Adventurous Versatility - Long before adventure vans became a mainstream lifestyle trend,
Renault was already experimenting with how a practical commercial vehicle could evolve into something more expressive and recreational. That vision materialized in
2004 with
the Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept, unveiled at
the Brussels Motor Show.
Built on t
he second-generation Renault Trafic—
winner of the International Van of the Year award in 2002—
the Deck’Up reimagined the compact van as an all-terrain leisure vehicle,
designed to bridge everyday family transport with rugged outdoor utility.
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| The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept, unveiled at the 2004 Brussels Motor Show, was built on the second-generation Renault Trafic and reimagined the compact van as an all-terrain leisure vehicle blending family use with rugged utility. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
Visually,
the Deck’Up stayed connected to its roots while boldly reshaping them.
The front end retained the familiar Trafic identity,
highlighted by a prominent grille and expressive headlights,
but the overall proportions were altered for a tougher stance. Compared to
the standard Trafic,
the concept was 180 mm shorter in length,
80 mm shorter in wheelbase,
and 21 mm wider.
High ground clearance,
permanent four-wheel drive,
and imposing 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/55 R20 Michelin tires gave it genuine off-road credibility,
while a two-tone paint scheme emphasized its adventurous character.
 |
| The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept retained the familiar Trafic front design with a prominent grille and expressive headlights, while revised proportions created a tougher, more off-road-oriented stance. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
The most distinctive transformation appeared at the rear,
where Renault replaced the traditional enclosed cargo area with an open platform inspired by photo safari vehicles. Accessed through a rear door that opened to 90 degrees, this space could be opened further using translucent glass shutters that slid neatly into the cabin ceiling. The design blended pickup-style functionality with leisure-focused versatility, reinforcing the idea that
the Deck’Up was as much about enjoying the outdoors as it was about transporting people or gear.
 |
| The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept was shorter, wider, and more rugged than the standard Trafic, featuring raised clearance, permanent four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, and a two-tone finish. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
Inside,
the concept focused heavily on modularity and social interaction.
The double-cab layout seated four passengers, with three seats capable of rotating 180 degrees to create flexible seating arrangements.
Rear seats were mounted on Espace-style sliding rails,
allowing them to move into the pickup section when needed. Two additional fold-down seats were integrated into the rear platform, and a rail-mounted center console could be repositioned to suit different layouts.
Asymmetrical doors—
rear-hinged on the passenger side and lacking a B-pillar—
improved access and reinforced the vehicle’s adaptable nature.
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| The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept featured a modular double-cab interior for four, with rotating seats and Espace-style sliding rails that extended seating into the pickup section. (Picture from: TopGear) |
The interior design balanced technology,
durability,
and comfort.
A Carminat navigation screen was integrated into a beige dashboard,
while aluminum flooring added a robust,
utilitarian feel.
Printed fabric seats contributed a modern,
adventurous aesthetic without sacrificing usability.
Mechanically,
the Deck’Up was powered by
a 2.5-liter dCi 16V diesel engine producing 135 hp (99 kW) at 3,500 rpm,
paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Four-wheel disc brakes measuring 320 mm ensured confident stopping power, supporting its all-terrain ambitions.
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| The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept replaced the traditional enclosed cargo area with an open rear platform inspired by photo safari vehicles. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru) |
Measuring 4,600 mm in length,
1,925 mm in width,
2,085 mm in height,
with a 3,020 mm wheelbase,
the Trafic Deck’Up was never intended for production.
Instead,
Renault positioned it as a conceptual testbed,
following earlier ideas like the Kangoo Break’Up and
Modus 2. Emerging during a period when manufacturers explored van-based leisure and lifestyle concepts—including other Trafic-derived experiments—
the Deck’Up stood out as a playful yet thoughtful fusion of pickup practicality, SUV ruggedness, and modular comfort, offering a glimpse into how versatile vehicles could adapt to changing lifestyles.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | TOPGEAR | QUIRKYRIDES IN X ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
