The What Van? Road Test: Renault Master Formula Edition

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

 

Rrenmasear 3-4

Buying and running

The Master Formula Edition is protected by a three-year/100,000-mile warranty with no mileage restriction during the first two years.

The deal includes three years’ roadside assistance, a three-year paintwork warranty and a six-year anti-perforation corrosion warranty.

Service intervals are set at two years/25,000 miles.

The LED daytime running lights should last forever and it’s good to see a full-size spare wheel. Good, too, to see that the metallic paint – which some observers have suggested is closer to brown than black – is protected by side rubbing strips.

Renault Master Van MM35 dCi 170hp Formula Edition

Price (ex VAT)     £33,150
Price range (ex VAT)     £25,120-£36,220
Gross payload     1,529kg
Load volume     10.8m3
Load length     3,083mm
Load width (min/max)     1,380/1,765mm
Load bay height     1,894mm
Loading height      548mm
Rear door aperture     1,580x1,820mm
Side door aperture     1,270mmx1,780mm
Gross vehicle weight     3,500kg
Braked trailer towing weight     2,500kg
Residual value     15.0%*
Cost per mile    65.7p*
Engine size/power     2,298cc, 170hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque      380Nm @ 1,500rpm
Gearbox     6-spd
Fuel economy      39.2mpg (combined)
Fuel tank     105 litres
CO2     186g/km
Warranty      3yrs/100,000mls
Service intervals      2yrs/25,000mls
Insurance group      48
Price as tested     £36,130

* After 4yrs/80,000mls; source: KwikCarcost

Options fitted

Loading pack     £800
R-Link multimedia system     £675
Safety pack     £500
Rear step    £350
Reversing camera      £350
Cornering lights      £130
105-litre fuel tank    £100
Extra load tie-down points     £75

Rivals

Ford Transit
Price (ex VAT) £24,470-£36,285
Load volume    9.5-15.1m3
Gross payload    872-2,169kg
Engines     105hp, 130hp, 170hp 2.0 diesel
 
Verdict: The Ford Transit remains extraordinarily successful, a success that is underpinned by impressive engines, a smooth gear change and a sensibly designed cab interior. You should think about opting for the SelectShift six-speed automatic gearbox if you’re on home-delivery work.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Price (ex VAT) £24,350-£44,275
Load volume      7.8-17.0m3
Gross payload    804-2,547kg
Engines    112hp, 140hp, 163hp 2.1 diesel, 190hp 3.0 diesel

Verdict: Recently revised extensively, the Sprinter now comes with the choice of either front- or rear-wheel drive – 4x4 models are produced too – and its optional nine-speed auto ’box is astonishingly capable. Safety is given top billing with a variety of onboard systems available to lessen the risk of accidents.

Peugeot Boxer
Price (ex VAT) £22,335-£31,795
Load volume 8.0-17.0m3
Gross payload 11,15-1,900kg
Engines 109hp, 131hp, 161hp 2.0 diesel

Verdict: Viewed in the past as a bit of an also-ran, the Boxer is in reality an attractive package that in Professional trim delivers almost all buyers are likely to want. It is also marketed by sister brand Citroen under the Relay banner and by Fiat as the Ducato, although the latter takes different engines.

 

The Final Verdict

Design

7/10

Stand-out looks yet remains a practical cargo carrier.

Cabin

8/10

Few offer more storage in what is a comfortable environment.

Ride

6/10

 Room for improvement, especially when lightly laden.

Refinement

8/10

 One of the best put-together Renaults we've ever come across.

Load area

8/10

Easy access, plenty of load tie-down points, low cargo bed. 

Handling/performance

7/10

 Former is so-so, the latter is exemplary across the rev band.

Engine/transmission

8/10

 A well-matched combination delivering ample performance.

Standard equipment

7/10

Most of what you require is there.

Operating costs

7/10

Decent warranty and service interval should help limit costs§.

What Van? subjective rating

7/10

Should spark interest in more conventional Masters.

Overall Rating = 73/100



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