Renault Trafic SpaceClass launched at Cannes

The Renault Trafic SpaceClass luxury nine-seat people carrier receives world debut at Cannes Film Festival.

What's the news?

Renault is launching its SpaceClass version of the Trafic van at the Cannes Film Festival, ahead of the vehicle going on sale in September.

Essentially a 'nine-seat, high-end shuttle' people carrier, the Trafic SpaceClass was pressed into action as a machine to ferry VIPs and film fanatics around in Cannes, highlighting its usability.

We'll largely skip the outside, as it's basically a Renault Trafic panel van with some windows added, the whole thing finished in exclusive Comet Grey launch paint with gloss-black detailing and then fitted with a sprinkling of 'SpaceClass' logos and 17-inch alloy wheels.

So, within, the seats mounted in rows two and three are modular, allowing for more than 50 different configurations to the main passenger area - mainly because row two's three chairs can face either forwards or backwards.

Furthermore, the dark-tinted rear windows, automatic climate control, individual LED reading lamps and luxury leather upholstery (depending on the version) all ensure a luxury air to the SpaceClass, while there's a removable central table containing storage spaces if you want to transform the back of the Renault into an office-on-wheels. To that end, all versions are equipped with 220-volt and USB sockets for charging laptops and other electronic devices.

Those up front in the cab... sorry, front row of seats, aren't forgotten about either, as there's a leather-trimmed steering wheel, plenty of storage and some chrome/gloss black inserts. A seven-inch dashboard screen plays host to the MediaNav navigation system or R-Link with Android Auto, and a reversing camera, depending on which specification buyers choose.

Renault says the Trafic SpaceClass is targeted at 'professional customers placing a premium on the comfort of all passengers regardless of journey times'. The SpaceClass is aimed squarely at companies and hotels which operate shuttle runs from train stations and airports to their location, while taxi drivers and independent chauffeurs are also likely to take it up, but it is not beyond the ken of private buyers with very large families to choose it, in order to ferry around their brood.

Anything else?

Ashwani Gupta, the senior vice-president and global head of Renault-Nissan Light Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, said: "Trafic SpaceClass is an entirely new product that fulfils the requirements of customers looking for a best-in-class driving and comfort experience. We chose the Cannes Film Festival as the first time to debut this high-end vehicle to show that it can be used effectively with VIPs and business people all the way to the airport."

Published on: May 16, 2017