Drivers who have to work on the move are positively spoiled by the mobile office built into the Renault Trafic.
There is more storage space in the cabin for everything from tools to tablets and laptops, and close attention has been paid to making life more comfortable, with a driving position that is more MPV-like than ever before.
Climb aboard and settle in after adjusting both the steering wheel and driver's seat, and the air-conditioned cabin is both surprisingly quiet and remarkably comfortable.
The driver’s seat design and the use of higher density foam give better lateral support and the front bench seat cushions have stronger lateral pads in the backrests and cushions. The driver also gets a new armrest integrated into the door panel.
Long distance travel is both relaxed and economical, thanks to a range of fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engines, with high 40s mpg possible.
The third-generation Trafic is available in panel van, crew van and passenger body style, with a three-grade trim structure of Business, Business+ and Sport Nav (panel and crew vans) and Business and Sport Nav (passenger). The panel van has three front seats, the crew van has six in a three-plus-three layout, and the passenger has nine in three rows of three.
Technology also plays a major part and key new features include electronic stability control across all versions, together with traction control and hill start assist. Inside, there is also Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and a USB port. Top-of-the-range Sport Nav versions have a navigation and infotainment system accessed through a seven-inch touchscreen.
While the third-generation van remains a best-selling workhorse, buyers can choose from a vast options list, with everything from cargo area linings to the latest Renault R-Link multimedia system.
At its heart, the Trafic remains a workspace and Renault has moved with the times to ensure the modern driver's work tools – phone, tablet or laptop – can be kept securely within easy reach.
A mobile phone cradle is available (standard on Business+ and Sport Nav, an option for Business models), with a mount that adapts to a wide range of sizes, up to 4.7-inch screens, which can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. An optional retractable cradle for a tablet is positioned above the audio system, capable of carrying units of up to 10.6 inches.
Tipping the central seatback forward and lifting a lid built into the backrest reveals a space where a laptop can be housed. This purpose-designed feature, standard on Business+ and Sport grade models, can be used to store a computer out of sight, or as a supportive surface when using a laptop.
It also allows a clipboard to be held vertically, facing either the driver or passenger.
As before, the Trafic is available in two vehicle lengths (one for the platform cab) and with two roof heights for the panel van, which also gives customers the choice of door and glazing configurations from multiple options. 
The cabin has up to 14 stowage points that together provide 90 litres of useful space, designed to hold a range of typical day-to-day business items, from phones and laptops to clipboards and hard hats.
The largest provides a massive 54 litres beneath the front passenger seat. With no internal compartments, it’s ideal for loose or bulky items. Tried and tested in the Renault Master, it has proven its worth as a place to keep equipment and tools out of sight.
A clever new solution also makes it the only van in its class to be able to carry loads up to 4.15m long. Flaps have been incorporated at the bottom of the bulkhead and beneath the front bench seat, increasing maximum load length with the rear doors closed.
It is a standard feature for Business+ and Sport Nav models, and an option with the fold-down passenger seat for Business grade. The first flap adds an extra 41cm and the second 80cm. The apertures they create are 228mm high and 510mm wide. The flaps are held open by magnets, or can be removed altogether.


Auto facts
Model: Renault Trafic Business + Energy dCi 120
Price: £27,231
Top speed: 107mph
Length: 539.9cm/212.5in
Width: 195.6cm/77in
Height: 189.8cm/74.7in
Load volume: 8,600 litres/303 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity: 17.6 gallons/80 litres
Payload: 1,200kg
Warranty: Four years/100,000 miles