The Big Box. Yes, that’s exactly what the 2016 Renault Master is. And what the most amazing thing about it is that it has got a life ahead of it as a small hatchback when you drive it around country sides or on the city streets. Powered by Renault turbo diesel engine, Master is one economical van you’d love to drive all day long.
It doesn’t matter which version you opt for, a four-cylinder 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine is standard on all models and they are mated with either a single-clutch automatic or the six-speed manual gearbox one.
The manual rear-drive one comes with an engine that produces 120kW and 360Nm while the others (front-wheel drive ones) gets either a 100kW and 340Nm unit or the 110kW with 350Nm.
Renault has paid special attention to the details inside the cabin, with enough nooks and crannies, the dashboard is simply, as they call it, brilliant. Then comes the three-across seating with is soothing and when the middle perch is folded down, it reveals two cup-holders on a handy tray.
The infotainment system on the other hand needs some serious attention which is still the single-DIN stereo and doesn’t include the sat-nav as standard rather optional. The worst part is the rear-view camera which is awkwardly been mounted in the flip-down sun-visor of the driver.
As compared to its rivals like the Crafter which offers 14,000L and Ducato offering 13,000L, the Master starts at 12,400L and goes up to 17,000L when you choose the extra-long wheelbase version. It also offers 2.1 to 2.2t payload.
Master comes with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It is backed by six-speed manual gearbox, delivering power to the rear-wheels. The suspension is MacPherson strut on the front and leaf spring on the rear wheels.
It offers disc brakes on the rear wheels and ventilated on the front. The steering is electrically assisted mechanical one.
