Renault Master (2010 – 2024) Review

April 2010

New Renault Master goes on sale

Initial launch models were priced from £20,795 to £26,645 (front-wheel drive: panel van and Crew van) and £27,245 to £29,945 (rear-wheel drive panel van). 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. The 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.

June 2010

Renault launches Renault iCare

An innovative maintenance system designed specifically for the modern commercial vehicle user, whether a one van operator or larger fleet, it's designed to ensure down time is kept to a minimum and compliance legislation is fully adhered to.

A pro-actively managed service, maintenance and repair system, Renault iCare uses telematics to provide 'pay-as-you-earn' pricing and hands-free communication with the driver. Each vehicle is fitted with a four-way communication button, with one button providing the driver with direct access to Renault Assistance whenever help is required. The Renault iCare call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week to immediately direct the call to the appropriate support service, whether the AA for breakdowns, Renault Accident Support Line, tyre assistance, or windscreens.

August 2012

Renault Master improvments announced

The changes see CO2 emissions cut by up to 24g/km across Master van range, plus fuel economy gains of up to 3.8 mpg. Renault’s largest van also boasts a number of specification changes, including the availability of new radios and the introduction of air suspension for FWD versions.

For enhanced cabin comfort, a selection of new, easier to use and better-equipped radios are now available. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are now standard features across the range, while flagship Sport versions come with a CD player and MP3 playback, as well as a separate display. A new option also appears for twin-wheel rear-wheel drive Chassis Cabs in the form of 3.5 tonne towing capacity, priced at £350 excluding VAT. This represents an additional towing capacity of 500kg over the current Master, taking GTW from 6.5 to 7 tonnes.

October 2012

Master Eco Plus launched

Optimised for fuel efficiency, the Renault Master ECO uses 7% less fuel than its predecessor and is specifically designed to drive down operating cost. It is available in a wide range of body styles including panel van, chassis cab, crew cab, minibus and platform cab versions, with gross vehicle weights of 2.8 to 4.8 tonnes. Front wheel drive models benefit from new air suspension, as well as a new radio and sat-nav system. Productivity is increased through improved payload and load space, with the Renault Master ECO panel van benefiting from up to 17m3 of usable volume and 2,254kg of payload, while the chassis cab version has a payload of up to 2,529kg.

March 2014

Master Extra launched

Comes with air conditioning, reversing sensors and satellite navigation.

April 2014

Facelifted Master unveiled

The revised Master gets a new range of twin-turbo diesel engines, with fuel savings of up to 7.3mpg on the outgoing model.

The chief improvement to the van is found under the bonnet, with the introduction of a twin-turbo 2.3-litre diesel engine. The new powertrain is available with 135PS or 165PS and returns an impressive 40.9mpg and 180g/km of CO2. The 2.3-litre engine is also available with a single-turbo and 110PS or 125PS.

Standard equipment has also been bolstered with the inclusion of ESC, hill start assist and Grip Xtend, which optimises grip in difficult conditions, such as snow, mud and sand. Renault has refreshed the front-end of the Master too, with a larger logo and streamlined lighting.

October 2014

R&GO app launched

The app can be downloaded for free onto both iPhone and Android, although the navigation costs £19.99. It connects to the vehicle via Bluetooth and gives 3D turn-by-turn navigation.

The app includes a vehicle trip computer, giving the driver’s eco rating and fuel economy figures, plus functions including internet radio and music playback. There are also telephone commands, allowing the driver to make hands free calls and have text messages read out loud.

With the phone mounted on the dash, drivers can use the touchscreen to access music or control their FM radio through the app. The navigation includes UK and Ireland mapping and live traffic alerts. The mapping is downloaded and stored on the phone, enabling GPS navigation without using mobile data.

While the app is free, the navigation feature costs £19.99, made through the app. A one-month free trial is available.

April 2016

Four-wheel drive added to Master range

The option adds lower gearing for off-road conditions, while also providing increased ground clearance and underbody protection.

4x4 models get switchable driving modes, with a two-wheel drive available for normal road conditions and four-wheel drive for mud/snow roads or light off-roading. The Master 4x4 is available with single or twin-rear wheels, while a locking rear differential can be fitted as paid-for option.

July 2016

Renault Master gets more power with Euro 6 diesel engines

The Euro 6 Master, which boasts engines that are 5-10PS more powerful (depending on version) than their Euro 5 equivalents and use a combination of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and Adblue. The Master also gets a new engine - the efficiency focused Energy dCi 110.

April 2018

2019 Renault Master revealed

The Renault Master receives a more robust, expressive and dynamic front end for a common visual identity reinforced with the other models in Renault's LCV range.

Its features include an elevated bonnet line, a vertical front grille with a new logo holder, a chrome-finish grid and strip. A fully revamped interior adds a new dashboard redesigned with sleeker and tauter lines and large opened or closed storage compartments, chrome inserts on both air vents and air conditioning buttons, a new dashboard with new rev-counter and monochrome five-inch digital screen, a new steering wheel with chrome inserts, a new black and a chrome gear knob.

2019 Master features a revised range of 2.3L dCi engines. These now comply with Euro 6d-TEMP / Euro VI standards (depending on the version) and benefit from Twin Turbo technology. They provide increased power up to 180PS and increased torque up to 400Nm for more dynamism and responsiveness.

Depending on the versions, these engines can be coupled to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. They always include the latest pollution-control technologies, like the selective catalytic reduction system (SCR).

A more convenient and optimised loading area adds LED lighting to work efficiently in any conditions and ergonomic handles for easy entry and exit (at the rear and at the sides equipped with a sliding side door).

April 2018

Renault vans now available with supplied sign writing

Ordered at the same time, or soon after, the van sale is completed, the sign writing is created within three standard templates. These allow the customer to add their logo, expertise/services offered, a website address and business telephone number. Font type and colour can also be specified. The signs are for the each side of the van and the rear doors or tailgate.

Package 1 - Sides and rear. Choice of 10 x fonts and 10 colours. Company name / Services description / Tel number / Website. Positioning of elements as pre-defined. Pricing – Kangoo £215 ex VAT, Trafic £275 ex VAT, Master £360 ex VAT

Package 2 - Sides and rear. Choice of 10 x fonts and 10 colours. Company name / Services description / Tel number / Website / Logo sides and rear. Positioning of elements as pre-defined. Kangoo £270 ex VAT, Trafic £350 ex VAT, Master £435 ex VAT

Package 3 - Sides and rear. Unlimited Choice of fonts/. Company name / Services description / Tel number / Website / Logo sides and rear logos. Positioning of elements as pre-defined. Kangoo £360 ex VAT, Trafic £450 ex VAT, Master £535 ex VAT.

November 2018

Renault Master Premier Edition launched

Extra equipment of the Renault Master Premier Edition, over and above the Business+ level of trim, includes 16-inch black alloy wheels, cruise control and metallic paint.

The Premier Edition is available in two wheelbase lengths and with a choice of 2.3-litre turbodiesel engines – dCi 130, ENERGY dCi 145 and ENERGY dCi 170. All are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and drive through the front wheels. The Renault Master Premier Edition starts from £33,400 excluding VAT.