Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2025: Best Large Van
The all-new Renault Master sets a new standard for large vans, matching efficiency with practicality, and comfort with convenience...
Renault Master
Priced from £33,500 (Excl. VAT) Load space 10.8-14.8m3 Payload Up to 1971kg Power 129-168bhp Torque 258-280lb/ft
The large van sector is often blessed with fewer new product launches than its smaller siblings, so with the launch of an all-new Renault Master, eyebrows were no doubt raised in the boardrooms of the brand’s competitors, many of whom have ageing models kept fresh with facelifts.
The French company has prioritised productivity, efficiency, safety and comfort, and the resulting van is now the go-to choice among large vans. The exterior, whilst smart-looking, has been designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing fuel consumption, with Renault claiming a 20% improvement in efficiency. Subtle touches include changing the angle of the windscreen, the shape of the wing mirrors, and even tapering the van's body at the rear, with each modification helping the Master move more efficiently through the air.
The cab features a unique 'S' shaped dashboard, providing a practical and spacious working environment with practical and high-tech updates for the driver. There's a 10.0in touchscreen fitted as standard, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, while the often neglected area of in-cab storage has been addressed, with the Master providing 135 litres of space — a gain of 25% from the outgoing model. Practical touches include cup holders at either end of the dash that double up as grab handles for entry — although be careful if there's already a coffee cup in them.
The new Master comes with a plethora of safety and driver assistance systems as standard. These include Active Emergency Braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), Lateral Stabilisation Assistant (which assists in crosswind conditions), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Extended Grip — a system that adjusts the power from one wheel to the other on loose or slippery surfaces to achieve optimum grip.
Renault is keeping things simple when it comes down to model choice – although this might be considered restrictive, the company will claim that the choice has been dictated by previous customer demand. There are two body lengths, two roof heights, a single weight limit, two trim levels and a diesel engine offered at outputs of 128, 148 and 168bhp, the latter two with an nine-speed automatic gearbox as an option.
The Master has previously been considered to be a utilitarian workhorse. The new van keeps these virtues, maintaining its top-of-the-class payload and cargo volumes, but adds brand-new and ingenious efficiency and tech improvements.
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