2014 Renault Trafic van styles up

There are other ways, but they are mostly less flattering. But that could all be about to change is a teaser sketch of the next generation Trafic is anywhere near accurate. Renault has decided to try and create some anticipation for its next generation van, which will go on sale in Europe later this year, by releasing this sketch by company designer Kihyun Jung.

If borne out in a production model, the new look would mark a clear change of direction from the Trafic's current rounded design.  The new van's most prominent feature is the hard angled lines of its headlights, which are relatively narrow and lead up into the bonnet. It is an aggressive, masculine theme that is continued on with the shape of the doors and rear window. There are few rounded edges on the sketched vehicle, with kinks used for the window edges adding to a much cleaner and simpler design.

The design sketch features a large stylised front bumper that looks like it belongs to a passenger SUV or sports car, with featured fog-lights. It is likely that the production version will have a less complex front bumper that would be easier to replace given the likelihood for dings and scrapes.

Renault is not giving away how close the sketch is to the production Trafic, but the fact it has no door join suggests it is more of a loose sketch aimed at outlining the theme of the vehicle. The sketch also has oversized alloy wheels with low profile tyres that are not likely to make it into production.

Jung explains the idea behind the sketch: "Its lines embody Renault's new brand identity," Jung says. "My aim was to achieve a dynamic, assertive stance without sacrificing either the robustness or user-friendliness customers expect of their van."