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The Master has been part of the Renault family of Light Commercial Vehicles since the original model was launched in 1980. It has been steadily developed to meet the changing demands of the market for more versatile, efficient and durable transport, designed to meet an ever greater range of needs.

The previous version of Master made its debut in 1997 and was an instant success, gaining the European Van of the Year title the following year – an achievement subsequently matched by the smaller Trafic. Master’s sales performance of more than one million units across 45 markets in 12 years, has been central to Renault enjoying the status of Europe’s most successful LCV manufacturer.

Renault is enjoying an exciting end to 2010, with the news that it has won no less than four awards in the 2011 What Van? Awards, including Van of the Year.

The key component for two of the trophy wins, Van of the Year and Large Panel Van of the Year, was the French brand’s flagship New Master range, which only launched in April this year. Available in both front- and rear-wheel drive versions, with a striking new look, improved fuel economy and class-leading storage and equipment levels, the newcomer is already proving a hit with business customers of every type and size. (Click the image below to read more about this story)

New for 2011 is the Renault’s ‘pay-as-you-earn’ iCare maintenance system, designed specifically for the LCV sector, could hold the key to helping van fleet operators to not only minimise downtime, but also address growing concerns that suggest van fleets are the least roadworthy vehicles on the road today.(Click the iCare link to read more about this very exciting system exclusive to the Renault LCV range)

The three key alterations with the New Master range from the outset are the cheaper pricing for front-wheel drive versions, the launch of a complete rear-wheel drive range up to 4.5 tonne and prominent, assertive front end styling which will be carried over to other Renault van models.

On the inside, the cab offers the market's most comprehensive range of practical stowage solutions. Shaped around the specific requirements of business users and the equipment they need for their everyday work, these solutions are both user-friendly and perfectly integrated.

New Master aims to become the segment's benchmark for comfort thanks to a complete reappraisal of the driving position and controls, enhanced visibility and the availability of a raft of comfort-enhancing features normally associated with passenger cars.

With an average fuel economy gain over the current Master range of 1 litre/100km, the front-wheel drive versions of the new model return class-leading combined-cycle fuel consumption as low as 33 mpg (equivalent to 187g CO2/km). Running costs have also been slashed compared with the previous model and figure among the market's lowest.

The new rear-wheel drive versions feature a monocoque construction for improved on-road performance and extra payload. The range has been extended to include an additional length option (L4, a long wheelbase with extended rear overhang, offering a load capacity of up to 17m3). Also new are 3.5 and 4.5 tonne versions with twin rear wheels, giving coachbuilders even greater scope for conversions.

New Master is powered by the new 2.3-litre dCi engine which has been engineered to meet the specific requirements of commercial vehicle users. The range includes three power outputs: 100, 125 and 150hp, and is identical for both the front-wheel drive (transversally-mounted) and rear-wheel drive versions (longitudinal).

ASSERTIVE STYLING

With a style that is clearly businesslike, rugged and high in quality, New Master establishes a new set of standards for the Renault range of vans. The bold front-end design features a broad, painted grille and large, expressive headlights. The muscular wheel arches and blunt bonnet convey a feeling of power, while the distinctive form of the asymmetric rear windows is one of New Master's visual hallmarks. The model's unmistakable rear lighting signature is founded on three triangular brake lights.

The ruggedness of New Master is clearly evident in its proportions, prominent protective bumper, and broad side protection mouldings. The rear lights are wider than those of the previous model and give the vehicle a more grounded stance, while the larger door handles ensure a secure grip and improved strength in daily use.

New Master exudes a sense of quality thanks to the particular attention that has been paid to the flushness of the body panels. The double-optic headlights and turn signals incorporated in the door mirrors are reminiscent of a top-of-the-range passenger car.

The cab interior has been completely re-evaluated. The additional 5.7cm in length has been used to enhance travelling comfort, especially for taller occupants. The design of the interior reflects the results of research into driving position ergonomics and practical stowage solutions. The two-tone theme of the sturdy, high-quality dashboard is echoed on the interior door trim. All the stowage bins and controls fall readily to hand, even while on the move. Special attention has also been paid to the quality of the materials and the sub-assemblies, with materials and fabrics carefully selected to cope with the high standards of durability required for heavy duty business use.

A fully-fledged workspace

New Master debuts two major innovations which enhance the workspace inside the cab:

    * A retractable document holder on the dashboard, positioned so as not to obstruct the driver’s vision. Delivery documentation and other paperwork can be clipped onto this holder.
    * A swivelling desk mounted on the backrest of the centre seat, which pivots towards the driver. The design incorporates an adjustable table specially designed to house a laptop computer; it can also be used as a desk for writing and includes two cup-holders, as well as stowage space for food items or stationery.

A raft of carefully designed stowage spaces

New Master has the highest number of stowage spaces in the large van segment. These stowage spaces are practical, fall readily to hand and are designed to accommodate the paraphernalia of everyday working life:

    * An overhead rack extending the full width of the cab.
    * Provision for overhead fitment of the tachograph.
    * Sunglasses holder.
    * A dashboard compartment to accommodate a laptop computer and/or A4-size documents.
    * A large oddments tray above the glovebox.
    * An A4 file shelf.
    * A mobile phone holder with its own 12V socket for charging, a coin holder and a holder for cards or motorway toll tickets – all within easy reach of the steering wheel.
    * An MP3 player holder close to a second 12V socket, plus audio connectivity.
    * Four can holders and a removable ashtray.
    * A large 7.6 litre chilled glovebox (with optional climate control) with capacity for two 1.5-litre bottles or a single 2-litre bottle.
    * Capacious door bins incorporating internal divisions and space for a 1.5-litre bottle.
    * Roomy under-seat stowage accessible by lifting up the cushion of the passenger bench seat. The uninterrupted space allows larger items to be discreetly hidden away.
    * Numerous trays to accommodate items such as keys, gloves, folding umbrellas, etc.

A comprehensive list of equipment for saloon car comfort

New Master takes its inspiration from passenger car design with a view to delivering a more comfortable and more occupant-friendly package. The main features include:

    * Hands free card allows users to lock and unlock doors without having to use the key. All they need to do is touch one of the front or rear exterior door handles' locking buttons. This feature is particularly useful when making frequent deliveries, for example.
    * Fixed cornering lights broaden the area illuminated by the lights at night when cornering and when parking.
    * New, enhanced-performance automatic climate control: rapid attainment of the desired temperature, silent ventilation, improved distribution of airflow
    * Extensive audio system range with a choice of three different radio packages. The top of the range package comprises a radio and CD player with MP3 compatibility, a Bluetooth hands-free kit and multimedia connectivity for USB devices or an iPod. Albums and tracks can be selected via the steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, while song titles are displayed on the screen.
    * The standard (excluding Freeway version) Carminat Tom Tom^® navigation system incorporates IQ RoutesTM*. Moving the display to the top of the windscreen has enabled dashboard space to be freed up for stowage. The screen can be pivoted to the right or to the left to ensure the driver or passenger has the best possible view.
    * Reversing camera (accessory fitment).
    * A full bulkhead is standard across the range. It improves sound insulation and provides security for goods in the cargo carrying area.

(*) The TomTom IQ RoutesTM system uses real-time traffic speed measurements to calculate the quickest possible route to your destination. By refreshing the TomTom® routings database with information derived from the actual journeys of millions of road users, the IQ RoutesTM system can calculate the optimum route for that particular day and time.

COST OF OWNERSHIP IS THE LOWEST ON THE MARKET

TCO, or 'Total Cost of Ownership', is a highly influential factor in the decision to purchase a large van. Renault has therefore made a special effort to minimise the TCO's two key parameters: fuel consumption and maintenance costs. As a consequence, New Renault Master features the new 2.3 litre dCi engine (M9T), which combines outstanding performance with low running costs.

New 2.3 litre dCi engine: downsizing for both performance and economy

Derived from the 2.0 dCi (M9R), this new engine has been engineered to meet the specific needs associated with commercial vehicles. Although smaller than the G9U (2.5 litre dCi), it delivers more torque (+30Nm) and is available in a choice of three power outputs (dCi 100, dCi 125 and dCi 150). This engine is fitted transversely in the case of front-wheel drive versions and longitudinally in rear-wheel drive versions.

Front-wheel drive versions are market leaders for fuel economy

New Master shows just how much progress Renault has made when it comes to reducing the fuel consumption of its light commercial vehicles. Compared with the previous-generation Master, consumption has been cut by an average of 1 litre per 100 km in the case of front-wheel drive versions, and by up to 2.7 litres per 100 km on rear-wheel drive versions. These results show the front-wheel drive versions of New Master to be the market leader regarding fuel economy (NEDC). Fuel consumption figures for New Renault Master begin at 33 mpg (187g/km of CO2), with the core model (L2H2/medium wheelbase, medium roof, 125hp) returning 30 mpg. These improvements represent a cost saving of €1,300 over a distance of 90,000 miles (French market costs, based on a pre-tax diesel price of €0.87/litre). New Master has an operating range of more than 870 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Maintenance costs are among the market's lowest

Maintenance costs have been cut by up to 40 per cent (depending on market) compared with the outgoing Master. This represents a saving of up to €500 (French market costs) over the course of 150,000km or four years. This saving has been made possible thanks to:

    * An oil change interval extended to every 40,000km or two years, whichever comes first. This is 10,000km (or one year) more than before.
    * Maintenance-free camshaft drive chain.
    * Brake pad and disc life improved by 20 per cent. New Master is fitted with a brake pad wear warning light on the dashboard.
    * Long-life coolant now allows change intervals to be extended to 100,000 miles compared with 75,000 miles previously.

 Total Cost of Ownership has fallen by up to €1,800 on average over 150,000km (or four years, whichever comes first), for a monthly saving of €37 (*based on French market and a pre-tax diesel price of €0.87/litre).

 A significantly broader range

New Master is one of the market's few large vans to offer the choice of either front- or rear-wheel drive. This is how the range has expanded:

    * A new length option (L4 – long wheelbase with extended rear overhang) offering carrying capacity of up to 17m3 and a load length of up to 4.38 metres.
    * 3.5 and 4.5 tonne versions with twin rear wheels permitting a higher payload.
    * Towing capacity of up to 3 tonnes, bringing the gross train weight to 7.5 tonnes.
    * Greater scope for conversions by coachbuilders.

The addition of these new versions means the New Master range is unmatched at more than 350 configurations (depending on market):

    * 40 body options (panel van, combi, bus, chassis cab, platform cab, etc.).
    * A choice of four lengths (three wheelbases and two rear overhang options).
    * Three height options.
    * A choice of front- or rear-wheel drive (with single or twin rear wheels).
    * Four GVWs: 2.8 tonnes, 3.3 tonnes, 3.5 tonnes (single and twin wheel depending on FWD/RWD) or 4.5 tonnes (twin wheels)

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