Replacing the Estafette, the original Renault Trafic was unveiled in 1980 and went on sale in the UK in 1981 – the same year that saw the inaugural London Marathon and MTV broadcast for the first time.

Available up until 2001, the original Trafic saw three facelifts during its 20-year tenure and was offered in a total of 32 different variants, split between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive and petrol and diesel engines.

The Trafic I was available at launch with a payload of up to 1200kg, and recognised the increasing importance of driver comfort by improving seating, driver control, soundproofing and ventilation over its predecessor. It was also easily accessible for loading and unloading goods, with a choice of rear and side doors, robust thanks to special treatment against corrosion and safe due to advanced semi-cab visibility and assisted braking with ventilated discs at the front. The original Renault Trafic went on sale in 1981 from £3,950. 

Phase II followed in 1990, as the first generation Trafic underwent a major facelift with a slightly longer body, rounder front end and new, plastic bumpers. Five years later, the Trafic received another facelift with a new grille, new taillights, large double rear view mirrors and a new interior with modern dashboard and multi-adjustable seats. Through all three phases, 80,442 first generation Renault Trafics were sold in the UK.