Renault Trafic Escapade L1 / L2 — wannabe campervan with micro-kitchen. Real campervan or tax escape?
“The Trafic Escapade is designed to meet the growing needs of travelers on the road, offering even more possibilities for adventure with a range of original equipment,” Renault Automobiles begins its press release announcing the launch of the Renault Trafic Escapade.
Is this serious? Renault has equipped a standard Trafic passenger van with swivel seats (not the front seats, but the rear ones) — to meet the minimum requirements for a campervan registration. A micro-kitchen has been installed in the luggage compartment. It features a slide-out sink, two gas burners, and a 5-liter fresh water tank with a spray nozzle.
The rear seats can be converted into a bed. However, there’s no household battery or external power connection. There’s also no blackout curtain; lying on the bed is visible to any passerby. There are, however, a few lights built into the ceiling, and there are sliding windows for ventilation. A folding table is also available as an option.
Rather than emphasizing the true basics of a campervan, Renault emphasizes the presence of a number of luxury features, some available at an additional cost. These include 17-inch alloy wheels, driver assistance systems, an infotainment system, and an induction charger for your smartphone. And you can choose from two engine versions: a 150 hp diesel with a manual or 9-speed automatic transmission, or a 170 hp diesel with an automatic transmission.
According to legal regulations, the Trafic Escapade can be classified as a campervan, Renault reports. However, this Escapade seems more like a tax break to drive at a lower road tax rate than a campervan you’d actually use for a multi-day trip.
