Item: Renault Master
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

Running costs for big vans are always high, but the latest Renault engines mostly show significant improvements over older units. The most economical engine is the dCi 150 diesel, which has&nbsp;an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/new-official-fuel-consumption-and-co2-tests-explained/n1213">official&nbsp;fuel consumption</a> of 47.9mpg. Front-wheel-drive models can be around 10mpg more economical&nbsp;than the equivalent rear-wheel-drive version. However, it's worth noting that if you do a lot of motorway miles, you can expect your&nbsp;fuel economy to dip quite significantly&nbsp;into&nbsp;the high 20s and&nbsp;low 30s.&nbsp;

Safety systems in the Master include Side Wind Assist and Active Emergency Braking. There’s also the option of new ‘advanced driver assistance systems’ which include a Rear View Assist – a permanent display of the rear of the vehicle (much like a mirror would allow) on a small screen where the mirror would usually be. Blind spot warning, lane departure warning and front parking sensors also help keep the driver and vehicle safe. 

We’d encourage you to go for the Business+ version, as the Business trim will leave you wanting for a few relatively mundane features, such as&nbsp;under-seat storage and lidded compartments. You’ll also benefit from rear parking sensors if you do –&nbsp;a welcome amenity for a large van.

For all the latest van reviews, news, advice, and videos visit our dedicated van section&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/vans">here</a>

For a big van, the Master is capable of an impressive turn of pace.&nbsp;

The 2.3-litre engine comes in 133bhp, 147bhp and 178bhp power outputs on front-wheel-drive vans. The latter&nbsp;is astonishingly quick for a big van, thanks largely to its 295lb ft of torque.&nbsp;Rear-wheel-drive models get a slightly different set of power ratings, at&nbsp;128bhp and 143bhp.&nbsp;

The Master doesn't ride as well as a Volkswagen Crafter, being a little crashy when completely empty.&nbsp;However, it does settle&nbsp;down once you've put some weight in the back. It's also impressively stable at motorway speeds for a high sided vehicle.&nbsp;

Compared to the Ford Transit, the Master's&nbsp;steering is a little on the light side and has a relatively low rate of response. This makes the Master difficult to place on country roads.&nbsp;More impressive is the manual gearbox, which has&nbsp;a reassuringly&nbsp;firm action. There’s an option for a Quickshift six-speed automatic on the 147bhp&nbsp;and 178bhp&nbsp;front-wheel-drive models, although we’d steer clear of it as it&nbsp;tends to shunt ponderously through the gears. 

The seating position is ideal for a big van, and the large mirrors make visibility in all directions a doddle. The seat is also one of the better ones in the segment; it&nbsp;is supportive and comfortable even after a long time at the wheel.

The Renault Master has been a staple of vans, motorhomes and emergency vehicles across Europe for decades. Like its smaller sibiling&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/trafic/van/review/n18803">Renault Trafic</a>, it has cemented its reputation as one of the most popular light commercial vehicles, rivalling the best-selling <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a> as well as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes-Benz Sprinter</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">Volkswagen Crafter</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a>.&nbsp;The Master stands up to close scrutiny against the competition as&nbsp;a versatile and practical choice.

Available in four different body lengths, with three possible roof heights, the Master can transport up to 17 cubic metres.&nbsp;Body options include minibus, crew van, dropside, tipper, box van, platform cab and chassis cab. Most vans are front-wheel drive but there are&nbsp;also rear-wheel-drive and 4x4 options.

Power comes from a 2.3-litre engine that meets the latest Euro-6d emission standards, with up to 180bhp and 295lb ft. Don’t forget the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/master-ze/van/review/n20172">Renault Master ZE electric vehicle</a>, either, if you want zero emissions and larger tax breaks.

The Master is also available at a number of different gross vehicle weights below 3.5 tonnes, as well as a large van plated at 4.5 tonnes. Regular 3.5-tonne panel vans will transport as much as 1524kg, but the 4.5-tonne Master can move as much as 2158kg – or 2471kg as a chassis cab. Consequently, twin and single rear wheel options are available on some configurations.

Revised in 2010, this latest version was updated in 2019 with a&nbsp;more upright grille with a higher bonnet line, while the headlights now include the new C-shape identity that appears across the Renault range. The bumpers were also&nbsp;modified to make them more robust.

Storage, storage and more storage. The Renault Master is blessed with an abundance of places to put stuff. From the enormous glovebox to the large door pockets, an overhead shelf that could likely store a bag and under-seat compartment&nbsp;that definitely can store one, the Master has it all. 

This latest version of the van also combines that practicality with an interior that looks smart and coherent.&nbsp;Take the navigation screen, for example, which blends nicely into the centre of the dash, while the overhead storage compartments in the main dash all get lids in top-spec trim. The central seat also folds down to reveal cupholders and trays and there’s a rotating section designed for laptops. What's more, the overall quality is better than in previous Renault Master vans.

The Master is available is two trim levels. Entry-level Business&nbsp;comes with a DAB radio with Bluetooth, automatic headlights and wipers, a fully adjustable driver’s seat, electric and heated door mirrors and an alarm. Business+ adds manual air-conditioning, one-touch driver’s side electric front window, lidded dashboard storage, the folding central seat with under-seat storage as well as an additional 12V power supply in the load area. Rear parking sensors are also fitted, along with the Wide View Mirror in the passenger sun visor to help you see at awkward junctions. Disappointingly, Renault's 7in MediaNav infotainment system is optional.&nbsp;

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

Master (2019) NEW

The Renault Master delivers a rewarding drive and&nbsp;a rough-and-tough&nbsp;interior

To avoid confusion it is best to think of the Master range in terms of&nbsp;front- (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models.

FWD vans are available as L1, L2 or L3 length vehicles. L1 models can have a standard or high roof, while L2 and L3 get the option of either a high or extra-high roof. That means a maximum of nine-cubic-metre&nbsp;capacity in an L1 with a maximum payload of 1623kg, a 12.3-cubic-metre capacity in L2 vans with a 1529kg payload and 14.8 cubic metres with a 1434kg maximum. Load lengths of up to 2583mm are possible in the L1, 3083mm in the L2 and 3733mm in the L3.

Rear-wheel-drive vans come in L3 and L4 lengths, with high and extra-high options. Their maximum load capacity ranges from 12.4&nbsp;to 17 cubic metres and can move lengths from 3733mm to 4383mm. Payloads for a 3.5-tonne van range from 1207kg in the L3 to 1160kg for an L4;&nbsp;however, there is the option to have a 4.5-tonne Renault Master that increases payloads in the L3 to 2151kg and 2128kg for the L4.

While the maximum sizes for the Master are in line with competing vans, many examples&nbsp;of which can transport 17 cubic metres or more, most frequently&nbsp;with front-wheel drive.

Those looking to move bigger volumes with&nbsp;a rear-wheel-drive van will have to live with the disadvantage&nbsp;of a much higher rear load deck. The loading height for a front-wheel-drive Master is 546mm and a rear-wheel-drive version 700mm – a tiresome difference for those who'll be in and out of the back all day.

Twin side doors are fitted as standard and there is also the option of 270deg&nbsp;rear doors that can&nbsp;fold against the bodywork for even better rear loadspace access.

There’s new LED lighting in the rear as well, and 10 load lashing points come as standard, along with a protective floor covering.

The Renault Master is a surprise package in a busy segment, delivering a rewarding drive and a rough-and-tough new interior. It’s not quite up to the standard of its German competitors, but it’s not far off at all, and pricing is keen.


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Read review covering Renault Master boot space, size and dimensions, front and rear seat comfort by the expert What Car? test team.

To avoid confusion it is best to think of the Master range in terms of front- (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models.,FWD vans are available as L1, L2 or L3 length vehicles. L1 models can have a standard or high roof, while L2 and L3 get the option of either a high or extra-high roof. That means a maximum of nine-cubic-metre capacity in an L1 with a maximum payload of 1623kg, a 12.3-cubic-metre capacity in L2 vans with a 1529kg payload and 14.8 cubic metres with a 1434kg maximum. Load lengths of up to 2583mm are possible in the L1, 3083mm in the L2 and 3733mm in the L3.,Rear-wheel-drive vans come in L3 and L4 lengths, with high and extra-high options. Their maximum load capacity ranges from 12.4 to 17 cubic metres and can move lengths from 3733mm to 4383mm. Payloads for a 3.5-tonne van range from 1207kg in the L3 to 1160kg for an L4; however, there is the option to have a 4.5-tonne Renault Master that increases payloads in the L3 to 2151kg and 2128kg for the L4.While the maximum sizes for the Master are in line with competing vans, many examples of which can transport 17 cubic metres or more, most frequently with front-wheel drive.,Those looking to move bigger volumes with a rear-wheel-drive van will have to live with the disadvantage of a much higher rear load deck. The loading height for a front-wheel-drive Master is 546mm and a rear-wheel-drive version 700mm – a tiresome difference for those who'll be in and out of the back all day.,Twin side doors are fitted as standard and there is also the option of 270deg rear doors that can fold against the bodywork for even better rear loadspace access.There’s new LED lighting in the rear as well, and 10 load lashing points come as standard, along with a protective floor covering.

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