Renault Master F3500 MWB 2012 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $43,990
Options fitted (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.0
CO2 emissions (g/km): 238
Also consider: Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter

Renault has been in business for 114 years, and although an abundance of commercial and light commercial vehicles has come and gone during that time, the Master van has a comparatively short history spanning just 32 years. In Australia that time reduces to a mere eight years.

The third and current generation Master, introduced to Europe in mid 2010, is an even more recent arrival Down Under, landing in February this year. It is the first of Renault’s LCVs sold locally to benefit from the French marque’s alliance with Japanese manufacturer Nissan, sharing its underpinnings with Nissan’s NV400 which is not yet offered locally.

The Australian market receives a limited number of Master variants by comparison with those offered in Europe. In its home market, Master is offered in 350 different configurations. Here, it comes in medium- and long-wheelbase variants, both of which feature the same medium roof height. Both are powered by a Euro5 compliant 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

Replacing the 2.5-litre engine found in the outgoing model, the new mill offers more power and torque to output a total of 107kW/350Nm. It’s a refined and relatively quiet engine as far as LCVs go, offering tractable pulling power from low revs while still revving freely enough for decent standing start and in-gear acceleration.

The transmission line-up remains unchanged from that of the predecessor with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed ‘Quickshift’ automated manual. We tested the manual MWB variant and found it to be effective at keeping Master on the move. The stumpy gear lever is both accurate and well weighted, as is the well-sprung clutch.

The engine is traverse mounted driving the front wheels, a layout Renault says helps Master achieve a lower cargo floor height (543mm). Unfortunately this orientation can create dynamic issues if the vehicle is incorrectly loaded (i.e. too much weight over or aft of the rear axle), during adverse weather conditions and on poor surfaces. Under hard acceleration the front wheels can lose traction, despite the intervention of Renault’s so-called ‘advanced traction control system’.

Otherwise Master’s MacPherson strut/leaf spring rear suspension arrangement keeps wheel to road skillfully and is generally more compliant than others in this segment. Steering is well assisted and sufficiently nimble for a van of these proportions – the turning circle is tighter than that of some family cars.

Gear ratio and aerodynamic improvements, as well as the inclusion of a gear-shift indicator, are said to trim fuel economy considerably. We achieved 9.9L/100km for a theoretical range in excess of 1000km.

As its nomenclature suggests, the Master F3500 sold here offers a 3500kg GVM and a payload of between 1596 and 1645kg. Externally, MWB variants measure 5540mm long, 2480mm high, 2070mm wide and ride on a 4330mm wheelbase. Inside, the cargo area measures 3080mm long, 1890mm high and 1760mm wide with 1380mm offered between the wheel arches. This sees Master MWB offer 10.3 cubic metres, or room for two standard pallets.

In the value for money stakes, and where creature comforts are concerned, Master is up there with the best in class. Standard kit includes power windows and mirrors, tilt adjustable steering, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, trip computer, single-CD tuner with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, remote central locking and acoustic rear parking sensors. The RCA-input audio plugs are however a little old hat.

Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, front airbags, stability control and a fixed steel bulkhead/cargo barrier with window as standard. Master’s higher, longer cabin improves the driver’s outward view and although the fixed seat is comfortable enough short-haul, drivers covering regional routes would be wise to option the fully adjustable suspension seat.

Optionally, Master offers a suite of equipment including climate control, fixed cornering lights, dual split under seat storage, driver’s side head and thorax airbag, wood cargo floor and plywood lining for cargo walls, and a rearview camera (instead of parking sensors). Further, three option packages see Master offered with a host of convenience, safety and technology items at an additional charge.

Despite its minor dynamic limitations, Master is a capable, well-priced and generously packaged LCV seemingly determined to dominate an increasingly important market sector.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site