Renault unveils new Low Roof Master

Just three months after the official launch of Renault’s 4.5-tonne GVM, rear-wheel drive Master models – released in single-cab, dual-cab and High Roof variants – the French maker has expanded its LCV family yet again, this time with the new ‘L1H1’ Low Roof Master.

Measuring in at 500mm shorter and 195mm lower than the existing L2H2 Master, a model that has been available in Australia for more than two years, Renault says that with a 12-metre turning circle the Low Roof Master is ideal for multi-drop city work and actually has 33 per cent more capacity than the long-wheelbase Trafic.

As such, its 8m³ capacity pitches it between the 6m³ long-wheelbase Trafic and the 10.8m³ medium-wheelbase Master in Renault’s LCV line-up, while the 5048mm-long newcomer can handle a payload of up to 1.6 tonnes. The Low Roof Master also has a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

With a load bay measuring 2583mm long by 1765mm wide by 1700mm high, it can handle two full-size 1200mm x 1200mm pallets.

There’s front seating for three while the middle-seat’s backrest folds down to give a central tray work area and the front-wheel drive format delivers a low step-in height, smoothing the passage for busy delivery drivers.

The model features a single unglazed left-hand sliding door and two glazed rear barn doors as standard, but a right-hand sliding door (glazed or unglazed) is also available. A metal bulkhead with glazed section enhances safety, dampens noise and aids cabin ventilation.

The Low Roof Master’s safety package includes anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control and dual airbags.

Techno niceties, meanwhile, include Bluetooth connectivity, electronic cruise control and a variable speed-limiter.

Like its Master siblings, the L1H1 is powered by Renault’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the Euro 5 emissions-compliant unit producing a claimed 112kW and 350Nm. The engine is fed by a huge 105-litre fuel tank and Renault says service intervals can extend to up to 30,000km, depending on the typical driving environment.

Renault’s Capped Price Servicing sees the L1H1 locked in at $349 for the first three pit stops.

Renault Australia’s LCV Model Line Manager, Lyndon Healey, said the new Low Roof Master will only broaden the family’s appeal.

“Now the Master family adds a city-friendly package that will be ideal for a wide range of operators who need capacity but want a shorter overall length,” he said.

“The L1H1 is almost the same length as a typical large Australian family sedan so it can fit into metered parking spaces – a big advantage over some rivals.

“A wide variety of van users – from tradesmen to food and hospitality workers, cleaning to retail services customers – will find the L1H1 van ideal for moving bulk or bulky goods around the city.”

Renault’s new L1H1 Low Roof Master is on sale now and is priced at $39,990 drive-away, or $42,490 drive-away with an automated Quickshift transmission.

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