RENAULT REVEALS NEW MASTER
Among the powertrain options for the model will be an EV with a 143hp electric motor and an 87kWh battery, allowing a range of more than 255 miles on the WLTP cycle. This will come with a 1,625kg payload capacity, and 2.5t towing capability. A 40 kWh battery will also be offered for shorter working cycles.
R Other powertrain options will include
105hp, 130hp, 150hp and 170hp diesel engines, with either six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission depending on the version. Renault has also said that the model’s multi-energy platform will be adaptable for a future hydrogen powertrain. The new Master will be available with a choice of 20 different body configurations, with load volumes ranging from 11m3
to 22m3 . There
will also be 20 available driver assistance systems.
Standard interior equipment will include a 10in infotainment screen, and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
On the road
A quick comparison of the brand-new Renault Master back-to-back with the outgoing model proved to be an enlightening experience ahead of the van’s world premiere, writes George Barrow. Temperatures at Renault’s top secret Aubevoye test track in northern
France weren’t much above freezing, but some lively laps in the vastly improved Master certainly warmed the blood. With the prototype vehicle covered in camouflage and the interior partially disguised, there was only the driving elements to focus on and the difference between the two was considerable. Most noticeable is the new Master’s steering. It’s electrically assisted, and is far lighter than the old mechanical system. There are fewer turns lock-to- lock and it is faster, allowing sharp slalom bends to be done one handed with minimal effort. There’s a brand new transmission, a slick nine-speed auto in the prototypes and the changes are crisp and fast. It’s a world away from the crude shifts of the old model, and so too is the suspension which is far more compliant and easier on the spine. Another noticeable difference is the lack of noise. A drive in the new
Master E-Tech capably demonstrated the massive amounts of sound deadening and the impact the 20% improvement in aerodynamics has on wind noise. There’s a significant power boost for the electric motors that are
enault has unveiled the fourth- generation version of its Master large van.
News
Pre-orders for the new Master are due to open early next year, with official orders opening in Q2 and customer deliveries from September. Prices are yet to be announced.
When the latest Renault Kangoo came to the UK in 2022, certain
features on the left-hand drive version, such as the Sesame door, were not included. Renault’s head of LCVs, Heinz- Jurgen Low, insists, however, that for the Master, “no features will be lost for right-hand drive [models]”.
He says the biggest challenge in converting the vans to right-hand drive is in getting the driving position right. In terms of exterior design, the electric and diesel Master vans are the same. “It’s a volume game, it’s not important to make them look different,” said Low.
now available with 96kW or 105kW, giving the new Master E-Tech far more performance. The two available driving modes D or B are also more refined, with B offering a progressive amount of braking from the moment the pedal is released and giving a less on/off feeling to the regeneration. Meanwhile, the standard D mode allows for a good amount of coasting. Importantly, the switch between the two is done via a stalk on the steering column. Prototype drives aren’t always very revealing, but there’s no question the new Master has made a very positive impression ahead of launch.
@whatvan
December 2023 WhatVan?
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