The What Van? Road Test: Renault Master Formula Edition

Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | Author: Steve Banner

Ren Mascab

Interior and equipment

Anybody who climbs behind the wheel of this three-seater Master will find that they are blessed with a quite extraordinary amount of storage space. There is a shelf or a bin wherever you look.

There are three bins in each of the doors, and the largest one in each case has a moulding that can play host to a flask or a big bottle of water.

Glance up and you'll see shelves above the windscreen on both the driver and the passenger sides. A slot between them that can accommodate a tachograph can play host to your sunglasses if one is not fitted.

A deep, lidded but not lockable glove box is provided and you will find another lidded compartment on top of the dashboard, along with a variety of trays and a holder for small change for parking meters.

Twin cupholders project from close to the bottom of the dashboard, along with a shelf below them. Both arrangements steal leg space from the middle passenger.

You’ll find a cupholder and a cubbyhole at each extremity of the fascia. A pull-out shelf pops up vertically from the middle of the dashboard with a clip that keeps paperwork in place.

Pull up the passenger seat cushions and you will find a big hidden compartment – just the place to conceal easily stolen power tools. Flip the back of the middle seat down and it turns into a desk with two cupholders and a section that swivels towards the driver to make it easier to use.

Complete with lumbar adjustment and an inboard armrest, the driver’s seat is height-adjustable, as is the leather-trimmed steering wheel. Electric windows and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors are fitted with lower wide-angle sections.

The Formula Edition’s cab is graced by what Renault describes as a Luxe pack. It includes chrome door handles and dial surrounds among other decorative flourishes.

Our demonstrator came with an optional R-Link multimedia system that embraces TomTom Live navigation plus a 7in overhead touchscreen.

Also provided are a FM/AM/DAB radio tuner, a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and USB and aux-in sockets.

The radio can be controlled using buttons on the dash or on the steering column, as well as from the screen.

The screen will also tell you what is behind when you engage reverse if the optional reversing camera fitted. Rear parking sensors are standard and can be deactivated.

Air-conditioning is fitted along with cruise control and a 12V power point. Now with a plastic plug, what was once the socket for the cigarette lighter gives you another 12V power source.

Onboard safety systems include ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control and hill-start assist. Also provided are Grip Xtend and Trailer Swing Assist. The former is an added-traction device that should help you make progress on loose surfaces. Working with the electronic stability control system, the latter helps bring a trailer under control if it starts to get a bit twitchy.

Disc brakes are fitted all round and the driver is protected by an airbag. No airbag for the passengers, though.

One of the cleverest safety measures we have ever seen in any van is the blind-spot mirror. Mounted on the inside of the passenger sun visor, it allows you to spot cyclists who may be inching up your inside when you are about to make a left-hand turn.

Continuing with the topic of safety, our demonstrator was equipped with an optional safety pack that includes a lane departure warning system. It alerts you if you start daydreaming and wander into the adjoining lane. The pack also dips the headlights automatically at night in the face of oncoming traffic.

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