Driving impressions
Page 26
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
vs First impressions of the Trafic and Vivaro are excellent; access to the Gab is easy, the controls are well placed and visibility is good—large twin-reflector mirrors help in this respect. Start the diesel engine, and little changes: it is remarkably well insulated, and at one point we had to look at the rev-counter to confirm that it was actually running,.
On the move things remain good. The ride is very supple almost soft, in the traditional French manner—and the steering is predictable, while either diesel engine is flexible and smooth. However, the more powerful 100hp version has a definite edge in its response over the 80hp model, and relaxed motorway cruising benefits from the super-tall sixth gear (corresponding to around 28krri/h per 1,000rpm). It looks like this model will be worth the extra 1600.
Remote radio controls are fitted to both Renault and Vauxhall models; they are typical of the thoughtful interior design. We drove both versions equipped with satellite navigation systems (Vauxhall fits a Siemens unit; the Renault a Phillips) which worked well, delivering voice directions on cue.
The only flies in the ointment were noticeable on a long motorway drive: the driver's seat is rather too soft and lacks lumbar support, and there is a distinct area of wind noise near the rear of the side windows. At first we thought this was down to a defective window seal, but now we reckon that it was turbulence from those large mirrors—and it was only prominent because of the low overall noise levels.
If the new van delivers decent fuel economy—and we suspect that it can—it is certainly good enough to be a serious threat to established models.