Renault has upgraded its Trafic mid-size van at the entry level with a useful power boost for the 1.6L turbo-diesel engine.

Compliant with the Euro 5 emissions standard, the 1,598cc 16-valve single-turbo four-cylinder engine now produces peak power and torque of 85kW and 300Nm respectively, delivered at the same engine revs as the previous (66kW/260Nm) engine – 3,500rpm in the power stakes and a low of 1,500rpm for maximum torque.

Fuel consumption increases slightly as a result, with the official combined cycle test showing the short-wheelbase Trafic – which drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission only – is now rated at 6.6L/100km, up from 6.2L/100km, while CO₂ emissions have climbed to 174g/km (up from 164g/km).

Renault claims the power hike brings better driveability under load. Other key specifications remain unchanged for the entry model, including the 1,235kg payload and 2,000kg braked towing capacity.

There is no change to the more powerful twin-turbo version of the 1.6L diesel that continues to be available in both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase guise, producing 103kW at 3,500rpm and 340Nm from 1,500rpm – also with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Interestingly, the mileage figures for the twin-turbo are identical to the previous single-turbo version at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.

Renault was offering the entry level Trafic van at $34,490 drive-away when it announced the engine upgrade; however, this deal may no longer be available. The list price at the time of writing was at $34,990, but with on-road costs not included.

For the money, there is a lot of gear thrown into the SWB single-turbo Trafic, including a comprehensive safety package that runs to four airbags, electronic stability control (with ‘load adaptive control’), Grip X-tend traction control, anti-rollover protection, hill-start assist, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, rear parking sensors and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Other features include remote central locking, a multifunction trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity (with audio streaming), USB audio input and 3.5mm auxiliary jack, smartphone dock, electric windows, electric wing mirrors (with heating and wide-angle blind spot), cruise control (with speed limiter), air-conditioning (with pollen filter) and a fully adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel.

The van tips the scales at 1,665kg, has a 2,900kg gross vehicle mass, 2,000kg braked towing capacity and cargo load capacity of 5m³.

The cargo bay length measures 2,537mm, width 1,662mm (1,268mm between the wheel arches) and height 1,387mm, and includes 16 tie-down points, a 12V power outlet and mid-height protective lining. Access is made via a glazed rear tailgate and an unglazed sliding door on the left-hand side.

As with the entire range, the single-turbo Trafic comes with a three-year/200,000km factory warranty, 12-month/30,000km service intervals and a fixed-price servicing plan that caps the first three scheduled services at $349 each.