Renault Master better by miles

The 65th IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany attended by motoring journalists including Business Day from all over the globe have come has come and gone, but the memory still lingers. It was one event that reveals a lot of new entrants in the trucks segment and the Renault Master was one such revelation.

Available in versions from 2.8 to 4.5 t, the new Renault Master benefits from a new design, new power ratings, bi-turbo technology, ESC as standard and the Eco-Mode to encourage fuel savings. Available from 2.8 to 4.5 t, there will be panel van, simple chassis and crew cab, combi, bus and platform cab versions.

Front or rear wheel drive configurations will also be on offer with single or twin wheels and manual or automated manual transmissions. The new Renault Master offers the perfect solution to customers operating in urban environments. It features bi-turbo technology (on the 135 and 165 hp engines).

This technology makes it possible to operate in turn, or together, a low-pressure turbo and a high pressure turbo, thereby benefiting from maximum supercharging pressure during all engine use phases. For the driver, these mean greater driving comfort, increased performance and, at the same time, lower consumption and therefore lower CO2 emissions.

Customers choosing the new Renault Master can also save fuel by using the Eco-Mode. The versions with 135 hp and 165 hp engines are fitted with this system as standard. The driver can optimise fuel consumption by simply pressing a button on the dashboard.

Another feature is the Stop & Start system which comes as standard on the 135 hp and 165 hp versions. This automatically puts the engine on standby when the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights. The engine starts again simply by pressing on the clutch or engaging the first gear. Combined with the bi-turbo technology, these systems make it possible to save up to 10% on fuel consumption.

The truck is equipped with a 2.3-L Euro 5b+ engine and offers a wide range of power ratings: for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (110 to 165 hp), five power ratings are available, whereas for those with automated manual gearboxes (125 and 150 hp), there is a choice of two power ratings.

As far as safety is concerned, all versions are equipped with the

ESC directional stability control as standard. For maneuverability and optimal safety, the ESC also incorporates the Hill Start Aid feature, assistance with emergency brake assist (EBA), an electronic traction control (Extended Grip), a trailer stability function (Trailer

Swing Assist), Adaptive Load Control and an Anti Rollover Control System.

On the combi versions, a tyre pressure surveillance system is also available. Finally, for enhanced visibility and maximum safety, the passenger sunshield on the new Renault master can be fitted with a mirror. When deployed, this overcomes the blind spot between the field of vision offered by the exterior rearview mirror and a direct view.

Renault Master has also benefited from changes to its design. It

now has a new hood, a new radiator grille and can be fitted with an anti-gravel screen on the radiator. Like the vehicles on the new range, the new model also features a red metallic plate on the driver’s door, the passenger door and, for van configurations, on the vehicle’s rear door.

Finally, because for Renault Trucks, service is an integral part of the vehicle, the new arrival offers services adapted to its application. This means, the centres with the Fast & Pro label offer customers an area devoted to light commercial vehicles (LCVs), with fast turnaround times for vehicle servicing and controlled costs.

Depending on the market, the quality of Renault Trucks service is also available via what the truck maker called the Start & Drive maintenance contracts and optimised financing and insurance solutions.

MIKE OCHONMA