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John Beer Van Sales
Renault single-handedly invented the multi-purpose vehicle segment with the Renault Espace line. Renault Master follows in its footsteps with class-leading practicality and minimal styling features; it simply gets the job done. However, this changed when Renault gave the model a facelift in 2019. The new design introduced a little touch of softness inside and a tough-looking exterior, donning an upright chrome grille and higher bonnet. It also revised the 2.3 dCi diesel engine, introduced twin-turbocharging and added selective catalytic reduction. As a result, the post-2019 Renault Master has better performance and is much more efficient than its predecessors.
The Renault Master avails in 2 trims: the Business and Business+. Both come with several possible conversions and differently styled body options. Even so, the Master is anything but well equipped. Standard features across the range include:
Moving up a step higher to the Business+ trim gets you to the Renault Master range:
Given the several ways that the Master's body styles overlap, the trim levels are not easy to follow. For example, if you go with a panel van, there are 9 different body styles to choose from, with 3 body heights and 4 body lengths. Plus, you still have to decide between the front-wheel or rear-wheel configuration. With so many factors to consider, the trim levels lose relevance. As a result, most buyers change focus to whichever layout offers the best practicality.
The panel van is the most common body style with the Renault Master. However, there is a crew van available that fits a full-height bulkhead and 7 seats. The Master is also available as a platform cab, box van and passenger transport van. You can also get a drop-side and tipper with single and double-cab versions.
The latest version of the Renault Master is a comfortable ride, even over rough surfaces and around corners. It is much slicker and has a noticeably quiet engine. The suspension gets a little unsettling when the vehicle is not loaded, but the comfortable seats help make up for the bounciness. Even though the wheel's light steering reduces confidence when cornering at higher speeds, it's quite helpful when manoeuvring around tight inner-city spaces.
The only way to get comfortable in this large MPV is to place some extra weight in the back to help settle down the Master. Otherwise, it does tend to get very bumpy, especially compared to its ultra-modern competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagon Crafter.
All vehicles in the Renault Master range get a 2.3 dCi diesel engine, which is very similar to what most of its rivals offer. The engine provides 5 different power outputs, including a dCi 130, 135, 145, 150 and 180. The 130 and 145 engines are heavy-duty motors limited to Master variants with longer overhaul body styles. Thanks to Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Renault's latest engine option is among the most-refined diesel options in the full-size van segment.
Selective Catalytic Reduction means the inclusion of an AdBlue tank with emission cleansing additives. It results in a reduced level of NOx emissions and better fuel combustion. Renault claims it improves fuel economy by 2 per cent across the board. The van's trip computer will remind you when to refill the AdBlue tank.
Any rear-wheel-drive Renault master with twin-rear wheels on the sides will be the most suitable for jobs requiring large payloads. It simplifies your choices, too, as RWD is only available in the tallest H2, medium H3, and the taller-roof body styles built on longer L2 or medium L4 wheelbases. For the driving unit, the heavy-duty 145 bhp engine with 350 Nm of torque is more than sufficient.
The 2019 Renault Master post-facelift comes standard with electronic stability control, hill-start assist, trailer sway control and adaptive load control. Unfortunately, the Master fell into the not recommended list based on the Euro NCAP 2021 standards for commercial vehicles due to the lack of driver-assist features. Even so, the Master and its various trims do come with a range of safety features. The high-spec Master trim includes a wide-view mirror to minimise blind-spots. It also offers an Extended Grip driving mode to help keep the vehicle stable while driving on slippery surfaces.
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