We no longer present the third generation Renault Trafic, produced since 2014 and which we come across in every corner of the country. This van is available in a multitude of versions to meet the uses of as many professionals and individuals as possible, as well as under different brands (Nissan, Mitsubishi and even Fiat and Opel/Vauxhall).
But behind an almost unchanged physique, the Trafic SpaceNomad which interests us today stands out from its colleagues by adopting a vocation as a leisure vehicle. It is in fact a converted van offered by Renault since 2022. To tackle this booming sector, already occupied by Volkswagen, Ford and even Mercedes, the diamond brand has joined forces with the French specialist Pilote , with which it had already offered a modified Trafic version, but only marketed on the Swiss market.
The Trafic SpaceNomad is based on the shortest version of Renault’s utility vehicle (5.08 m long), but a model based on the Trafic L2 called the Grand SpaceNomad is also available (5.48 m long). ). Unlike the Nugget Plus version of the old Ford Transit Custom, this additional length is not used to install a toilet, simply to provide extra space in order, for example, to accommodate a bicycle without having to remove its wheel Before. The Trafic SpaceNomad’s height of 1.99 m allows it to access car parks equipped with a 2 m high gantry.
The Trafic SpaceNomad is priced from €61,900 in balanced finish, while the Grand SpaceNomad asks for an additional €1,800. At this price, the Renault camper van is equipped with the four-cylinder Blue dCi 150 turbo diesel, with a six-speed manual gearbox. It is also offered with a six-speed EDC double-clutch robotic gearbox.
The high-end iconic finish benefits from a more powerful engine, the Blue dCi 170, automatically equipped with the EDC gearbox. This version that we have on trial costs €70,500. Although this price may seem high, it is in reality quite well placed compared to other campervans sold directly by manufacturers, more expensive by a few thousand euros, or even tens of thousands of euros, and even compared to models marketed by specialists. No penalty is to be added to the price of the SpaceNomad Trafic, because converted vans with VASP registration (specialized self-propelled vehicles) are exempt.
This top-of-the-range version offers as standard almost all the equipment that this Trafic SpaceNomad can be entitled to. Only the towbar or the spare wheel are supplied as options. Unfortunately, we regret that certain functions are not offered due to the utilitarian origins of the Trafic and the advanced age of the current generation. It will thus be necessary to do without the hands-free key or the dual-zone and automatic air conditioning.
The Trafic SpaceNomad is available in only three body colors, including the carmine red of our test model, but all are available at no extra cost.
Life on board
The layout provided by Pilote to the Trafic SpaceNomad includes all the most classic elements of a converted van. Access to the rear part is via a sliding door on the right side of the van.
The kitchen area is located in the centre of the cabin and contains a two-burner gas cooker, a relatively large sink and a 49-litre fridge. Its large volume allows it to incorporate a freezer space, a rare feature on board converted vans.
Numerous storage spaces are also present in the passenger compartment, within the kitchen area furniture, under the rear seat or even in the rear part of the van. It is possible to store your luggage under the last part of the lower bed, behind the bench seat, or even raise it to place tall objects there.
There is no table integrated into the central space of the vehicle, but it is possible to install a removable table housed in the trunk. On the other hand, the Trafic SpaceNomad does not integrate folding chairs. The front seats can also be rotated to form a lounge area. The operation requires adjusting the seats and backrests. Above all, it is necessary to release the handbrake to turn the driver’s seat, with great caution.
An awning allows you to sit in front of your van sheltered from the sun, but it is particularly difficult to install.
A total of 13 USB ports are scattered throughout the cabin. This is more than necessary, but we regret that they are all USB-A. A domestic socket is also integrated in the kitchenette.
A small screen placed at the kitchen area allows you to check the charge level of the auxiliary battery and that of the clean water tank, with a generous capacity of 60 l. This interface also displays the indoor and outdoor temperature and allows you to switch on or off the electrical equipment.
This iconic version comes standard with a small photovoltaic panel integrated into the pop-up roof. According to Renault, it would increase the Trafic SpaceNomad’s electric autonomy in camping mode from 48 to 72 hours, depending on the level of sunshine of course.
Another small screen, this time close to the rear seat, allows you to turn on the electric auxiliary heating.
The sliding rear seat has three seats. However, it is very firm and quite difficult to handle. Flipping it over to convert it into a bed is no easy task either. Once the operation is completed, you benefit from a fairly firm 124 x 185 cm bed.
A second bed is integrated into the ceiling. It requires raising the roof, mounted on jacks, which does not require very advanced control. The bed is also mounted on jacks. Equipped with a cupped base, it measures 120 x 200 cm, but is again a little firm. Furthermore, climbing into the upper bunk is not for everyone since it is necessary to climb over the front seats.
A transparent part and two mosquito nets, one of which can be opened to the outside, bring light into the cabin when the roof is raised. Numerous fairly powerful lights are also integrated.
Curtains offer to plunge the cabin into almost total darkness. Only the rear window would have deserved more attention, because it lets in light and hinders privacy.
Finally, a cold outdoor shower allows you to take a shower outdoors.
Infotainment and connectivity
The Trafic SpaceNomad does not benefit from the latest interfaces from Renault. Its 8-inch central screen still relies on the old easy link interface, which is not very modern. Quite slow, it nevertheless benefits from navigation and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but only in wired mode. The USB-A socket to the right of the screen is used for data sharing, but its location does not easily accommodate a smartphone and its cable.
An induction charger is also integrated at the bottom of the dashboard.
The instrumentation is only entitled to a small screen between counters that are still analog. Nothing very modern, then, but the whole thing is nonetheless readable.
The Trafic SpaceNomad, like the other models in the range, is compatible with the My Renault application. It allows you to geolocate your vehicle, or even monitor its maintenance, but does not have any functions specific to this upgraded version. It is therefore impossible to start the heating remotely or control the refrigerator.
Handling and performance
At the wheel, the Trafic SpaceNomad struggles to hide its utilitarian origins. The presentation is certainly not outdated and full of storage spaces, but all the plastics are hard, even those on the door armrests. Above all, the high driving position will displease taller people, even when adjusting the driver’s seat.
The body movements are certainly those of a good utility vehicle, but a utility vehicle all the same. The braking isn’t the most biting either. Fortunately, the performance of this 170 hp version of the 2.0 Blue dCi is more flattering. With its 380 Nm of torque, it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10 seconds. If this weather is not exceptional for a traditional car, it is rather very good for a house on wheels.
The EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission, while not among the most responsive, helps make driving the Trafic SpaceNomad less intimidating.
The turning circle of 12.4 m between curbs breaks no record, while other vans in the same category manage to stay under 12 m.
Our test model, which does not yet meet the requirements of the new GSR 2 standard requiring certain driving aids, is satisfied with a lane departure alert. The cruise control isn’t even adaptive, which can be annoying for long motorway journeys.
The reversing camera, supplied as standard, is welcome for parking this machine, which is more than 5 m long and almost 2 m wide.
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