Renault Master

Like most commercial vans, the cabin of the 2024 Renault Master is practical and void of any premium stuff. The cabin is almost new following the upgrade. The dashboard is designed to offer maximum cabin space. Large door pockets, dash-top storage bins, and under-seat space offer up to 105 litres of stowage space. There's also a dash-mounted docking station that holds smartphones and tablets. The chrome detailing and switchgear is neater than the earlier version. The load volume varies between 8-22 cubic meters while the hauling power ranges from 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes. Almost all versions have at least 1,000kg payload capacity which is very competitive. The navigation screen blends nicely with the dashboard. The overhead storage compartments are lid-covered. The foldable central seat has trays and cupholders, along with a rotating section for laptops. There are a lot of hard plastics in the cabin but that increases the durability.

The Renault Master was launched in 2010 and got a facelift in 2019. The van has since remained unchanged. The vehicle now sports a refreshed look with more focus on aerodynamic efficiency. The 2024 Renault Master is available in three different height and length combinations, along with several customization options for the panel section. Commercial vans aren't much of a looker and the Master is no different. But changes to the front, following the upgrade, were made deliberately to make the van look more truck-like. Renault believes that it'll highlight the van's sturdy character. The grille now gets chrome adornment and is also more upright. The bonnet is higher. Loading and unloading cargo from the 2024 Renault Master is easier than most rivals, courtesy of the large rear and slide doors. All versions get a single side-sliding door as standard. It has a minimum width of 1,050mm. The barn-like door at the back provides a maximum opening of 1,580mm. The van runs on rather small 16-inch wheels. 

Commercial vans aren’t meant to be fuel-efficient. The Renault Master has a claimed mileage of 8 kmpl under mixed riding conditions.

Commercial vans usually don't offer much traveling comfort but the 2024 Renault Master differs. All three seats are comfortable and provide manual adjustment. But the lower part of the dashboard encroaches into the middle passenger's legroom. Behind the wheel, the Renault Master provides good visibility because of its high-ride seating position and wide windscreen. Lighter controls lead to less driver fatigue. The fabric seats have nice cushioning. The manual air-conditioning cools the cabin fast. Suspension is a bit on the stiff side, particularly when the van is empty. But it manages to absorb most road imperfections.     

The 2024 Renault Master is hauled by a four-cylinder, 2.3-litre diesel engine that produces 125 PS. The motor is mated to a six-speed manual. It doesn't ride as well as a Volkswagen Crafter, and is a little wobbly when completely empty, but does settle down when there's some weight in the cargo compartment. It's impressively stable at motorway speeds for a high-side vehicle.

The 2024 Renault Master comes with a digital rearview mirror that uses a rear-mounted camera. Driver-assist features include cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, side wind assist, and active emergency braking. Even the entry-level model gets automatic headlights and wipers, and electric and heated door mirrors.

Running costs of most commercial vans are often high but the 2024 Renault Master manages to keep that under check. The engine is frugal. The van comes with a spacious and airy cabin and comfortable seats. The cargo area is also. The 2024 Renault Master is a worthy panel van for most businesses.