The new Renault Master goes on sale in June 2014

As expected, Renault has announced details of its updated Renault Master van today, to coincide with the opening of the CV Show 2014, where the updated Master has been unveiled to the world’s press.

More power please

Perhaps the biggest change is the updated range of engine choices. The 2.3 dCi engine remains, but has been updated to provide more power with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Four power levels will be available, 110hp, 125hp, 135hp and 165hp, replacing the previous range which offered choices from 100hp to 150hp.

According to Renault, the 110hp and 125hp versions are designed to provide an attractive trade-off between price and fuel consumption, while the 135hp and 165hp will use the company’s Twin Turbo technology to provide superior performance and fuel efficiency.

Cutting fuel costs

Naturally, these Twin Turbo models will cost a little more than the basic engines, but for high mileage operators the fuel savings are likely to be worthwhile. Renault says that the 165hp version will provide a fuel-consumption saving of up to 7.3 mpg, despite delivering 15 extra horsepower and 10Nm of additional torque.

This will bring the fuel consumption of the L2H2 165hp version of the new Master up to 40.9 mpg / 180g of CO₂/km.

Master for long-distance couriers?

The new Master will continue to be available in front and rear-wheel drive, but two new versions will be available — L4H2 and L4H3 models with single rear wheels.

Translated into English, this means the extra-long models will be available with a long final drive ratio and single rear wheels (rather than the rear-wheel drive model’s standard twin rear wheels). These models are designed to provide good fuel efficiency and to maximise pallet-carrying ability — attributes needed to compete directly with the Transit Jumbo and Sprinter XLWB and compete in the long-distance and courier markets.

Keeping it under control

Elsewhere, Renault has  introduced a new Trailing Swing Assist system, which automatically alternately applies the brakes and limits the delivery of engine torque when it detects excessive trailer swaying, helping to bring the trailer under control and prevent a rollover or jackknife scenario.

Finally, the van’s electronic safety systems have been updated, and all Masters now come with the latest-generation ESC with Load Adapative Control as standard, as well as optional Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, which optimises grip in difficult conditions, such as snow, mud and sand.