Our test vehicle is the Crew Lifestyle, which is available only in long wheelbase specification with 2.0 litre turbo-diesel and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, for a list price of $52,490.
This comfortably undercuts the Mercedes-Benz 119 CDI LWB Vito Crew Van ($63,170) but costs more than other human cargo-carrying rivals including Ford’s Transit Custom 340L LWB DCiV auto ($49,990), VW’s Transporter TDI 340 LWB Crew Van ($47,990), Toyota’s HiAce Crew Van ($47,140) and Hyundai’s iLoad Crew Cab ($44,730).
Even so, Renault has included numerous desirable features for its $50K-plus pricing like dusk-sensing LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R17C tyres and a full-size spare, dual sliding side-doors with privacy glass and opening windows plus body-painted bumper/door mirrors/sliding door rails/taillight surrounds with chrome grille trim.
There’s seating for three up front and the driver gets treated to a premium dash with keycard start/keyless entry, mobile phone cradle, heated seat, leather-wrapped gearshift and height-and-reach adjustable leather-rimmed steering wheel. There’s also a four-speaker infotainment system with large 7.0-inch touchscreen, sat-nav and multiple connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The three-seat crew area gets individual LED ceiling lights, retractable sunblinds on the side windows, two of four audio speakers, two centre armrests, 12-volt accessory socket and more.