- Leading UK provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles chooses the New Renault Trafic Passenger for its latest conversion
- GowringsVersa starts production of its Renault Trafic (Stage 2) conversion with an order of 120 vehicles
- New Trafic Passenger is the ideal base vehicle due to its size, specification, sliding doors and choice of versions
- Enhanced features of New Trafic Passenger allow GowringsVersa to meet WAV customers’ growing requirements for a ‘car-like’ driving experience
- Supplied with a three-year/100,000-mile warranty
The suitability of the New Renault Trafic Passenger as a highly versatile mobility solution has been reaffirmed following the UK’s longest established wheelchair access vehicle (WAV) provider purchasing 120 examples for conversion.
GowringsVersa, which has been building WAVs for over 50 years, will use the latest generation version of the dedicated vehicle for large families and passenger transport professionals as the base vehicle for its latest Renault Trafic (Stage 2) conversion. Building on the success of its previous Renault-based WAVs, the new conversion offers immense space and layout flexibility that is now complemented by the highest levels of equipment and safety assistance systems to ever feature in a Renault PRO+ commercial vehicle.
The availability of such new features as the new 8.0-inch EASY LINK display, which enables full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Adaptive Cruise Control ensure that GowringsVersa is in an even stronger position to serve customers who require space and ease of use combined with the refinement and creature comforts of a passenger car.
Together with the enhanced specification, it is the space, width, sliding doors and model variants of the New Trafic Passenger that GowringsVersa identifies as making it an ideal base for a WAV. Its new conversion is focused on optimising the comfort of the wheelchair user, including a whole new floor to provide greater headroom and a ‘channel’ which allows them to have good visibility to the side and front, with several seating layouts possible around the ‘channel’ and wheelchair.
The conversion has both a ramp and an optional winch, with the latter being in the middle of the vehicle. The safe loading capacity for the winch is 350kg, which is almost identical to that of a tail lift. Importantly, the dimensions of the New Trafic Passenger ensure that it offers enough space for a larger, heavy-duty wheelchair (up to 200kg) or a bariatric wheelchair, so even the largest of wheelchairs can be accommodated.
GowringsVersa’s order is split between 60 per cent Business and 40 per cent Sport versions of the New Trafic Passenger, both in short wheelbase format. Equipment common to both trim levels includes full LED front headlamps with C-shape daytime running lights, DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and speed limiter, remote central locking, heated electric door mirrors and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend. The converter has further enhanced the generous standard specification of its Business versions with the optional EASY LINK system with satellite navigation, plus rear parking sensors.
Nigel Brice, Managing Director of GowringsVersa, said: “The Renault Trafic is one of our top-selling wheelchair access vehicles and our latest conversion on the New Trafic Passenger allows us to offer customers the versatility they need, together with a good choice of engine options and all the equipment that is important to them, such as touchscreen functionality, satellite navigation and parking sensors.
“Its dimensions mean it is perfect for a WAV conversion and it’s ideal for both families and transport operators. By having the option of manual and automatic transmission, it is suitable for both private and business users. If an organisation has multiple drivers but don’t wish to have a larger minibus-style vehicle, the New Trafic Passenger is a great option.”
Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Renault UK, commented: “Versatility is at the very centre of the New Trafic Passenger and this latest version marks a significant improvement in the refinement and convenience that large families and transport professionals can expect of a vehicle that is able to accommodate up to nine people. We are delighted that its enhanced specification is enabling GowringsVersa to provide even better wheelchair access vehicles to its customers and that the New Trafic Passenger is helping these people enjoy greater mobility combined with a very high level of comfort.”
Launched earlier in 2021, the refined and stylish New Trafic Passenger features a dynamic new exterior design with distinctive and technological details, complemented by a completely redesigned interior offering superior comfort, space, quality and the latest connectivity and technology options. It benefits from the availability of the most up-to-date Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) available across the Renault PRO+ line-up, such as the Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) that provides braking force if a potential collision is detected ahead of the vehicle, Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and automatic high and low beam for the LED headlights.
New Trafic Passenger is available in Business and Sport trim levels, the latter including such features as the latest EASY LINK infotainment system with 8.0-inch touchscreen display, 17-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint with body-coloured details, automatic headlights and wipers, a 4.2-inch TFT colour driver information display and rear parking sensors.
Customers can also choose from short or long wheelbase versions, with up to 1,800 litres of boot space available, together with a choice of three efficient 2.0-litre Blue dCi diesel engines and, depending on the power unit, the option of six-speed manual or six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
For details on the Renault PRO+ commercial vehicle range, please visit: Cars & Vans, Electric & Hybrid - Renault UK
Further information on the GowringsVersa Renault-based WAV conversions can be viewed at: GowringsVersa Mobility | 50 Years of WAV Conversions
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