built at the Renault Sandouville plant and is scheduled to launch across Europe's main markets from October 2017.
"With Trafic SpaceClass, Renault is continuing to expand its range. SpaceClass is a new vehicle designed to meet the needs of both private and business customers looking for elegance and a modular layout along with an outstanding experience in terms of driving and comfort." Ashwani Gupta - SVP, LCV Business Unit, Renault-Nissan
Attractive design
With its distinctive exterior design and elegant cabin, SpaceClass illustrates the cues of executive design valued by private and business customers.
A distinctive exterior
Illustrating the cues of executive design, SpaceClass features a distinctive new L-shaped light signature (with LED daytime running lights), along with 17-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels and SpaceClass logos on the front wings.
Dark privacy rear glazing and a black satin-finish pack (exterior rearview mirrors, door handles,lower side protection, tailgate handle, registration plate light strip) complete the distinctive and attractive design of SpaceClass.
Finally, SpaceClass features a new exterior body colour, Comet Grey. This all-round metallic paint, is both simple and elegant.An elegant cockpit SpaceClass interior design is both sober and elegant. Space Class is a vehicle with a hushed interior, featuring an upmarket dark carbon ambience, new cabin trim and roofliner, leather upholstery, and all-leather steering wheel with a tinted satin chrome insert, chrome and glossy black inserts on the dashboard, black floor mats and carpeting, aluminum trim…
A spacious, refined lounge
SpaceClass is a spacious, refined lounge on wheels, roomy modular and comfortable. Modular layout and generous space.
With over 50 possible configurations (2 to 9 seats), SpaceClass offers a greater range of personalized features than any other vehicle in its class thanks to benches or sliding seats on rails, removable or swivelling, for maximum modularity.
It is available with up to six seats facing each other, in the rear passenger space equipped with two benches, with an exceptional up to 26 cm knee-radius.
The "Signature" version (2 to 7 seats) turns SpaceClass into a real lounge on wheels with a removable sliding central table, an array of storage compartments and swivelling seats for a face-to-face layout.
The "Escapade" version (2 to 8 seats) on SpaceClass is aimed more at new nomads looking for adventure. It includes a couchette configuration up to 1.95m long for two people.
Available in two lengths (L1, L2), SpaceClass features a unique passenger area of generous dimensions with a wide door opening and "easy-entry" function for excellent accessibility. Designed to carry up to nine people, it also includes plenty of boot space: between 550 dm3 and 1,000 dm3 in L1 and between 890 dm3 and 1,800 dm3 in L2. When all the seats are removed, SpaceClass has a maximum boot space of 6m3 in L2.
Comfort and technology
It is available with up to six seats facing each other, in the rear passenger space equipped with two benches, with an exceptional up to 26 cm knee-radius.
The "Signature" version (2 to 7 seats) turns SpaceClass into a real lounge on wheels with a removable sliding central table, an array of storage compartments and swivelling seats for a face-to-face layout.
The "Escapade" version (2 to 8 seats) on SpaceClass is aimed more at new nomads looking for adventure. It includes a couchette configuration up to 1.95m long for two people.
Available in two lengths (L1, L2), SpaceClass features a unique passenger area of generous dimensions with a wide door opening and "easy-entry" function for excellent accessibility. Designed to carry up to nine people, it also includes plenty of boot space: between 550 dm3 and 1,000 dm3 in L1 and between 890 dm3 and 1,800 dm3 in L2. When all the seats are removed, SpaceClass has a maximum boot space of 6m3 in L2.
Comfort and technology
The neat, functional cockpit of Trafic SpaceClass was designed to maximize comfort on the road for all types of journey, as a family or for business use, with its high driving position, ergonomic heated leather seats at the front. It also features the intuitive R- LINK Evolution or Media Nav Evolution multimedia system accessible via a built-in 7-inch screen, record storage space, climate control, etc. Trafic SpaceClass features easy-to-use technology: - 2 multimedia navigation systems, - a reversing camera on MediaNav Evolution, - smartphone replication (Android Auto on the new R- Link Evolution), - Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity - automatic air conditioning in the cockpit
As for the passenger experience, SpaceClass has ergonomic seats or benches with multiple adjustments (backs, armrests…) for maximum onboard comfort. It also includes individual features such as six LED reading lights, along with 220V and 12V sockets and two USB ports to charge any electronic appliance, laptop, tablet, phone, etc. The passenger space feels like a private suite, where passengers can work behind tinted windows in complete comfort thanks to air conditioning boosters and heating adjustable from the passenger space (and activated from the cockpit). Trafic SpaceClass is available with the Twin-Turbo Energy 1.6 dCi 125 and Energy 1.6 dCi 145 engines, both Euro 6 compliant and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
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