Renault Master News

Renault has confirmed its next-generation Master large van will launch in Australia mid-year.The new Master, a traditional rival to the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Crafter, is the first ground-up version in more than a decade, and will arrive in both diesel and electric forms.It has the traditional boxy visage of a large commercial van, but Renault says it has been designed in a wind tunnel for “optimal aerodynamic efficiency”. It also wears Renault’s new group design in its face, and has a completely overhauled cabin, complete with physical controls for key functions.The diesel version uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo layout (125kW/380Nm), paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is more efficient and powerful than the outgoing 2.3-litre diesel (110kW/350Nm) paired to a six-speed single-clutch automatic.The Electric version uses a 96kW/300Nm electric motor powered by an 87kWh battery pack, which grants it a 400km range unladen, according to the WLTP standard.It can charge at a rate of 130kW, which should see it move from 10 - 80 per cent in about half an hour.The popular large van continues to be available in an array of bodystyles, with mid- and long-wheelbase versions as well as mid- and high-roof options.Payload is up to 1973kg for the diesel version, with a GVM of four tonnes, while the electric version is limited to a payload of 1164kg with a 3500kg GVM.The slide-opening side-door is wide enough to fit a pallet, while the bulkhead behind the cabin is flat to maximise interior space.It will also include an increase in safety equipment, and has been awarded a top platinum rating from EuroNCAP’s commercial vehicle rating scheme.Full pricing and specs for the large van will be announced closer to its expected June 2026 arrival. Expect a price increase over the outgoing model, which sits at $55,200 for the MWB or $57,200 for the LWB.It forms part of Renault’s “model revitalisation” plans to launch six new models in 18 months, which also includes the recently-launched Scenic E-Tech mid-sizer, and just-confirmed Symbioz small SUV.Thus far in 2026, the outgoing Master van remains reasonably popular in its segment, amassing 330 registrations, outselling the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Crafter, and Peugeot Boxer. It lands nearly on-par with the Fiat Ducato, but lags behind the ever-popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and budget-focused LDV Deliver 9.

Renault Australia has simplified its Master van line-up to just two variants but it's offering a driveaway deal to ABN holders which will see them get on the road from $57,990. 

To some the Renault Master van might be easily forgotten, but to the French brand’s Australian arm it’s a quite important model - and now there’s a new one.

Manual gearboxes are being killed off by the soulless, unromantic savages who want a car with an automatic transmission. Which is nearly everybody. So, the car manufacturers are making hardly any manual cars now. But for the few beacons of hope trying to save this rare animal from extinction we’ve made a list of new cars still with manuals that are for sale in Australia. But for how much longer?

Pricing for four of Renault's models in Australia have increased for the 2023 model year, with no apparent specification changes to accompany them.

 

From March 1, Renault will be the latest automotive brand to increase the pricing – but not standard specification – of most of its models in Australia due to ongoing industry challenges

Renault has charted a course to growth in Australia, with four distinct product streams that will give the French brand its broadest and boldest market coverage ever in this market.

When it comes to motoring, the winds of change blow stronger with each passing day. For some people, they may have unknowingly already bought their last petrol or diesel-engined car. For the rest of us, it’s really a question of “when”, not “if” we’ll turn our back on combustion propulsion.

We've written a lot in recent times about the rise and rise of Chinese brands in the Australian market.