Renault Master new van review

by Jonathan Crouch

£40,200 - £51,255

Intro

The Renault Master has been redesigned for a new era, this large LCV now smarter, more efficient and more car-like. There are three different powertrain formats, including a much improved full-EV version. And all of them are as practical with this MK4 design as the Master has always been.

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6.9out of 10

Images

1 / 7

10 Second Review

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Detailed ratings

Large Vans

Overall

69 %

Economy

8 / 10

Space

7 / 10

Value

7 / 10

Handling

7 / 10

Depreciation

6 / 10

Styling

7 / 10

Build

6 / 10

Comfort

7 / 10

Insurance

7 / 10

Performance

7 / 10

Equipment

7 / 10

Background

Here's a very different kind of Renault Master. This, Renault's large LCV model line, has been around since 1980, with over 3 million examples sold in 50 countries over three generations, all of them built in Batilly, near Metz in Eastern France. This fourth generation version though, is arguably the most significant yet, described by its maker as 'the next generation multi-energy aero van'.
That's a reference to the way this sleeker big LCV's new platform can accommodate three power sources - diesel, electric and hydrogen. Whatever your choice of variant, Renault claims it will be able to go further, carry more and cost less. Well, cost less to run anyway. All the engineering, as before, is shared with the Nissan Interstar (though this time round, not with the Vauxhall Movano). And brings Renault much closer to the new standards being set in this class by latest versions of the Mercedes Sprinter and the 2-tonne Ford Transit. Let's take a closer look.

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Range data

	Min	Max
Price	40200	51255
CO2 (g/km)	200	200
Electric WLTP-Rated Driving Range (miles)	285	285

	Min	Max
Load Volume (l)	11	15
Payload Capacity (l)	1625	1625
Power (ps)	130	170

Design and build

Renault describes this fourth generation Master's exterior design as 'show stopping', which might be a slight exaggeration but it's certainly a more attractive thing than its rather non-descript predecessor. The grille showcases the brand's latest logo and is surrounded by extra-large full-LED headlamps in a signature C-shaped array. Lots of work has gone into aerodynamics - hence the 'aerovan' marketing; the bonnet's shorter, the windscreen is further forward and tilted, the wing mirrors, air intake, ducts in the bumper and roofline slope are all streamlined and the rear is narrower.
Things are also very different in the cab. The S-shaped dashboard and the dark-upholstered seats have a more car-like feel - as does the steering wheel, which now houses the transmission controls in automatic models. There's also a new 10-inch centre screen and various different kinds of seating options. Choose the bench format most customers will want and the back of the middle seat folds down into a desk, while the base houses a slot to store a laptop and there are USB-C ports to power devices. Renault claims 135-litres of total cabin storage space (a 25% increase), which is market-leading. The available space is spread across the dashboard, side cupholders, glovebox drawers, ceiling slot and two storage tiers in the doors.

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Market and model

The ex-VAT prices for diesel versions start from around £33,500 and range up to just under £40,000, with a choice between two trim levels - 'Advance' and 'Extra'. There's a choice between two body lengths and two roof heights; and three versions of the Blue dCI diesel engine, the '130', the '150' or the '170'; the latter two can be had with auto transmission. If you'd prefer the E-Tech electric version, ex-VAT prices start at £42,500 before you factor in the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant. There's only one trim level for the E-tech, base 'Advance'.
Across the line-up, there are 20 panel van derivatives. And a further 20 derivatives available across the chassis cab and platform cab ranges that offer a basis for conversion, where workshops can handle several alterations directly (adding tippers, deepening interiors, adding volume, etc.). This catalogue of factory-mounted kits also shortens turnaround times and simplifies transport logistics.
You'll be able to equip your Master with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. These include charging other devices from an outlet in the interior or load area, as well as adaptors to plug power tools, computers and other devices into charger outlets. You can also power custom-built body parts (refrigerated compartments, automatic tailgates, extra heating or air-conditioning systems, etc.) directly from the battery. The EV E-Tech version will also be able to feed energy from its battery to the grid (V2G) using a bi-directional charger.

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Summary

This generation of Master needed to take a big step forward to stay competitive with its Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes and Stellantis Group competitors in the large van segment. It has. As before, it's certainly true that all the same design and engineering can be yours in this model's Nissan Interstar clone. But if the deal on offer and the convenience of your local Renault franchise swings you this Master's way, there's lots to like here.
It's no surprise that the diesel engine line-up's much the same, but it would have been nice to see a Transit-like PHEV option for those undecided about the switch to electric. That EV option's certainly more palatable thanks to this Master's switch to a larger, more usable 87kWh battery. To look at and to sit in, this Renault now feels like an LCV product of this century's third decade rather than its second. Whether that's enough for this model to significantly grow its market share it'll be interesting to see.

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