|
Renault has become the best-selling van range in Europe thanks to its no-nonsense approach to design, performance and value. Apparently it's all down to listening to their drivers, finding out what'd make life easier for them and then getting the appropriate features into their vans asap.
So what does the modern van driver expect from his trusty workhorse? And what are the new features that Renault thinks will make all the difference to them? The New Renault Master launched on the 1st November 2006, we thought it'd be the perfect time to discover what this new model has to offer.
Surprisingly sexy
Renault is well-known for its French design flair - after all, this is the manufacturer that got 'Va Va Voom' into the English Dictionary. But who'd have thought a van could be, well, so incredibly good looking?
Up front there's a re-styled radiator grille, which gives it a tougher, more purposeful look. The van's muscular contours continue rearwards, and are finished off with bold backlights and a footplate for easier access via the rear doors. But the beauty of the New Master isn't just skin deep. Hop inside and you'll find out why...
Works like a van, feels like an MPV
The interior of the New Master has been completely reworked, with an improved finish all over and plenty of space for those whose cab has to double as a mobile office.
You'll find storage everywhere, with two 5-litre units overhead, handy cubby holes in all the right places and some nice other touches, such as water bottle and clipboard holders. In fact it's these little details that make all the difference, and prove that Renault really understands what van drivers need.
Vibration dampers have been used to reduce cabin noise dramatically, so now you can really get the best out of your 30W CD/radio (standard on all models) or just enjoy a bit of peace and quiet as you drive between jobs.
Next Generation Engines
Lift up the bonnet and it's clear the New Master means business. Renault already has plenty of fans of its Euro 3 range of engines, but with the arrival of its latest Euro 4 power plants, it's made yet another leap forward in terms of power, responsiveness and efficiency.
Master now features the latest 2.5dCi engine, available in three power outputs: 100hp, 120hp and 150hp. They're all supplied with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, but there's the option of upgrading to the semi-automatic 'Quickshift 6' version, which makes changing gears an absolute doddle.
Each of the engines provides plenty of torque - enough to outperform many cars, in fact - with hi-tech innovations such as piezo-electric injection added to increase efficiency.
Decisions, decisions...
Every van driver is different and the New Master comes in all sorts of variants to suit your needs. There are three wheelbases (short: 4.9m, medium: 5.4m and long: 5.9m), three roof heights (short: 2.3m, medium: 2.5m and high: 2.7m) and three body types (panel van, platform cab and commercial passenger vehicle) available - plus the option to tailor-make your own conversion from a bare chassis.
Safe as houses
Driving a van is quite a responsibility. Not only do you have your cargo in the back - which could be any weight and size depending on the day of the week - but there's another, even more precious cargo up front - you and your workmates. So it's good to know that with the New Master you're in the safest possible hands.
For starters, the division between the cabin and load area has been reinforced - quite literally - with a full-steel bulkhead.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) both come as standard, and dramatically improve braking in emergencies. Adaptive ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) is available as an option, helping you keep on course in difficult road conditions, regardless of the weight and positioning of your load.
Driver's airbag comes as standard, with passengers' airbag available as an optional extra, along with a rear parking sensor, fog lights and intelligent wipers and headlights. So now you can concentrate on the driving and leave everything else to the van itself.
Even when you've parked up, the New Master doesn't switch off, with selective area locks that allow you to open either the cab or the load area without opportunistic thieves sneaking in, and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard.
|
