Renault Premieres New Master Commercial Van for Europe

Renault debuted its New Master light commercial vehicle (LCV) at the 2014 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK.

The New Master is the latest in a spate of new van introductions from Renault, which also includes the Kangoo LCV range and the Trafic. The lineup will feature new engines and technologies, as well as redesigned front-end styling, according to the automaker.

The automaker said the chief evolution is to be found under New Master’s hood, namely a choice of 2.3 dCi engines with power outputs ranging from110 to 165 horsepower (compared with 100-150hp previously).

The 110 hp and 125 hp versions will ensure an attractive trade-off between price and fuel consumption. The 135 hp and 165 hp versions will be equipped with twin turbo technology and, in addition to being more powerful, will be even more fuel efficient.

The 165 hp version, for example, will provide a fuel-consumption saving of 1.5 litrers/100km despite delivering 15 extra horsepower and 10Nm of additional torque. This will bring the fuel consumption of the L2H2 165 hp version of New Master down to less than 7 liters/100km (6.9 liters/100km, equivalent to 180g of CO₂/km).

Fuel consumption can be further reduced by up to 10 percent simply by pressing on the ECOmode button which adjusts engine torque and the climate control/heater system’s settings, according to the company.

Meanwhile, the range has been embellished with a number of new safety- and comfort-related features, including latest-generation ESC with Load Adaptive Control as standard equipment, as well as Hill Start Assist and Extended Grip which optimises grip in difficult conditions, such as snow, mud and sand.

Trailer Swing Assist will also be available (in association with the towing option). When swaying of the trailer is detected, the system alternately applies the brakes and limits the delivery of engine torque until the phenomenon is halted. The steering system of the twin turbo versions of New Master will be equipped with an electric pump to facilitate manoeuvring and minimise the effort required by the driver to turn the wheel at low speeds. It also permits a fuel-consumption saving of 0.1 liters/100km.

Crew cab versions are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system which warns the driver if a tire is underinflated or punctured.

Another new feature is the optional wide view mirror incorporated in the passenger-side sun visor which enhances safety by providing an unprecedented rearward view of the blind spot on the opposite side of the vehicle.

In addition to the Carminat TomTom Live system, another navigation system is available for Master: the R & Go smartphone application (Android and iOS) which offers an economical and practical way to control the navigation, telephone and different multimedia functions.

New additions are the L4H2 and L4H3 panel van versions with single rear wheels. Their long final-drive ratio makes them ideal for long-distance use and courier companies. The wider space between the wheel wells permits europallets to be carried at the back, according to the automaker.

The New Master will be made in Batilly, France.