Renault has entered the compact campervan market with the Trafic Escapade, a vehicle positioned to compete with popular models like the Volkswagen California, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, and Citroen Holidays. Set to be unveiled at the Van Life Expo in Bordeaux, France, the Trafic Escapade offers a unique proposition – seven seats – a differentiating factor compared to its rivals, which typically accommodate four or five passengers.
Seven Seats and a Modular Kitchen
The key distinction lies in the Trafic Escapade’s seating capacity. Most competitors focus on maximizing space for storage and amenities like integrated cooking facilities. Instead, the Trafic prioritizes passenger comfort by offering a full row of seven seats. The kitchen module is housed in the boot, a design choice that allows for greater flexibility and functionality.
Essential Amenities Included
Despite the focus on seating, the Escapade doesn’s skimp on core campervan features. Buyers can expect a built-in gas cooker, a five-litre clean-water tank, and a convenient foldaway sink with a spray attachment. Renault emphasizes “ingenious storage” throughout the vehicle, promising efficient use of available space.
Missing the Pop-Up Roof
While the Trafic Escapade offers a comfortable and practical design, it does lack a key feature found in its competitors: a pop-up roof with an extra sleeping area. The Escapade only provides a single fold-out double bed located in the lower cabin. However, the second-row seats swivel to face each other, and higher-spec models include a fold-out table for dining or workspace.
Trim Levels and Engine Options
The Escapade will be available in two trims – Evolution and Evolution+ – with a pair of diesel engine options and two vehicle lengths. Base Evolution models come equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic climate control. The upgraded Evolution+ adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, and wireless phone charging.
The engine lineup includes a 148bhp Blue dCi diesel, offered with either a manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more powerful 168bhp version that is exclusively available with the automatic gearbox. The vehicle has been approved as a campervan, categorized as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
Limited Availability
A significant drawback for potential buyers in the United Kingdom is the absence of right-hand-drive production plans. As of now, Renault UK has no intention of offering the Trafic Escapade in the British market. For European customers, the Escapade is slated for release early next year, offering a compelling alternative in the compact campervan segment.
The Renault Trafic Escapade’s focus on seating capacity distinguishes it from rivals, but the lack of a pop-up roof and limited UK availability are important considerations for potential buyers.
The Trafic Escapade represents Renault’s attempt to capitalize on the growing demand for compact campervans. Though it’s not without compromises, its unique seating arrangement and thoughtful amenities make it a potentially attractive option, especially for those who prioritize passenger space. However, the lack of a pop-up roof and the limited UK availability might deter some buyers.
