Renault has sold over 3 million Master vans since 1980, manufacturing them exclusively in Batilly, eastern France, since the model’s introduction.
The Renault Master’s success over these 40-plus years and three generations has ranked it as a long-standing leader in its category in Europe. Renault Master vans have found their way on to the roads of more than 50 countries, including South America, since 1990. The fourth-generation version is set to extend this success.
The All-new Renault Master’s high-grade interior mirrors that of a passenger vehicle. The S-shaped dashboard facing the driver adds to the air of spaciousness. The materials have a premium feel and the 10-inch screen – which comes as standard across the line-up – adds a visually pleasing high-tech touch. Dark upholstery enhances the contemporary, ultra-modern style.
The steering wheel is from the Renault passenger vehicle range, and is adjustable for height and reach. Automatic versions now have the transmission controls on the steering wheel, opening up even more space in the centre console.
The 135 litres of total storage space – a 25% increase – ranks this generation as the market leader. The available space is spread across the dashboard, side cupholders, glove-box drawers, cab-ceiling slot and two storage tiers in the doors.
The All-new Renault Master effortlessly turns into an office on wheels. The back of the middle seat folds down into a desk, the base houses a slot to store a laptop, and there are USB-C ports to power devices. Every detail is intended for intensive everyday use. The non-abrasive and sturdy TEP-lined seat edges, for instance, make it easier to get in and out of the van and are highly resistant to wear. The ample choice of seats includes suspension and swivelling variants, individual seats and three types of benches (two fabric and one TEP).
The All-new Renault Master’s show-stopping design adds a clearly defined identity, attractive looks and a modern feel.
Its deign also conveys dependability, durability and safety. Its distinctive front end includes Renault’s new logo and the extra-large full-LED headlamps in the signature C-shaped array around the grille. A U-shaped inset below the grille can be grainy black or, in higher trim levels, the same colour as the body. Customers have a choice of seven body colours as standard and over 300 special hues.
The proportions have been meticulously fine-tuned to strike the right balance for each body type. The rear is narrower to optimise aerodynamics, but the rear opening and load area are remarkably large nevertheless. The rear window is asymmetrical – a typical Master feature – and the rear lights have a distinctive C-shaped pattern like the ones at the front.
A great deal of development work was invested into perceived quality and toughness. The fact that each side panel is a single part, for example, adds to the solid look – especially in the longer versions – and they are extra stiff so they will not warp. Perceived quality in the cargo area is also higher, spanning as far as the reinforcements and other internal details.
All-new Renault Master’s aerodynamics ensure it is at the top of its class in terms of efficiency, regardless of how it is powered. Its Scx is more than 20% lower, and substantially below that of the previous generation and all current rivals.
Even the smallest details contribute to the smoother design: the bonnet is shorter, the windscreen is further forward and tilted, the wing mirrors, air intake ducts in the bumper and roofline slope are streamlined, and the rear is narrower. The sharper aerodynamics have also improved acoustic comfort in the interior.
As the vehicle is too large for the wind tunnel that Renault typically uses in Saint-Cyr, the aerodynamic development studies were conducted using 83% scale models. The full-size vans were then tested in a tunnel built to assess aircraft aerodynamics.
All this work has significantly improved efficiency in the ‘real world’. The All-new Renault Master’s CO2 emissions are 39g/km lower, and now below 200g/km. Its aerodynamics contribute to considerably lower energy consumption in the electric versions with a 20% improvement on the current Master.
Regardless of the powertrain they choose, customers of the All-new Renault Master will drive the most efficient vehicle in its category. This will lower their operating costs, and their vans will also be able to carry an increased payload (up to 2 tonnes).
All versions are built on the same assembly line, which allows a great deal of flexibility to handle customisation requests. The All-new Renault Master is the only vehicle in its class to be made in France: the three energy versions and all the bodies come from the same line in Batilly (near Metz, in Eastern France). The powertrains and gearboxes are made in France, the batteries are assembled in France, and 84% of the suppliers are based in France.
The fully-electric All-new Renault Master is powered by a 105kW motor, delivering 300Nm of torque. It benefits from a 87 kWh battery that provides a WLTP range of more than 255 miles.
As a result, the All-new Renault Master boasts record-high payload capacity (1,625kg in a van requiring a B-category driving licence), range and towing capability (2.5 tonnes). Its consumption remains reasonable, at a WLTP standardised 21 kWh/100km with the large 87 kWh battery, thanks to the battery heat management system. A 130kW DC fast charge adds 229km of range in just 30 minutes. A 22kW AC home charger tops up the battery from 10% to 100% in just under four hours.
The All-new Renault Master is also designed to accommodate a hydrogen engine and fuel cell in future.
The All-new Renault Master will be available to pre-order from early next year, with official ordering opening in Q2 and deliveries starting in 2024.
