Renault Master van review (2023)

• Strong (if noisy) engines with up to 180hp
• Choice of front- or rear-wheel drive
• Good turning circle but bumpy ride

The Renault Master driving experience as all about the impressive engines. Ride comfort could be better, but as a big commercial vehicle it still covers long distances in relative comfort.

It also offers a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD), so you can specifiy the drivetrain that best suits your needs.

Renault Master engine choice

Every version of this generation of Master has been powered by a 2.3-litre dCi turbodiesel engine, right from launch in 2010. A good, tough, motor with plenty of muscle in every guise, it has nonetheless gotten better over time.

Initially launched with a choice of 100hp, 125hp or 150hp, in 2014 this line-up was improved to offer the following combinations:

• 110hp / 285Nm single-turbo (in standard and fuel-saving Energy specification)
• 125hp / 310Nm single-turbo (standard specification only)
• 135hp / 340Nm twin-turbo (Energy specification only)
• 165hp / 360Nm twin-turbo (Energy specification only)

The main fuel-saving measure for the Energy models is stop-start technology.

In 2016, the Master’s engines got upgraded again, this time to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations – which involved the addition of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful NOx emissions. This is in line with every other large van (except pre-2019 versions of the Fiat Ducato), and means there’s now an AdBlue tank to keep topped up.

Renault Master engine outputs after the 2016 Euro 6 update are as follows:

• 110 hp / 285Nm (in standard and Energy specification)
• 130hp / 310Nm (standard specification only)
• 145hp / 340Nm (Energy specification only)
• 165hp / 360Nm (Energy specification and rear-wheel drive only)
• 170hp / 380Nm (Energy specification only)

So you can see that the Euro 6 engines are largely more powerful than their predecessors, which partially compensates for the slight increase in kerbweight caused by the additional emissions control hardware.

However, these were updated again for 2019, as the Euro 6 standard became even tougher.

Renault Master engine outputs after the 2019 update are as follows:

• 130hp / 330Nm (standard specification, RWD only)
• 135hp / 360Nm (standard specification, FWD only)
• 145hp / 360nm (Energy specification, RWD only)
• 150hp / 385Nm (Energy specification, FWD only)
• 165hp / 380Nm (Energy specification, RWD only) - not coming to the UK
• 180hp / 400Nm (Energy specification, FWD only)

As you can see, the latest front-wheel drive models offer more power and torque than their rear-wheel drive counterparts; in our experience so far, they also have a much nicer action to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, which becomes quite difficult to use in some RWD applications here.

The FWD version is pleasingly mechanical in its action, in fact, with a really robust feel - not something you'd necessarily say about the manual gearboxes on Renault's smaller vans.

However, in the RWD vans' favour, they suffer from far less in-cab vibration than the newest RWD Sprinter and Crafter models - which is a big plus for the Renault.

The Master's engines aren't especially quiet, though, so you may need to raise your voice when chatting to your mates in the cab.

A six-speed Quickshift automatic transmission is optional on some models, but this is a robotised manual rather than a true auto, so isn't the most pleasant experience.

What’s the Renault Master like to drive?

Whatever engine output you choose you’ll find the Master's 2.3-litre powerplants are strong, gutsy motors with plenty of low-down muscle. And while the entry-level versions obviously aren’t going to be as happy at their maximum payload as the most powerful versions at the top of the range, they will still get the job done.

The latest 180hp range-topper is a real monster, though, so if you're looking for a powerful FWD van this is a good choice. It feels substantially punchier than the 165hp RWD model, even.

Managing the Master’s potentially vast size is easy enough, too. The steering is light, and the front wheels turn a long way, giving this large van a surprisingly nimble turning circle.

That said, the long wheelbase can still catch you out, especially if you're not so familiar with driving large vans.

Older verions aren't as stable in a straight line on the motorway as some more modern rivals, meaning you have to concentrate more, which can be tiring. But the 2019 update does add side wind assistance technology as standard, which should help with this, and you can get a lane-departure warning system to keep you on track.

Is the Renault Master comfortable?

The ride is rather bumpy – again especially compared to an ultra-modern rival such as the Crafter or the Sprinter – but this does settle down once you’ve got some weight in the back. And since few people are likely to drive a large van around unladen that’s probably the main thing.

Forward visibility is fine – the dashboard is low and the high seating position gives you a commanding view, as you’d expect. But the small quarterlight windows at the side and the angled door mirrors seem to quickly get filthy in poor weather. Remember to clean them before you set off.

What's the Renault Master E-Tech electric van like to drive?

We have a separate Renault Master E-Tech review, which covers this in great detail..

• Hugely improved interior from 2019, though all models feel built to last
• Lots of storage and some clever features, especially for mobile office use
• New 2019-onwards permanent rear-view camera option worth considering

From launch, this Renault Master doesn’t have the most premium-looking interior compared to some competitors, with rather too much greyish-brown plastic for our liking. But the 2019 update brought a completely overhauled dashboard design, which car-like features, plenty of storage and a more modern look.

Regardless, whatever this Renault lacks in luxury it makes up for with durability, and gives every impression that it should stand up to the daily rigours of being a work van.

Renault Master infotainment through the ages

Standard equipment is generous throughout the range. For example, from 2014 onwards almost every model is fitted with satellite-navigation.

Only the entry-level versions (previously called Freeway, currently called Business, in line with the rest of the Renault van range) miss out – though the basic standard system can still be upgraded to a more modern R-Link infotainment setup, as used in Renault’s passenger cars.

Go for the R-Link, and instead of taking up space in the centre console, the sat-nav touchscreen gets moved to where the rear-view mirror would be in a conventional car, allowing you to keep it in your eye line without looking too far from the road. Clever.

For 2019, the infotainment systems were upgraded again, with all versions featuring Android Auto, and the fanciest version working with Apple CarPlay as well.

A DAB radio with USB connectivity and Bluetooth has also been standard on all models since 2014.

Built to make your working life easier

There’s more cleverness in features such as the fold-down centre seatback, which functions as a mobile desk complete with swivelling laptop tray, and the clipboard that pops out of the top of the dash. You can also get a mobile phone holder that mounts next to the instrument cluster, near to a power socket.

The sense that real thought has gone into the cabin design in order to make your working life easier continues as you explore the vast array of available storage.

There’s a full-width parcel shelf above the windscreen, 7.6-litre glovebox with enough room to hold two 1.5-litre bottles, and door compartments that are also big enough to hold a 1.5-litre bottle

There are also a number of smaller compartments with card holders, coin holders, four drinks holders and stowage in the dashboard big enough to carry A4 documents. Plus a vast stowage area under the passenger bench seat.

The seats are comfortable making long journeys more bearable, and the driver gets an armrest, too.

2019 interior upgrade

From July 2019 production, the Master's cab nevertheless takes a big step forward, with a completely new and much smarter-looking dashboard design.

Stand-out features of this include properly integrated infotainment screens (where fitted), and dash-top storage areas complete with hinged lids - something the VW Crafter could well do with emulating (since the lack of covered storage is the biggest weakness in what is the benchmark-setting large van interior in all other respects).

Material quality is better than ever, and Renault has switched a single dark colour for the entire cabin, ditching the rather unpalatable light grey sections of the previous dashboard design.

What's more, the upholstery is said to be harder-wearing, so the Master's cab should stay looking better for longer.

Sadly UK buyers miss out on some new features available in Europe, including a drawer-style glovebox and pop-out lunch shelf / desk, because these haven't been made available for right-hand drive models.

New rear view camera for 2019

Another major change for the 2019 model was the option of a permanent rear-view camera, with a screen positioned where the interior rear-view mirror would be in a regular car.

The Master was the first large van to feature such a system - though it's subsequently been made available to the Vauxhall Movano, and follows the introduction of a similar system in the Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner  / Vauxhall Combo small van family.

Gladly, it seems to work better in the Master than it does in those small vans (which suffer with poor image resolution), though we're yet to test it at night. It also isn't as easy for your eyes to focus on as a conventional rear view mirror, and can be a little difficult to see through some sunglasses. Still, a useful feature to have on a large vehicle with no other rear visibility options.

Interestingly, the optional reversing camera for parking is a different one, and its slightly wider-angle view is shown on the infotainment screen.

For further information on the current range of Renault Master standard equipment see the Costs section of this review.

• Good value, with decent standard equipment
• Dedicated dealer network
• Average warranty and service intervals

The Master consistently delivers good value for money – in terms of its cargo-carrying capabilities, its standard equipment and its running costs.

At the start of 2023, there is a three years / 60k servicing package included on Hire Purchase and Lease Purchase and 3 Years / 60k Service, Maintenance and Tyres package on Contract Hire.

Renault Master mpg

The Master's official fuel economy rating is all around the 30mpg mark, with the most efficient of the front-wheel drive models managing 32.1mpg and the least dipping down to 28.5mpg. The outliers are the rear-wheel-drive versions, which only manage an official figure of 21.1mpg, so are the ones to avoid if economy is a priority and you can do without the abilities of rear-wheel drive.

Renault Master warranty

A three-year, 100,000-mile warranty is standard – though for a period Renault did increase this to four years of cover and it has also been five years at a time as well. Check what your van came with if you are buying used - for example, in March 2021, Renault launched a '5-Year Pro+ Promise' offer that added a five-year / 100,000-mile warranty and servicing plan, and five years of roadside assistance to its five-year 0% HP finance schemes. This ran until 30 June 2021 on vans registered before 30 September 2021.

In February 2018, the four-year warranty was abandoned in favour of an optional EasyLife Plan servicing scheme, which gives buyers cost-effective payment choices for maintenance instead,

Renault Master service intervals

Service intervals are every 25,000 miles or two years, whichever is sooner.

This is starting to look a little short compared to the very latest large van rivals that can supposedly cover over 30,000 miles between dealer visits.

Renault Master standard equipment

The current Renault Master range consists of two standard equipment levels: Start and Advance, which replaced the previous Business and Business+. The name was about all that changed when the update happened, and here’s what you get for your money.

Renault Master Start standard equipment highlights:

• DAB radio with USB connection, Bluetooth and CD player
• Full steel bulkhead
• Alarm, immobiliser, deadlocks and remote locking
• Electric front windows
• Electric, heated door mirrors
• Height-adjustable steering wheel
• Driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment
• Passenger bench seat
• Overhead parcel shelf
• Load anchorage points (six for L1, eight for L2, 10 for L3 and 12 for L4)
• Rear step (RWD only)

Renault Master Advance standard equipment highlights (in addition to Start):

• Wide view mirror in the passenger sun visor (reduces blindspot)
• Rear parking sensors
• Keyless go
• Built-in clipboard
• Air-conditioning
• Additional lidded storage
• Driver's seat with suspension and arm rest
• Pivoting seat-back table with dual split underseat storage
• 12v power socket in load area
• Chrome trim on front grille

A limited run Formula Edition was also introduced in late 2017, celebrating the link between Renault vans and the French brand's Formula 1 team.

This came with extra kit including cruise control as standard, plus a number of bespoke styling details, including lots of black paint and yellow detailing. It’s an acquired taste, and you can read a review of it towards the bottom of this page.

Despite the poor reputation of older Renault models, the French manufacturer has worked hard to improve this and there is little evidence of serious issues with this generation of Master.

As evidence of the improved build quality, for example, we count fewer than 10 official safety recalls since it was launched in 2010 (some modern vans have seen more than that in a single year...).

And although a few of these have been quite serious, the number of vehicles potentially impacted has always been quite small - for instance, one related to a possible turbo pipe failure that could cause a fire, but only 55 Masters in the UK needed to be checked for this.

If buying new you do get breakdown cover that matches the length of the warranty period, for added peace of mind.

• Limited amount of standard safety equipment
• All new models get an alarm, side-wind assistance

At launch, Renault claimed the Master had the shortest stopping distance of any van in its class – but that was back in 2010, and in safety terms the sector has moved on massively since then.

Generally speaking, the Master offers the bare minimum of standard safety equipment, with more available via the options list. In fact, the standard of active safety kit is so low, Euro NCAP actually rated the Master as a van to avoid in the first round of its van safety campaign.

Renault took this rating seriously, though, and upped the safety kit on the Master to the extent that it was upgraded to a Bronze rating in 2022, but this is still some way behind the current best in class, which is the Platinum rated Fiat Ducato.

Renault Master safety equipment

On earlier examples, electronic stability control (ESC) was only standard on rear-wheel drive models – but it is now fitted right across the range as part of the basic asking price. This includes hill-start assist, trailer stabilisation and Renault’s Grip Xtend feature that works to improve traction on low grip surfaces.

You get a single airbag, with up to three more optional if you want them.

Similarly, while handy features such as cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, and lane-departure warning are available, they only come at extra cost (4.5-tonne variants do get lane-departure warning as standard).

Crosswind assist was, however, made standard as part of the 2019 upgrade (Renault calls it side wind assistance), but previous to this it wasn't available at all.

Vans built from July 2019 also get the option of blindspot monitors, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and front parking sensors for the first time, too; rear parking sensors and a reversing camera were already available. In 2022 the lane-keep assist and speed assistance systems were amended, which helped the Master perform better in Euro NCAP's testing, but it is still lagging behind the rivals.

There's also a new permanent rear view camera system - discussed in the interior section of this review, above.

Renault Master security

All versions of the Master are now fitted with an alarm and immobiliser as standard – though as ever you may wish to consider upgrading these features if you regularly have no choice but to leave valuable items inside the van.

Renault has various options available to assist you with this.