The revamped Renault Master has passed the expert's evaluation.
The fourth-gen Renault Master arrives with 20 body variants, integrating classic commercial vehicle features and car-like comfortability along with fuel-efficient drivetrains – even electric ones.
At first glance, the Master's front may remind you of American pickups. However, this bulky look is deceptive, as its aerodynamic design makes it 20% more slippery than its predecessor. According to series leader Helene Carvalho, the new transporter is more economical, offers a wide range of variants, and boasts a car-like driving experience. Let's take a quick peek at the catalog: This vehicle is engineered for both diesel engines and electric motors, with a fuel cell version planned for 2025. You'll find various sizes, heights, and a cargo capacity ranging from 11 to 22 cubic meters. As a cherry on top, it comes in body and chassis types, as well as rear- or front-wheel drive.
Safety is a top priority and today's regulations demand similar features for both cars and commercial vehicles. So, the Master includes a whopping 20 assistance systems to support the driver, such as side wind stabilization, emergency brake assistance, and trailer stability control. Other notable helpers include distance control, lane keeping, and traffic sign recognition. You can also manually switch off these pesky helpers with a simple click.
The new generation distinguishes itself with the absence of any differences between electric drive and gasoline engines. The customer picks their desired features and then chooses their preferred drive option. With a larger selection of factory-built conversions, such as tippers, increased cargo capacity, or specialized designs, the waiting time for one's custom Master is reduced.
Renault offers four diesel engines with power outputs ranging from 77 kW/105 PS to 125 kW/170 PS. For the all-electric Master E-Tech, there are two electric variants: one with 96 kW/130 PS and another with 105 kW/143 PS, including battery capacities of 40 kWh and 87 kWh.
Given the choice between gasoline and diesel engines, the question arises. Interestingly, the new Master E-Tech with the large battery boasts a WLTP-certified range of up to 460 km, quite an increase from the previous model's 150 km. Plus, the price difference between electric and combustion engine is decreasing – in France, for instance, the gap between the cheapest diesel (€40k net) and the electric model is only €10k or 25%. This change could maintain the same base price and even be cheaper than several competitors like Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, and Mercedes Sprinter.
A few minor enhancements you'll notice immediately include a 4 cm larger sliding door for easier loading of pallets and a 10 cm longer loading space. And the new shortened wheelbase, in conjunction with the upgraded front axle, tightens the turning circle by 1.5 meters.
The revamped cabin is another highlight. The S-shaped dashboard and large screen emit an SUV-like vibe, while Google-based OpenR Link navigation and control systems are familiar additions. Google seamlessly integrates the car and driver, making it a breeze to handle the vehicle, especially with voice commands.
Further enhancements like Vivaldi transform the cabin into a mobile office. This service lets you view emails, open attachments, edit documents, or play tutorials on the 10-inch screen. Additionally, Easy Park allows you to pay for parking with a single click.
