Renault Trafic Esterela Review 2024
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Renault Trafic Esterela At A Glance
Sleeps up to four adults, can be plugged into the mains, running water and gas hob for comfortable camping.
Not available until late 2018.
Based on the Trafic, the Esterela is converted by Lunar Campers and combines comfortable living and sleeping quarters in the compact confines of a long wheelbase low roof panel van. All versions of the Esterela get a manually operated pop-up roof as standard, along with heating, lighting and water systems.
The front seats swivel round to create a living room, with the rear bench having space for up to three adults to sit in comfort. The kitchen comes with a 25 litre fridge, sink, running cold water and hob, with the latter two supplied by van’s internal water tank and gas bottle. When the gas burners are not needed, the driver can disconnect the gas supply via a switch at the back of the van or remove the bottle to have it refilled.
There’s a fresh and waste water tank, portable toilet and 90 litres of storage space with cupboards and drawers. The rear bench can also be slid forwards and lowered to create a double bed in the evening, while a second berth is found in the pop-up roof compartment with space for two adults to sleep in comfort.
An electronic control panel should make it easy to operate the van’s heating, lighting and water systems. There is also an external connection for the electronic mains supply. The secondary battery can be topped up via the van's 100W solar panel.
Taking styling cues from Renault’s passenger car range, the camper is finished with metallic paint and alloy wheels. Under the bonnet the Euro6 twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine produces 145PS and is linked to six-speed manual gearbox.
Model History
April 2018
Renault launches Trafic Esterela camper van
Called the Esterela, the new camper has been adapted by Lunar Campers and combines clever and comfortable living accommodation with the Trafic’s legendary smooth road handling, efficiency and reliability.
The Esterela harnesses the lively twin turbo capabilities of Renault’s dCi 145PS engine and offers start/stop technology alongside a new regenerative braking system (Energy Smart Management), both of which contribute to greater fuel efficiency.
Having taken styling cues from its passenger car range, Renault has provided the Trafic with metallic paint and alloy wheels, a smart two-tone dash incorporating air vents with piano black surrounds and a full colour instrument cluster with big digital speedo display. There’s also an MPV-style elevated driving position.
A classic side kitchen style layout, incorporates a beautifully finished integrated storage unit into which has been fitted a sink and twin burners, both concealed beneath individual heatproof glass covers. There’s a 25 litre fridge, fresh and waste water tank, portable toilet and plenty of storage space. The unit is handcrafted off site as one complete piece of furniture to eliminate the risk of annoying rattles and squeaks when the vehicle is in motion.
A control panel allows easy on/off operation of the unit’s heating, lighting and water systems, and the connection to the campsite mains supply. It also switches between mains and the off-grid power generated by the Esterela’s 100w solar panel.
An Eberspacher heating system features a domestic style timer and there is the option to control it via a smartphone app. As well as providing three crash tested seats for travelling, a class leading sliding seat and bed system provides the versatility of maximum living space or maximum storage space. The system is fitted to rails built into the floor and is effortlessly pushed forwards or backwards depending on the requirement. When partnered with the front two swivel seats, it can be used with a freestanding table for dining, socialising or working.
