Renault Australia has announced that its revised Master family of large vans is now on sale, with a fresh look, a new engine, three new models and an upgraded suite of safety features headlining the changes.
While the existing 2.3-litre single-turbo 'M9T dCi150' four-cylinder turbo-diesel will continue to power models fitted with Renault's QuickShift six-speed automated manual transmission, those with a traditional six-speed manual now benefit from the French manufacturer's M9T Energy dCi165 powerplant – a 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel said to produce 120kW and 360Nm. The older unit produces a claimed 110kW and 350Nm.
Meanwhile, a lower-output version of the new engine is available for the L1H1 front-drive Master, with the Energy dCi 135 good for a claimed 100kW and 340Nm.
The Master range has also been joined by three new variants: a front-drive window van suitable for conversion to a passenger bus; a front-drive platform cab ideal for bodybuilders and converters; and a new rear-drive L3H2 long-wheelbase van. The latter has a GVM of 4500kg and offers an enhanced payload of 2207kg in contrast to the 1540kg payload of the front-drive equivalent.
The new rear-drive L3H2 Master also boasts a three-tonne towing capacity and has an internal volume of 12.4sqm – 0.6sqm down on the front-drive model thanks to the wheel arches for the dual rear wheels.
While the basic safety appointments of dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (with brake force distribution), traction control and stability control carry over, all variants now receive an updated electronic stability program that incorporates hill start assist, trailer swing assist and Renault Grip Xtend, the latter an enhanced traction control setting for use on soft ground.
The Master family's styling has been refreshed for 2015, with Renault's self-proclaimed NBI (New Brand Identity) delivering a new front end with a more aggressive, dynamic look.
Fuel-saving idle stop-start technology is now available on all manual models while Renault has revised its list of standard and optional equipment for the family, offering – it says – "improved content and value".
The new variants see the Master family swell to 20 models, with payloads ranging from 1540kg to 2490kg and cubic capacities from 8.0sqm to 17.0sqm. While pricing remains unchanged for some cab/chassis models, other existing variants have increased in price by either $500 or $1000.
Vans | Price | Change |
L1H1 SWB low roof 100kW manual FWD | $40,990 | $500 |
L1H1 SWB low roof 120kW manual FWD | $41,990 | New model |
L1H1 SWB low roof 110kW auto FWD | $43,490 | $500 |
L2H2 MWB mid roof 120kW manual FWD | $45,490 | $500 |
L2H2 MWB mid roof 110kW auto FWD | $47,990 | $500 |
L3H2 LWB mid roof 120kW manual FWD | $46,990 | $1000 |
L3H2 LWB mid roof 110kW auto FWD | $49,490 | $1000 |
L3H2 LWB mid roof window van 110kW auto FWD | $50,490 | New model |
L3H2 LWB mid roof 120kW manual RWD | $49,990 | New model |
L3H2 LWB mid roof 110kW auto RWD | $52,490 | New model |
L4H3 ELWB high roof 120kW manual RWD | $51,990 | $500 |
L4H3 ELWB high roof 110kW auto RWD | $54,490 | $500 |
Platform cabs | ||
L3 120kW manual FWD | $41,490 | New model |
L3 110kW auto FWD | $43,990 | New model |
Cab/chassis | ||
L3 single cab 120kW manual RWD | $46,990 | $1000 |
L3 single cab 110kW auto RWD | $49,490 | $1000 |
L4 single cab 120kW manual RWD | $47,990 | No change |
L4 single cab 110kW auto RWD | $50,490 | No change |
L4 dual cab 120kW manual RWD | $51,490 | No change |
L4 dual cab 110kW auto RWD | $53,990 | No change |
According to Lyndon Healey, Model Line Manager for LCVs at Renault Australia, the new-look Master family will only add to the brand's current momentum in the commercial vehicle sector.
"The arrival of the Renault Master NBI range, with new model variants, high-efficiency twin-turbo engines and additional safety and convenience features, will further strengthen our product offering in the large van segment," he said.
"We now have an even wider range of high quality, high efficiency solutions for large van and light truck customers across Australia, while the introduction of a base vehicle optimised for passenger-carrying conversions provides customers with a safe, comfortable and easy-to-drive new option."
Renault Australia is enjoying significant growth with its light commercial vehicles at present, the maker selling 1086 examples of its Master here last year – 35.1 per cent more than it did in 2013 (FCAI data). It also registered sales growth of 46.0 per cent for its Trafic medium van and 79.5 per cent for its Kangoo compact LCV, to achieve a record 3393 LCV sales for the year.
Renault Australia will be hoping that momentum will only grow with the arrival of its revised Master, and backed up by the all-new Trafic due to reach our shores later this year.