- Renault gives UK debut to Master E-Tech at CV Show
- Isuzu D-Max long-term test – Latest Report
- Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Steel Edition revealed
- IVOTY Report: Stellantis explores the hydrogen proposition
- New Maxus EVs include eDeliver 5 van
- Used LCV values reach six-month high
- ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: IVECO Daily Mission Awards 2024 Q2 Round-up: Grounds Maintenance & Forestry
- Stellantis Pro One electric vans review
- Mitie adds 5,000th EV to fleet
- Record number of CVs now on UK roads, SMMT reports
The What Van? Road Test: Renault Master Formula Edition
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | Author: Steve Banner
Engine and gearbox
Maximum power kicks in at 3,500rpm while top torque of 380Nm bites at 1,500rpm. The four-cylinder 16-valve twin-turbo engine is married to a standard six-speed manual gearbox – a Quickshift6 automated ’box is available as an option on the Master – and our demonstrator was fitted with stop/start to help keep fuel usage down.
It can be switched off if needs be.
AdBlue is required to enable the dCi engine to meet Euro6 standards and is held in a 22-litre tank. The filler point is concealed behind a flap next to the driver’s door.
Driving
MacPherson struts helped support our test vehicle’s front end, with single-leaf springs installed at the back. Its 16in wheels were fitted with 225/65 R16 C ContiVanContact 200 tyres from Continental.
Power-assisted steering offers a 13.6m turning circle between kerbs, rising to 14.1m between walls.
With strong acceleration all the way up through the gears accompanied by a muted whistle from the turbochargers, this Master isn’t minded to hang about. It packs a lot of punch and we suspect that anybody who sees it bearing down on them in their rear-view mirror will be inclined to get out of the way.
A smooth gear change enables the driver to get the best of what all those 170 horses have to offer, and they don’t create all that much noise when they are at the gallop. In-cab noise levels are reasonably well suppressed.
While the handling is by no means as sharp as that of the Fiat Professional Ducato we tested (in the August issue), it is acceptable for a van of its size. It’s a shame the ride isn’t smoother, however.
Fuel economy? We averaged approximately 36.0mpg, which is a little short of the official combined figure.
Pressing the Eco button on the dashboard cuts fuel usage by up to 10%, says Renault, without any noticeable loss of performance, which is true when you’re heading down the motorway lightly laden, although you may want to forget Eco when tackling a few steep hills with a bit of weight onboard.
That is because switching to it alters the engine’s torque settings.
Our test van was fitted with a 105-litre long-range fuel tank rather than the 80-litre tank usually installed.
Renault’s build quality is improving. The materials employed appear to be of a higher standard than they used to be and the heavy doors all shut with a satisfying clunk.
Renault has, of course, been working closely with Mercedes-Benz in recent years, with the latter’s Citan a close cousin to the former’s Kangoo. Maybe Merc’s approach to quality is having an effect elsewhere in the Renault range.
View The WhatVan Digital Edition
