The new Renault Master
Renault is launching the latest version of its large van, the Master, on April 9th. It has just released price and specification details along with a raft of photos of the new van. First up will be the panel van models, but chassis cab, crew cab and minibus variants will be along shortly, too.
What’s New?
Most notable is the expanded range of sizes, weights and driveline options. Maximum gross weights now run from 2.8 tonnes to 4.5 tonnes. There are four lengths, with the longest being a clear attempt to compete directly with the extra-long Sprinter – almost 7m long with an internal load length of 4.3m.
All rear-wheel drive models have twin rear wheels, a decision which will please some but not others, and an optional diff lock will be available for anyone who feels they might need it. Given the recent winter weather, this could be a useful option for drivers whose work takes them off the beaten track.
All models use the same (new) 2.3 litre dCi engine, which will be available in 100, 125 and 150hp versions. This should cover all requirements, I reckon, especially given the dollops of torque available from modern diesels and the six-speed gearbox that will be standard throughout the range.
Is it me, or does it look a bit like a Sprinter from this angle? This is a rear-wheel drive model.
The combination of 4 lengths and FWD and RWD drivelines should mean that there is an loadspace to suit almost everyone.
Rear-wheel drive models all have the extended overhang at the back – so MWB in RWD is actually the same length as LWB in FWD. It’s slightly confusing but I suppose it makes sense when weight distribution is considered.
Three roof heights are available plus all the usual window and door options. As you’d expect, the front-wheel drive version has a lower load floor than the rear-wheel drive versions, meaning that the side door opening is taller, too.
In The Cab
The cab of the new Master looks nice and is typically Renault. There are loads of clever cubby holes, storage facilities and bottle holders, including storage for large items under the twin passenger seat, the base of which lifts up to allow access. The central passenger seat folds down to make a desk for driver or passenger, which could be useful for both paperwork and meal breaks, while the gearstick is the usual dashboard mounted affair.
Inside the cab of the new Renault Master
The middle passenger seat folds down into a desk - very useful for butties and paperwork
What Does It Look Like?
It looks a bit like all the other large panel vans on the market, to my eye, anyway. I’m not sure why, but they seem to be getting closer to each other in external shape and design. Perhaps it’s something to do with crash test requirements for big bumpers, I’m not sure.
Apart from that, it looks pretty good and comes in a decent range of colours, for anyone who doesn’t fancy white. What more can you ask for?
Driving It & Living With It
The acid test for any commercial vehicle comes when it has been on the road a while. Reliability, running costs and whether drivers like it will all become apparent later this year. The new Master is scheduled to be launched in the UK on the 9th April, although Renault dealers are now taking orders for the vans.
Can’t wait to try it. Currently Renault vans are leading on the fuel economy I would say, with a few minor niggles in the cab, main one being the noise with the window down slightly. Totally agree that drivers will make their own minds up with time, but we’re not that hard to please surely. A good coffee holder and 12v sockets for phones and Sat nav and you’re there.
I know what you mean about cup holders! I normally drive a Transit but recently had a rented Trafic for a day. I put my usual travel mug in the cup holder at the end of the dashboard and set off – a mile down the road, I pulled away from some lights and the mug fell out, spilling much of its contents down the door… I then realised that my mug didn’t sit deep enough in the cup holder, which is angled and much deeper than the one in my mk6 Transit.
The Trafic was a pleasant drive, but I haven’t yet driven a Master.
I had an Old transit before I got my renault master 2.8td , Its been excellent… done over 60k in 3 years and only once let me down, clutch cable snapped on A1 near Berwick upon tweed heading down to leeds. Service costs not bad and its easy to handle and looks good when I wash it !
Fuel is around 31/33Mpg depending on conditions, Id expect new one to be better ?? old tranny got 35 mpg which was amazing – makes no difference with a load or not or so it seems I would not got for the high roof, extra high or nothing, makes a huge difference, almost same volume as some so called jumbo sized vans due to being front wheel drive ( no driveshaft) wouldnt mind a 6th gear for the long jobs ive got the basic model….
The new ones seem to have more issues with all the fancy add ons but will wait for a new one, been looking for a van for almost year now!
The Van Man (in Edinburgh)
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Ive got a new master and its brill mpg is amazing and load space second to none
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bought new master mml rwd 3,5t 150bhp Drinks fuel average 22mpg , pulling a trailer running near gtw 17mpg , 1st gear to high wont pull away on hill at gtw without riding the clutch , and at 60 solo screams it head of in 6th it to low odd thing is plate weight on 3.5t axles add up 4.5t , built in blue tooth waste of time nobody can hear you when engines running because of background noise over all not recomended i had old iveco daily 3510 it was better overall against the master
@trophyblue:
Regarding the axle weights on the plate, it’s normal for the axle weights to add up to more than the gross weight of the van. This is so you have flexibility about load distribution – if the front and rear axle weights added up to exactly 3.5t, it would be pretty much impossible for you to use the full payload legally, as you would always end up with one axle overloaded.
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