Renault Master Bus on sale

Renault Australia has expanded its Master line-up with the addition of a new 12-seater bus.

Based on the long-wheelbase, mid-roof Master van, the $59,990 (plus on-roads) Master Bus is powered by the same 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel found in automated-manual examples of the Master van, as opposed to the slightly more powerful twin-turbo unit found in manual models.

The Master Bus also adopts the automated-manual transmission, with the 110kW and 350Nm on offer fed to the front wheels.

The newcomer, which can be driven on a car licence, joins a range that comprises vans, platform cabs and single- and dual-cab/chassis models, with variants spanning four wheelbases, three roof heights and manual and automated-manual transmissions.

The Master Bus has a GVM of 3900kg and can handle a payload of up to 1252kg, while it has the same 2500kg braked towing capacity as the van on which it's based.

Occupants are accommodated in a 3/2/2-1/4 layout, with the 3.5 cubic metres of luggage space at the rear accessed by 50/50 barn doors that open to 270 degrees. In addition, up to 200 kilograms can be accommodated on the roof.

Renault says the bus affords 1880mm of head space, allowing all but the tallest passenger to stand fully upright, while retaining an overall height of 2475mm.

Safety features include stability control, anti-lock brakes and driver and passenger front airbags, plus hill start assist and Grip X-Tend, the latter affording traction over soft terrain. Rear parking sensors are complemented by a reversing camera, while every seat is fitted with a three-point seat belt. Two seats are also fitted with ISOFIX child restraint mounting points.

A second air-conditioning system is located at the rear of the bus, while other features include a glazed emergency roof hatch, reclining seats for the two middle rows, and an auto side step beneath the near-side sliding door.

An optional premium pack adds an electric side door, auto headlights and wipers, sat-nav with touch screen, LED roof lighting, premium carpet, four USB sockets and reclining rear row seats for $3590. Meanwhile a Luxury Pack, which will become available later this year, builds on the Premium Pack with leather seating, lane departure warning, adaptive high beam headlights and tinted windows. The Luxury Pack will be priced at $7990.

The bus is available in seven solid and three metallic colour schemes, and is covered by a three-year/200,000km warranty that can be extended to four or five years. Roadside assistance is included for the warranty period and servicing is capped at $349 for the first three scheduled services. Service intervals are pegged at 30,000 kilometres.

The Master Bus will square off against Toyota's dominant HiAce, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford's Transit in the sub-20-seater bus segment, where it will be hoping to emulate the current momentum of its Master van.

Last year saw Master sales grow by 39 per cent over the previous year. The figure was eclipsed by Renault's Kangoo compact LCV, which saw sales surge by 77.3 per cent.

According to Lyndon Healey, Model Line Manager for Renault Australia LCV, the new Master Bus will further broaden the Master line-up's appeal.

"We've decided to bring the Master Bus to the Australian market because we recognise the demand for an affordably priced, high-quality, well-equipped, comfortable and spacious bus that requires no compromises by customers or passengers," he said.

"We have spent 18 months talking to prospective bus customers and refining the product, to ensure it is suitable for Australian driving and loading conditions, and to meet the expectations of the Australian market in terms of features, equipment and price."

Renault's Master Bus is on sale now.