Renault Master van arrives

And it hopes it will change the brand’s minnow status here, following in the path of Europe – where it is the biggest van seller. The French company is hoping that will be helped by the introduction of a new generation Master van which has a payload of up to 1650kg.

This is a big van, sitting above the small Kangoo and mid-sized Trafic, and the long wheelbase version can fit three standard Australian pallets. The medium wheelbase model can still fit two. The cargo area measures 10.3 cubic metres for the medium wheelbase Master, while the number for the long wheelbase version is 12.5. To make for easy loading with a forklift, the rear barn doors open up 270 degrees.

The Master comes with one sliding door (on the left side), which is 1200mm wide, while a second sliding door is available as an option. Its payload rating starts at 1596kg for the automated long wheelbase model and runs up to 1645kg for manual medium wheelbase model. Renault Australia decided to fit a steel bulkhead to the Master along with a locally-compliant cargo barrier and standard equipment.

It comes with electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, anti-skid brakes and a front driver and passenger airbag. Extra protection is available in the $1890 Safety and Security Pack, with a seat-mounted head and thorax airbag for the driver, automatic headlights, alarm, heated rear windows, automatic windscreen wipers and cornering headlights.

Pricing starts at $43,990 for the manual medium wheelbase model and runs through to the long wheelbase with automated transmission for $47,490.

The new Master is powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, with 107kW (up 19kW) and 350Nm (up 50Nm) that goes through the front wheels. It is fitted with a six-speed manual as standard, while an automated six-speeder is available as a $2500 option. This is an automated transmission, rather than a torque convertor type automatic.

The all-important fuel consumption figure comes in at 9.0 litres per 100km for the manual and 8.5L/100km for the automated version. The numbers are the same for the medium and long wheelbase variants. When it comes to emissions, the manual master generates 238g/km and the automated version generates 226g/km.

Renault says it has improved running costs with a new fitted for life timing chain, coolant that now lasts for 60,000km or 48 months, an exhaust particulate filter that requires no maintenance and brake pads that are designed to last 20 per cent longer than the previous model.

The warranty is also fleet friendly, coming in at three years or 200,000km.

Standard comforts include a sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, manual airconditioning and cruise control. There is also an additional Premium Pack available for $1490, which includes a Tom Tom satellite navigation unit that sits above the rear-view mirror and a rear view camera that is mounted on the back of the sunvisor.

The Master is a relaxing van to drive. It is far quieter than you might expect, thanks to a refined engine and the bulkhead, which stifles a lot of the road noise. Its interior is car-like with high-quality surfaces and plenty of hidey-holes and places to stow folders and coffee cups. The rear doors swing wide, opening all the way to the bump stops located on the van exterior. There are a dozen tie down points on the interior of the cabin.

Engine performance is spritely, although we werent carrying a full load. There is no rear drive option, which is preferred for bigger loads. The high mounted satellite navigation is not ideal, you have to take your eyes off the road and to view the rear view camera you have to flip down the visor. Overcome these niggles and the Master is well worth a look.