Euro IV legislation extended to vans

Legislative measures to combat global warming and cut transport pollution has resulted in a further tightening of light commercial vehicle emission levels from January 1, 2007.

The European Commission-set emission levels, known as Euro IV, replace the current Euro III standards. These new standards are being introduced 24 months after Euro IV was introduced for cars.

Renault, which is Europe's biggest-selling light commercial vehicle manufacturer, now has Euro IV-compliant vehicles across its four-model line-up - Clio, Kangoo, Trafic and Master.

Renault Clio and Kangoo vans have been equipped with Euro IV-compliant engines for more than 12 months and they have now been joined by the recently launched new Trafic and Master.

In the final weeks of this year there is an overlap period when Euro III-compliant vehicles can continue to be sold. However, from January 1, 2007 all petrol and diesel-engined light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight must be Euro IV.

The aim of the tighter emission legislation is to further cut nitrous oxide (NOx), which can have an adverse effect on health, particularly among people with respiratory problems, and also contributes to smog formation. However, while the focus is on cutting NOx levels, the new exhaust emission limits also see reduced levels of carbon monoxide, particulates and hydrocarbons being emitted.

For companies, operation of the Renault vans boost their 'green' credentials, while for fleet operators and van drivers the benefits of the new cleaner engine technology is reflected in improved vehicle performance, particularly in terms of more power and more torque, as well as excellent fuel economy.

The newest vehicles in Renault's van range are the Trafic and Master panel vans, which went on sale in late summer and feature a range of new Euro IV dCi engines mated to six-speed manual, automatic and Quickshift6 transmissions.

The medium-size Trafic is available with a choice of three Euro IV diesel engines, 2.0 dCi 90bhp developing 240Nm of torque at 1,600rpm, 2.0 dCi 115bhp (290Nm of torque at 1,600rpm) and 2.5 dCi 150bhp (320Nm of torque at 1,500rpm) - and a 2.0 16v 120bhp petrol powerplant that also meets Euro IV standards and develops 190Nm of torque at 3,750rpm.

The 2.0 litre dCi engines are brand new and as well as being cleaner and more powerful they are also more fuel-efficient than the1.9 dCi unit they replace.

New Trafic is available in a choice of two wheelbases (short and long - 3098mm and 3498mm), two roof heights (short and high, 1.96m and 2.50m) and four body types: panel van, crew van, commercial passenger vehicle (nine-seat) and platform cab. Prices start from £13,950 excluding VAT.

The 2.5 dCi range-topping unit in the Trafic is available in the Master with a choice of 100bhp (260Nm of torque at 1,500rpm), 120bhp (300Nm of torque at 1,500rpm) and 150bhp (320Nm of torque at 1,500rpm) outputs. In the Master it replaces the 3.0 136 bhp dCi unit and brings with it more power, improved torque and better fuel economy. The move to Euro IV emission standards means service intervals are at 18,000 miles on the Master.

Like Trafic, there are a myriad of new Master versions - a choice of three wheelbases (short, medium and long - 4.89m, 5.40m and 5.89m), three roof heights (short, medium and high, 2.25m, 2.48m and 2.72m) and four body types: panel van, chassis cab, commercial passenger vehicle (Master six, nine and 16-seat) and platform cab. With its exceptional payload and low loading height, Master remains the business choice for practicality and ease of use. Master prices start at £16,450 (excluding VAT).

The new Trafic and Master Euro IV-powered vans join the already well-established Kangoo Van, which has been on sale for 12 months with a range of Euro IV engines - 1.2 16v 75bhp and 1.6 8v 95bhp petrol engines and a 1.5 dCi unit with a choice of 60bhp, 70bhp and 84bhp outputs. Kangoo prices start at £8,050 (excluding VAT).

The 1.5 dCi 70bhp Clio Campus 2007 Van, re-launched for 2007 with a lower price of £8,485 (excluding VAT), completes the Renault van line-up and was one of the first vehicles to be available powered by a Euro IV engine.

By Renault