VS
At a Glance
Power
74kW@3500
125 kW
Torque
240Nm@2000
390 Nm
Fuel
9.44
8.0 l/100km
Towing
2000
2800 Kg
0-100 km/h
14.9
—
Engine
1870
1996 cc
Choosing between the Renault Trafic and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Renault Trafic delivers 74kW@3500 while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Trafic returns 9.44 while the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R207 000 for the Trafic and R1 102 800 for the Transporter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
74kW@3500
125 kW
Torque
240Nm@2000
390 Nm
0-100 kph
14.9
—
Top Speed
155
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1870
1996 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.44
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.4
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90
55 l
CO2 Emissions
—
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4782
5050 mm
Width
2232
2032 mm
Height
1959
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3098
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
152
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2700
1912 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
3
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
5000
1313 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
1
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✗
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3
Warranty Distance
100000
120000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Transporter
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Transporter
Fuel Economy
Transporter
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Renault Trafic
Lower starting price (R207 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.44)
Volkswagen Transporter
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Trafic or Transporter?
The Trafic uses 9.44 and the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transporter is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Trafic or Transporter?
The Trafic produces 74kW@3500 and 240Nm@2000 of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Trafic and Transporter?
The Trafic starts from R207 000 and the Transporter from R1 102 800. The Trafic is cheaper by R895 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Trafic or Transporter?
The Trafic has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Trafic or the Transporter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.