Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Renault Master arrives Home > News > Renault Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 21st February, 2012 The New Renault Master In Brief Bold new exterior design matched with practical, versatile quality interior New 2.3 dCi engine, 107 kW (+19 kW) and 350 Nm of torque (+50 Nm) Optimised engine technology, improved aerodynamics ensure low running costs Medium and Long wheelbase: 10.3 and 12.5 cu m Payload: MWB MT 1,645 kg, MWB AMT 1639 kg, LWB MT 1,602 kg and LWB AMT 1,596 kg Driver and passenger front airbags, ABS, EBD, and ESP as standard Fixed glazed steel bulkhead, plus AS4034 compliant Cargo Barrier standard Cruise control, speed limiter, easy touch three-flash overtaking indicator Rear barn doors open up to 270-degrees for easy forklift loading Side door(s) take a standard pallet MWB accommodates 2 standard, Australian pallets, LWB accommodates 3 Radio CD MP3 with Bluetooth, swivelling seatback table standard Range of new options: climate control, fixed cornering lights, dual split under seat storage, driver head and thorax airbag, rear view camera 100,000 new Master sold in Europe in just over one year, reinforcing Renault LCV position as market leader The New Renault Master In Detail Overview The local launch of the new Renault Master reflects the French brand’s position as Europe’s leading light commercial vehicle manufacturer; marking significant advances in design, comfort and performance, and enhancing established virtues of robustness, reliability and functionality. The new Master is distinguished by its bold exterior styling and a redesigned cabin that offers the comfort and the practicality of a mobile office for customers who need to be able to work on the move. Packed with well-thought out storage spaces, the new Master offers more comfort behind the wheel. Innovations include a folding seat-back table that forms an ideal swivelling desktop and an optional lidded dash top cubby big enough for a laptop computer (Convenience Pack). Many of the changes and improvements have been brought about following customer feedback, not only in terms of the load area, and performance but also in order to turn the cabin into a veritable office on wheels for the hard working tradesman or courier. The 2012 Renault Master range for Australia comprises four models, comprising medium and long wheelbase versions with the same mid-height roof, powered by one engine with a choice of traditional manual six-speed transmission or a Renault Quickshift automated gear change. Technical The new Renault-designed, Euro 5 compliant 2.3 dCi engine has been engineered to meet the specific driving and performance requirements of commercial vehicle users. The transversely-mounted engine’s variable geometry turbocharger and transmission’s gear ratios favour acceleration, allowing the Master driver to enjoy significantly more power (107 kW at 3,500 rpm, up 19 kW) with maximum torque increasing significantly to 350 Nm between 1,550 rpm and 2,750 rpm (up 50 Nm). Fuel efficiency remains a Renault Master strongpoint, with the Quickshift model improving to 8.5-litres per 100 km and the manual transmission a competitive 9.0-litres/100 km, on the combined cycle. Improved aerodynamics and gear ratios help boost fuel efficiency. All versions of new Master are fitted with a gearshift indicator to help drivers maximise fuel economy. In theory, with the right circumstances, Renault Master has a range of more than 1,150 km on a single tank of fuel for the six-speed manual transmission and more than 1,230 km with a Quickshift transmission. The fuel tank holds 105 litres. Renault has adopted more longer-life and maintenance-free components. There is a fitted-for-life timing chain, longer lasting coolant (now 60,000 km/48 months), longer life brake pads (20% longer) and clutch, and a no-maintenance particulate filter for the exhaust system. Renault’s aim in developing the new Master was to achieve a level of handling and ride comfort that is better than a typical van. The front suspension features MacPherson type struts with an anti-roll bar as standard to control body roll. At the rear, the new Master is equipped with single-leaf springs, and to aid ride comfort when heavy loads are being carried, long polyurethane bump stops are used. New Master has the latest-generation ABS with EBD (Emergency Brake force Distribution), ESP stability programme and ASR traction control to ensure enhanced stability when braking or cornering when fully loaded. Drivers will notice a snowflake and kg button on the dash of Quickshift models. The snowflake will automatically select second gear for take-off in slippery conditions while the kg changes the clutch mapping when carting heavy loads. Technical Specification   MWB LWB   MT AMT MT AMT Engine Type Euro 5 Capacity (cc) 2,299 Number of cylinders/valves 4/16 Max. power kW/rpm 107 / 3,500 Max. torque Nm/rpm 350 / 1,550-2,750 Fuel Diesel Transmission Type 6-speed manual / Quickshift Speeds at 1,000 rpm in 1st gear 6.75 2nd gear 12.64 3rd gear 20.36 4th gear 28.95 5th gear 37.36 6th gear 47.41 Steering Turning circle between kerbs (m) 13.6 15.7 Turns lock-to-lock 3.76 3.76 Wheels Wheels (inches) 6.5 J16 Tyres 225/65 R16 Fuel Consumption Combined cycle (L/100 km) 9.0 8.5 9.0 8.5 CO2 Emissions (g/km) 238 226 238 226 Urban cycle 11.2 9.6 11.2 9.6 Extra urban 7.8 7.9 7.8 7.9 Capacity Fuel tank (litres) 105 Weights & Loads Tare mass (kg) 1,855 1,861 1,898 1,904 Gross vehicle weight (kg) 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500 Payload (kg) 1,645 1,639 1,602 1,596 Towing weight braked 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 Towing weight unbraked 750 750 750 750 Max. load on FR axle 1,790 1,790 1,790 1,790 Max. load on RR axle 2,100 2,100 2,100 2,100 Exterior Outside, the new Renault Master is immediately distinguished by its bold, assertive and expressive lines, which suggest the robustness and user-friendliness Renault customers expect of a big van. The front-end treatment features a broad grille and large headlamps. The 'muscular' wheel arches and the snub-nose bonnet convey a sense of power. To the rear, the asymmetric window design is retained as one of the visual hallmarks of Renault’s Master range. Three triangular stoplights provide an unmistakable rear lighting signature. New Renault Master’s proportions, prominent bumpers and broad side protection mouldings emphasise the model’s fundamental ruggedness. Detail touches, such as the introduction of wider rear light clusters, add to the vehicle’s more grounded look. Attention to detail delivers large side windows; stronger, larger door handles to offer a secure grip; steps incorporated into the front bumpers to allow easy windscreen cleaning; and the integration of indicators in the door mirror housings for extra safety. All-round visibility in new Master is excellent. The revised windscreen and side window profiles, the steeply sloping bonnet and the elevation of the driving position by 49 mm have improved the vertical field of view by 1.3 degrees and the horizontal view by 7.2 degrees. To ensure maximum on-road visibility on the LWB, the vehicle is fitted with perimeter lights down each side. Interior New Master offers a suitable driving position with increased space behind the small, more vertically set steering wheel for added driver comfort. Manual air conditioning is standard, and automatic climate control is available as an option. The cabin offers an extra 57 mm in length, much of which provides greater legroom for the driver and passenger/s. The driver’s seat has a wider and longer cushion and is fitted as standard with an armrest. The seatback has a more reclined angle and the smaller-diameter steering wheel is set at a more vertical degree for easier manoeuvring, assisted by very precise and responsive steering. Thanks to steering wheel height adjustment and the range of seat adjustment options, it is easier for drivers to find the ideal seating position. A fully adjustable suspension seat is available as an option. Ideal for drivers who cover long distances it can be adjusted according to weight (from 40 to 130 kg) offers a choice of cushion angles, and comes with pneumatic lumbar adjustment and an adjustable head restraint. Careful attention has been paid to soundproofing the cabin to enhance the driving experience. A glazed steel bulkhead and Australian standard cargo barrier are fitted as standard for safety. The bulkhead and twin mass-damping flywheel both help to keep unwanted vibration from the cabin, particularly at low engine speeds. The overall interior design is stylish, highly functional and made from durable, high quality materials and it is equipped to meet needs of business users, with plentiful, well-thought out stowage solutions and work-focused features such as the new pivoting seatback table. New Master stowage locations include: Full-width parcel shelf above the windscreen Upper dashboard compartment to hold a laptop and/or A4-sized documents Large oddments tray above the glove box Mobile phone holder with 12-volt socket for charging, coin holder and holder for business cards and car park tickets, all within easy reach of the steering wheel MP3 player holder close to a second 12-volt socket, with audio connectivity Four drinks holders and a removable ashtray 7.6-litre cooled glove box (with optional climate control), can take two 1.5-litre bottles Capacious door bins with internal dividers and space for a 1.5-litre bottle Numerous trays for items such as keys, gloves, etc An optional Convenience Pack provides a large storage compartment under the passenger double seat, a 12-volt socket in the rear load area, additional driver and passenger door storage, sunglasses holder above driver’s door and a lid for the upper dashboard storage tray which could hide a laptop from prying eyes. The two-tone theme of the sturdy dashboard is echoed on the interior door trim. An innovative feature sure to be welcomed by a wide variety of users is the swivelling tabletop mounted on the back of the centre seat, which pivots round to face the driver. It includes an adjustable tray specially designed for a laptop computer. The table can also be used as a writing desk and has two cup holders built-in and stowage space to store stationery. The optional satellite navigation system by TomTom is located above the rear view mirror, freeing up more dash stowage. It features a large adjustable 5.8-inch colour screen and is controlled via a portable remote control with a dashboard clip. TomTom functions include guidance, speed-camera locations, speed limits, over speed warning signal, alternate route guidance and web updates via an SD card. Clinical tests provided very positive results in terms of the satellite navigation screen’s visibility in this new, elevated position. The screen can be adjusted so it is visible to all occupants. Load space The new Renault Master offers similar load space to its predecessor allowing for a small amount of room taken up by the glazed steel bulkhead and standard cargo barrier. The MWB model accommodates 10.3 cubic metres (cu m) of cargo and the LWB model 12.5 cu m. The MWB can accommodate 2 standard, Australian pallets, while the LWB can fit 3. Both vehicles are able to load a pallet through the sliding side door. The sliding side door is 1,200 mm wide, allowing for a pallet to slide in, even with the cargo barrier in place. Relocating the spare wheel underneath the vehicle has increased the amount of space available, and the doors and access to the cargo area have been improved. The new Master comes with a left hand side sliding door as standard. A right-hand sliding door is available along with a choice of glazed or unglazed doors direct from the factory. While the rear barn doors, which open as far as 270-degrees come standard with windows, they are available unglazed, as well. New Master also boasts one of the lowest rear sill heights: 548 mm (543 mm for LWB model), including a rear step as standard. Dimensions 2012 Renault Master Dimensions (mm) MWB LWB Wheelbase 3,682 4,332 Exterior Dimension     Overall height 2,481 2,492 Overall width 2,070 2,070 Overall width (including door mirrors) 2,470 2,470 Overall length 5,548 6,198 Loading area (with cargo barrier)     Length 3,083 (2,990) 3,733 (3,640) Length at 1.1m height from floor 3,030 (2,940) 3,680 (3,590) Width 1,765 1,765 Width between wheel arches 1,380 1,380 Height 1,894 1,894 Front overhang 842 842 Rear overhang 1,024 1,024 Sliding side door(s)     Width of sliding side door(s) at sill 1,200 1,200 Height of sliding side door(s) 1,780 1,780 Rear door     Width (169 mm from the floor) 1,580 1,580 Door height 1,820 1,820 Loading sill Min: 548 / Max: 562 Min: 543 / Max: 557 Min. ground clearance 214 214 Volume     Load volume (m3) 10.3 12.5 Safety and security Renault places safety at the heart of all its vehicles and new Master upholds this commitment as one of the safest vehicles in its segment, thanks to an extensive list of active and passive features. Driver and front passenger airbags are fitted as standard to all models. Seatbelts are fitted with pretensioners and load limiters for optimum protection. A driver head and thorax airbag is available as an option. All-round visibility from the cab is among the best on the market. The revised shape of the windscreen and side windows, the steeply raked bonnet and an increase of 49 mm in the height of the driving position have improved the vertical field of view by 1.3 degrees and the horizontal view by 7.2 degrees. New Master boasts one of the shortest stopping distances in its class, coming to a halt in just 44.7 m from 100 km/h when laden and braking on a sealed dry road surface. This performance is made possible thanks to 302 mm diameter ventilated front discs and 305 mm solid discs at the rear. Secure, efficient braking operation in all conditions is further supported by the standard provision of latest-generation ABS with EBD (Emergency Brake Distribution) and engine torque overrun regulation. ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) is fitted as standard to all models. Every five thousandths of a second, the ESP's sensors compare the vehicle's trajectory with the driver's instructions via the steering wheel. The load-sensing ESP takes the vehicle's weight and weight distribution into account to adjust the engine torque and braking power transmitted to each wheel to permit the driver to stay in control of the vehicle in all situations, to enhance safety and comfort. The security of goods in the cargo area is catered for with a glazed steel bulkhead and standard cargo barrier. In addition there are a multitude of tie down hooks on the floor and pillars, 12 in the LWB model and 10 in the MWB model. Standard equipment Safety ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioner Front driver airbag Front passenger airbag Cruise control and speed limiter Rear parking proximity sensors (except where optional rear camera fitted) Glazed steel bulkhead with AS4034 compliant Cargo barrier 3-button key with selective opening Remote central locking Engine immobiliser Interior Cloth seat upholstery Height adjustable driver’s seat Reach adjustable driver’s seat Lumbar adjustable driver’s seat Driver’s seat with armrest 2-seat passenger bench seat Height-adjustable steering column Power steering Dashboard mounted gear lever Gear change indicator Electric windows Electric door mirrors Door mirrors with blind spot mirrors Rear view mirror Interior lighting in cargo area Manual air-conditioning Multifunction trip computer 2 x 15W CD-MP3 Radio with roof mounted display Bluetooth® hands-free with audio streaming Auxiliary RCA audio connection 2 x 12 Volt outlets on dashboard Glove box cooler cup holders Rotating table on seat backrest Floor anchorage points Unglazed body sides in cargo area Exterior Rear doors with 270° opening - glazed Left Sliding Door – unglazed Protective side mouldings Front mud flaps Rear mud flaps Full wheel cover Spare wheel under body Double optic front headlamps Bumper step for easy windscreen reach The new Master is available in a range of factory colours: Glacier White and Bright Red, Orange, Saviem Blue, Volga Blue, Moss Green, Lemon Yellow, Forget-me-not Blue as solid colours and Star Grey and Grey Blue as metallic –available at extra cost. Optional Equipment Although the standard specification for new Renault Master is strong in terms of convenience, comfort and practicality, owners can take advantage of an extensive range of options that cover a huge spectrum of personal and business preferences. Option Packs Three equipment option packs are available for New Master, giving owners a value-for-money way of enhancing their vehicle’s style, comfort and practicality. The "Convenience Pack" provides storage compartment under the passenger seat, 12-volt rear load area power socket, driver and passenger additional door storage, sun glasses storage, and lidded dashboard storage large enough for a laptop computer. The "Safety and Security Pack" adds driver head and thorax side airbag, automatic headlights and front wipers, alarm, heated rear window, fog lights, cornering headlights (except when driver suspension seat is specified) and alarm. The "Premium Pack" adds integrated Satellite Navigation with the display screen mounted above the rear view mirror, rear parking camera with display incorporated into the driver’s sun visor (replaces reversing sensors) and multimedia connection box (aux jack and USB). Factory options New Renault Master is available with a wide range of individual factory options, including: Driver head and thorax side airbag (not with suspension seat) Alarm Automatic lights and front wipers, automatic climate control Heated rear window Headlights with cornering lights Fog lights Driver’s suspension seat (not with artificial leather upholstery) Unglazed steel bulkhead Right sliding door unglazed Right sliding door glazed Glazed body side windows (opening or fixed) Anti-slip wood cargo floor Plywood lining for cargo walls (full height or mid height) Pricing*, Service and Warranty New Master has a Manufacturer’s List Price* of $43,990* for the mid-roof, medium wheelbase model equipped with a manual transmission. The Mid-roof, medium wheelbase model with Renault Quickshift automated gearchange is $46,490*. The long wheelbase manual model is priced at $44,990*, while this version with Quickshift is $47,490*. MWB MT $43,990* MWB QS $46,490* LWB MT $44,990* LWB QS $47,490* Metallic paint $1,000* Option Packs Safety & Security pack $1,890* Premium pack $1,490* Convenience pack $490* The new Master has a service interval of 15,000 km or yearly (if less than 15,000 kms driven per annum). Three-year/200,000 km warranty In Australia, Renault offers a comprehensive three-year/200,000 km factory warranty on all new light commercial vehicles and the new Master is no exception. Three year 24 hour roadside assistance is also included. Production The new Renault Master was designed and engineered in partnership with General Motors, part of its industrial co-operation that began in 1996. Renault Master and Opel/Vauxhall Movano are built exclusively at the SoVAB (Société des Véhicules Automobiles de Batilly) in Batilly, eastern France. The factory opened in 1980 and in 2007 achieved a new annual production record of 112,143 Master models. The previous Master continues to be manufactured at the Curitiba plant in Brazil. Production-related investment for the new Master amounted to almost 400 million euros, half of which was invested directly in the factory. It now has capacity of 80,000 Masters per year (over two shifts) and 140,000 (three shifts). It benefits from real expertise when it comes to the production of vans. The factory is capable of ensuring a high level of quality, and also coping with the wide range of specifications which goes hand-in-hand with this type of vehicle: there are some 350 variants of new Master, including rear-wheel drive and cab/chassis variants not offered in Australia. Batilly holds ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management, ISO 9002 for product and process quality and EAQF certification for automotive quality. Milestones Since the new Master was launched in Europe in April 2010, it has been incredibly successful, notching up 50,000 sales in the first 8 months and 100,000 sales in the first 13 months. As a result, Renault’s European LCV market share increased in 2011 to 15.6 per cent. Production increased to 600 vehicles per day by the end of 2011. THE SoVAB FACTORY (Société des Véhicules Automobiles de Batilly) The factory was established in France's Meurthe et Moselle region in 1979, and now employs 2,350 staff. As of May 2011, 1,802,410 vehicles had been built since 1980. The factory has manufactured Masters since the model's first generation in 1980 and it is the only factory to produce new Renault Master. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more History Master has been part of the Renault LCV family since 1980. It has been steadily developed to meet the changing demands of the market for more versatile, efficient and durable transport, designed to meet an ever-greater range of needs. The previous version of Master was introduced in 1997 and was an instant success. Master’s sales performance of more than one million units across 45 markets in 12 years, has been central to Renault enjoying the status of Europe’s most successful LCV manufacturer. Subsequent model enhancements reinforced its competitive market position, with improved specifications, revised styling and the introduction of fuel-efficient dCi common rail diesel engines, with the choice of six-speed manual or Quickshift automated manual transmissions. The launch of the all-new Master range in Europe in 2010 marked a leap forward in quality and performance in a range that addressed an even wider spectrum of user needs and preferences. Renault has been the uncontested leader of Western Europe’s commercial vehicle market for the past 14 years, with a market share in 2012 of 15.6%. Quotes “The New Master has arrived in Australia and is an even more appealing package than before,” says Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia. “The previous Master won many friends in a wide variety of business areas, and we are confident the new Master will be even more popular. We are working hard on extending the reach of our LCV dealer network.” “We have a new Euro 5 compliant, economical and very powerful engine, a six-speed gearbox with optional Quickshift transmission which makes city driving even easier, and of course a very large load area.” “Undoubtedly the redesigned, larger cabin, with the glazed factory fitted bulkhead plus the Australian Standards compliant cargo barrier will offer appeal to owner drivers as well as fleet operators.” “And while there’s more space, there are also many new features to make life on the road that bit more comfortable, thanks to a large array of stowage compartments, and a larger cabin.” “We have even moved the satellite navigation display to the top of the windscreen where it won’t obscure vision when manoeuvring.” “With a wide range of option packs and door configurations, I am sure the new Master will now appeal to even more large van customers.” “And with our improved component life and more maintenance free parts plus our three-year/200,000 km warranty, we’ve got you well and truly covered even if you do rack up big distances on a daily basis,” Justin said. NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Renault News ..... here Top of page About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2012   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.