Following on from recent news of Renault’s updated Trafic mid-size van, the French manufacturer has unveiled its refreshed Master large van – the model revealed on April 29 at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK.
The biggest change lies in the new Master’s power choices – previously available with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in a range of outputs from 74-110kW (100-150hp), the new iteration comes in the same essential format but with an output range of 81-121kW (110-165hp).
In Europe at least the new Master will be available with a total of four engine choices: in 81kW (110hp) and 92kW (125hp) single turbo-diesels and in new 99kW (135hp) and 121kW (165hp) twin turbo-diesels.
Renault says the new twin turbos return lower fuel consumption figures despite their higher outputs, offering savings of up to 1.5L/100km. In fact, Renault claims an economy figure of 6.9L/100km for the 165hp version of the L2H2 Master.
The twin turbos also come with an electric pump to minimise steering effort in low-speed manoeuvring.
Other updates include the standard fitment of the latest generation of stability control with Load Adaptive Control, plus Hill Start Assist and a traction control feature that optimises grip in difficult terrain, such as mud, snow, and sand.
Crew cab versions will come with a tyre pressure monitoring system while Trailer Sway Assist will be available with an optional towing pack.
A Wide View mirror, built into the passenger-side sun visor, offers enhanced vision to the rear.
A mild cosmetic revision sees the new Master adopt a new grille, the fresh front-end styling strengthening its ties with the rest of Renault’s LCV range.
The new Master will be manufactured in Renault’s SOVAB production facility in Batilly, France, in over 350 versions spanning three heights and four lengths in crew cab, platform cab, and cab/chassis formats. New to the range are the L4H2 and L4H3 panel-van Masters – rear-wheel drive panel-van models with single rear wheels.
Renault France says the new Master will go on sale in Europe mid 2014; local pricing, specifications and availability are yet to be confirmed.