VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
110 kW
Torque
380 Nm
360 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Engine
1997 cc
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 125 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 110 kW. On fuel, the Trafic returns 7.2 l/100km while the Transporter uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R979 999 for the Trafic and R967 000 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
125 kW
110 kW
Torque
380 Nm
360 Nm
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5480 mm
5450 mm
Width
1956 / 2312 mm
2032 mm
Height
1973 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3498 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2135 Kg
1954 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
9
8
Load Volume
1000 / 6000 l
6800 with rear seats removed l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
935 l
1271 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Trafic
Fuel Economy
Trafic
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Renault Trafic
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Transporter
Lower starting price (R967 000)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Trafic or Transporter?
The Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km and the Transporter uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Trafic 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 125 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 110 kW and 360 Nm of torque. The Trafic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Trafic and Transporter?
The Trafic starts from R979 999 and the Transporter from R967 000. The Transporter is cheaper by R12 999 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 2500 Kg 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.