SPY PICS: New Renault Master tries to blend in
Next-generation full-size French van spotted testing in Sweden a long way out from its public debutRenault has just been caught testing its fourth-generation Renault Master commercial van in the frozen north as the current models nears its 13th birthday.
The French brand’s all-new large van is anticipated to be based on a new, more electrification-friendly platform, but the new Master isn’t expected to launch with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain; instead resting on its laurels and reprising the familiar diesel and battery-electric configurations.
That’s not to say the powertrains will be the same as the current version’s – odds are they will be all-new or at least significantly overhauled to help improve emissions, efficiency and power.
A zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain is also expected to feature somewhere along the lines in selected markets starting with Europe, where all new petrol and diesel cars and light commercials will be banned from 2035.
There’s not all that much to report in terms of styling changes primarily, because there’s only so much you can do with a full-size van in which the name of the game is cargo space.
As such, the new Master looks just as tall, long and blocky as the current version, though it must be said the bonnet looks higher, shorter and squarer compared to its predecessor, with an all-new lighting signature underscoring its newfound elevation.
The seemingly slimline lights will form part of a more streamlined and probably elegant front bumper, especially on the electric version, but the wealth of line-morphing camo wrap obscures any concrete details.
Sources out of Europe have speculated the new Master won’t make its official debut for at least another 18 to 24 months, meaning the current model could well be 15 years old by the time it goes out of production.
Add to that another 12 months or so before we see it in local showrooms – and possibly even longer for the electrified versions – given we’re still waiting for Renault’s existing battery-powered Kangoo and Master E-Tech models to arrive Down Under.
Related: Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Master E-Tech confirmed for Oz
Related: Renault Master to get hydrogen fuel-cell power in 2022
Related: Renault makes five-year van warranty permanent
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
