Renault Trafic SpaceNomad and Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel concept: new camper vans

Renault has described them as “essential” after a spell of repeated lockdowns linked to the pandemic. The Trafic SpaceNomad and the Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel *concept* are the brand’s newest additions to its camper-van line-up.

Both are scheduled to be unveiled at the Düsseldorf motor show, but only the Renault Trafic SpaceNomad is ready for sale. After an “experience” phase in which it was offered in Switzerland, Renault is now preparing to introduce it in 2022 across five more countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France and Germany.

Renault Trafic SpaceNomad: lengths, seats and engines

Available in two body lengths (5080 mm or 5480 mm), the Trafic SpaceNomad can be specified with four or five seats. It comes with a range of Diesel engines producing between 110 hp and 170 hp, paired with manual gearboxes or automatic transmissions (on the 150 and 170 hp versions).

A “home on wheels”

Unsurprisingly, the main attraction of the Trafic SpaceNomad is its ability to serve as a “home on wheels”, and it brings plenty to the table. For a start, the roof tent and a rear bench that converts into a bed mean it can sleep up to four people.

On top of that, this French offering includes a fully equipped kitchen, featuring a 49-litre fridge, a sink with running water and a cooker.

Rounding out the Trafic SpaceNomad’s kit list are an outdoor, detachable shower, LED interior lighting, a 2000 W heater, an inductive smartphone charger and, of course, an 8” infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Inspired by the past, focused on the future

While the Trafic SpaceNomad is production-ready, the Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel concept is intended to preview what camper vans could look like in the years ahead.

Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel concept: EV base and five-star ambition

Fully electric, this prototype is based on the forthcoming Trafic EV. It takes cues from the iconic Renault Estafette, with the aim of delivering a “five-star hotel experience”.

Lounge-like interior and logistics container

For now, Renault is keeping the electric powertrain details under wraps, choosing instead to highlight the comforts on offer in the Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel.

First up is an interior that feels more like a lounge, with an extendable bed and finishes that could make some hotel rooms look ordinary.

In addition, the prototype is accompanied by a “logistics container” that houses not only a bathroom and shower but also a charging point. As for meals, Renault envisaged travellers being catered for via food deliveries carried out using… drones.

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