A practical van as a rolling, fully connected office

2023-11-26 05:04:00

The Renault Master is a widespread van, especially in Europe, but it has also been available in South America since 1990. More than three million units have been sold since it was first introduced 43 years ago. Now the French have introduced the fourth generation.

The front has become particularly eye-catching – with the massive radiator grille and the C-shaped LED headlights. Overall, the body was made aerodynamic with a lot of effort. Due to the size of the vehicle, the relevant tests were carried out in an aircraft wind tunnel. The result, for example, is a body that narrows slightly towards the rear. Nevertheless, the loading area and rear opening could be enlarged at the same time.

Significantly improved efficiency

Thanks to what Renault calls the Aerovan design, air resistance was reduced by 20 percent compared to the current Master. The improved aerodynamics also led to significantly better drive efficiency: the CO2 emissions of the diesel versions were reduced by an average of 39 grams per kilometer and are now all below 200 grams per kilometer.

The spacious driver’s cab becomes an office in no time.
Image: Renault

And the energy consumption of the E versions was reduced by 20 percent compared to the current Master E-Tech.

On the drive side, four diesel engines (77 to 125 kW/front or rear drive) and two electric drives (96 and 105 kW) are available for market launch in spring 2024. The Renault Master E-Tech has a battery pack on board with a capacity of 78 kilowatt hours (kWh). Renault promises a range of up to 410 kilometers; the maximum charging power is 130 kilowatts (kW). The transporter is designed in such a way that it could also be equipped with hydrogen power in the future.

The all-electric versions also offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G). This means that it is possible to charge electrical devices via a socket in the cargo area or in the driver’s cab, as well as to operate special consumers.

A practical van as a rolling, fully connected office — The loading volume of the new Master is up to 22 cubic meters.
Image: Renault

Up to 22 cubic meters of loading volume

As usual, the new Renault Master is available in several vehicle lengths and heights as well as different bodies. The loading capacity is eleven to 22 cubic meters. The diesel variants have a maximum payload of two tons; the electric versions have a maximum payload of 1,625 kilograms; Trailers weighing 2,500 kilograms can also be hooked.

In just a few simple steps, the Master becomes a rolling office: the backrest of the middle seat can be folded down and becomes a desk pad. There is also a holder for a laptop and several USB-C ports.