What's the difference?
The Renault Master range has been refreshed, and this was our first chance to see what changes have been made.
You should be able to tell just by the look of the 2020 Master that there’s a new design with a more modern looking front-end. And the inside has been thoroughly modernised, too.
But with contemporary rivals such as the VW Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - both of which launched in all-new generation guises in 2018 - the question is whether the ageing, yet facelifted Master is worthy of consideration.
We spent a week with it - and covered plenty of kays in it - to find out.
The Australian market hasn’t truly revolved around a sedan since I was a kid. These days it’s all about SUVs, and anything low-slung is easy to overlook when it comes to family hauling. Add to that the current fixation on hybrid and electric powertrains, and a mid-size petrol sedan feels almost out of step.
And yet, here’s the MG7.
It’s a mid-size fastback with a turbo-petrol engine and just one trim level. Its sharp styling is matched by an even sharper price, and it doesn’t seem particularly concerned about not fitting the current mould.
It lines up against the Toyota Camry SL, Skoda Octavia Sportline and Hyundai Sonata N Line and raises an interesting question. Is this the sedan comeback nobody saw coming? And could it remind modern families why sedans were once king?
If you’re after a budget-conscious offering in the large van segment, the Renault Master could be a really solid proposition. It falls short of the safety expectations set by its newer rival, though, and that’s something you might not be able to put a price on.
In a world obsessed with SUVs and electric powertrains, a mid-size petrol sedan almost feels rebellious. But the MG7 kind of is. A sleek fastback with a turbocharged engine, a sporty edge and a price that makes you look twice - it’s a compelling combination. There are some drawbacks for families in efficiency and back-seat practicality but it's not a bad offering for those wanting something a bit more fun than an SUV.