The Renault Trafic III 1.6 dCi (90 Hp) L1H1 is a light commercial vehicle produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 2014 to 2015. Part of the third generation of the Trafic, this model is a panel van designed for commercial use, offering a balance of practicality, efficiency, and payload capacity. While not officially sold in the United States, the Trafic is a popular choice in Europe and other markets as a versatile workhorse for businesses and tradespeople. The “L1H1” designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height, indicating a shorter wheelbase and lower roof configuration within the Trafic range.
Renault Trafic III: Overview and Market Position
The Renault Trafic III, launched in 2014, represented a significant update to Renault’s popular light commercial vehicle line. Designed to compete with rivals like the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit, and Mercedes-Benz Vito, the Trafic III focused on improved fuel efficiency, enhanced comfort, and increased practicality. The 1.6 dCi engine variant, producing 90 horsepower, was aimed at operators prioritizing fuel economy and reliability over outright performance. In Europe, the Trafic is commonly used for delivery services, mobile workshops, and as a base for campervan conversions. It fills a crucial niche between smaller courier vans and larger, more expensive full-size vans.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Trafic III 1.6 dCi (90 Hp) L1H1 is powered by Renault’s R9M 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, produces 90 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and meets Euro 5 emission standards. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The engine’s relatively modest power output is offset by its strong low-end torque, making it suitable for carrying loads and navigating urban environments. Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 174 g/km. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 153 km/h (95.07 mph).
Design & Features
The Trafic III features a functional and utilitarian design, prioritizing cargo space and ease of use. The L1H1 configuration offers a compact footprint while still providing a useful cargo volume of 1000 liters (35.31 cu. ft.) minimum, expanding to 2100 liters (74.16 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. The van has four doors and a seating capacity of nine. The interior is designed with durability in mind, featuring hard-wearing materials and a practical layout. Standard features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic power steering, and a steering rack and pinion system. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort even when loaded. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4999 mm (196.81 in) in length, 1956 mm (77.01 in) in width, and 1971 mm (77.6 in) in height. It has a kerb weight of 1901 kg (4190.99 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 2740 kg (6040.67 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Trafic |
| Generation | Trafic III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 dCi (90 Hp) L1H1 |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 9 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 153 km/h (95.07 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 21.1 kg/Hp, 47.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1500 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | R9M |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1901 kg (4190.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2740 kg (6040.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 839 kg (1849.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1000 l (35.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2100 l (74.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 280 kg (617.29 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4999 mm (196.81 in.) |
| Width | 1956 mm (77.01 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2283 mm (89.88 in.) |
| Height | 1971 mm (77.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3098 mm (121.97 in.) |
| Front track | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1628 mm (64.09 in.) |
| Front overhang | 933 mm (36.73 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 968 mm (38.11 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
