Renault Trafic

When the collective might of Vauxhall and Renault get together to develop a fresh product, you are guaranteed it will be special. But when the new Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro ranges were unveiled, they still came as something of a shock. Although clearly commercial vehicles, the pair feature the kind of styling which makes coupe drivers jealous.

So for motorists looking for an alternative to Volkswagen's van-based Caravelle MPV or Mercedes' V-Class, the newcomer must be worth a look. But is the Trafic more lorry than limousine? We took to the road in a family-friendly Combi version to find out.

Unlike with most MPVs, customers can specify anything from two to nine seats, depending on personal needs. Both firms expect that the favourite option for families who do not want to take the kitchen sink with them will be a three plus three seating layout, similar to the Fiat Multipla's. This means that behind the middle bench there's enough room to store the luggage for a large family and still have space left to pick up a few cases of Stella Artois at the ferry terminal on the way home.

It's this kind of combination of versatility and load-lugging ability which drivers of smaller MPVs really miss - there's no need for a roofbox or cycle rack on the Trafic or Vivaro.

Unfortunately, the practicality seen in the seating arrangements does not extend to the cabin as a whole. The interior is not as well designed as a Ford Transit's, and the trim can't match the quality boasted by a Caravelle. However, the safety features have been upgraded, with side airbags now available as optional extras.

Under the bonnet, engine choices are wide too, with powerplants borrowed from the Laguna range. There's a 1.9-litre turbodiesel with 80bhp or 100bhp, while petrol enthusiasts can plump for the 120bhp 2.0-litre 16v. It might not be enough to worry VW's 204bhp Caravelle V6, but should still provide a sprightly drive.

Continuing the sporty theme, all versions except the base 80bhp model use the same type of six-speed manual transmission seen in the awesome mid-engined Clio V6. In fact, Renault was responsible for providing all of the engines and gearboxes, while Vauxhall's part of the joint venture is to build both variants at its Luton plant.

When you step up to get behind the wheel of the 100bhp diesel, there isn't that much to remind you of the Clio V6, though. High revving is not on the agenda, and it all runs out of puff at 4,000rpm. But at least there are plenty of ratios to play with to keep the engine in its powerband.

The panel van derivatives of both these vehicles will undoubtedly be the best sellers of their respective ranges, and in this guise the Trafic and Vivaro excel, offering the sort of style and driving experience that are rare in a commercial vehicle.

With a more refined ride than some van-based rivals, the Combi variant of this new commercial vehicle will appeal to those wanting more luggage space in an MPV. But the VW Caravelle is better built.

At a glance

* MPV model of van, badged Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro

* Prices yet to be finalised