Renault Master RWD Van Range : IN THE REAR WITH THE GEAR

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Renault's Master RWD Is A Panel Van For Buyers Who Ask A Lot Of Their Vehicles. Steve Walker Reportsâ€¦

Some van operators go through vehicles at a rate of knots, reducing each successive model to a juddering hulk in a matter of just a few years. This isn't through wilful negligence or some stRange propensity for the destruction of company property. Rather, it's a state of affairs arising from that particular operator's line of work. Modern vans are built to last but subject one to the toughest treatment day in day out and it will always come off worse than another that is given a relatively easy time of it. Renault obviously recognise this because they offer a Range of rugged rear-wheel-drive Master panel vans for companies who habitually put their vehicles through the mill.

Renault had a good starting point for their Master RWD Range. The conventional Master panel van is a class-leading product that has been kept on the boil by a series of internal and external modifications over the years. The RWD models resemble their front-wheel-drive brethren exactly in terms of their distinctive exterior styling and impressively crafted interiors but wholesale changes to the chassis, suspension and drive system make them stronger and better suited to proper heavy-duty work. The Renault Master RWD is really just a chassis cab that's available with various different body options. It's the panel vans we're examining here but customers can take their pick from a variety of bodystyles and specialist conversions to obtain their ideal vehicle. Panel van customers can specify medium or long wheelbase and pick from the Master's two largest dCi common-rail diesel engine options. Namely, the 115bhp 3.0-litre dCi 120 or the Range-topping 156bhp 3.0-litre dCi 160.

"The benefits of rear-wheel-drive itself will not be lost on anyone who has driven a rear-wheel-drive carâ€¦"

It's Renault's HGV expertise, something that only a few light commercial vehicle manufacturers can call upon, that has given rise to the Master RWD. Technologies from this larger class of vehicle are evident as soon as you don you miner's helmet and take a peek underneath. The chassis is of high tensile steel construction and designed to give high levels of rigidity with an underguard for extra protection from uneven surfaces. The Master RWD models were created to cope with large loads and the suspension systems reflect this. There's a rigid steel axle at the front and parabolic suspension at the rear with telescopic shock absorbers all-round to smooth out the bumps. Anti-roll bars are also fitted to counteract the effect of top-heavy cargos while improving general handling and stability. The benefits of rear-wheel-drive itself will not be lost on anyone who has driven a rear-wheel-drive car. In this form, the Master gains improved traction off the line on tarmac and when negotiating slippery off-road surfaces. The twin rear wheels put the power down very effectively and you have to be fairly heavy handed with your right foot in order to set the dashboard traction control light a-flickering. For buyers who plan on regularly using the vehicle on building sites or similarly muddy terrain, there's a wide choice of specialist tyres that can be fitted to the Master to boost grip further. To the casual observer, a Master RWD looks much the same as a standard Master with its front wheels driven but see the two vehicles side by side and you'll spot the RWD's significantly increased ride height. There's much more daylight between the wheels and the tops of their arches, making the cab that much higher and necessitating an additional metal step to aid access. Clamber up behind the wheel and you feel high but not significantly higher than in a standard Master. The cabin is a particular strongpoint with large door pockets, a document holder beneath the centre console and a purpose-built mobile phone holder (at least you assume that's what it's for) all contributing on the practicality front. Fire the engine and you're left in little doubt that it has the requisite oomph to back-up the Master RWD's heavy duty billing. A deep grumble resonates around the cab as the 3.0-litre dCi common-rail diesel unit stirs into life. Then, once the initial raucousness is over with, it settles down to a low thrum that's pleasingly unobtrusive by panel van standards. Indeed, in the 156bhp model we tested, the deployment of the Master's substantial power and torque reserves produces a wheezy whistling sound as the turbocharger does its thing rather than a ground-shuddering roar. Whatever the audio accompaniment the progress is still impressive with the engine spiriting the Master RWD along seemingly impervious to the vehicle's substantial mass. The 156bhp engine generates 350Nm maximum torque and even the less powerful 115bhp unit offers up a hefty 270Nm at low engine speeds. The engine feels so strong that, rather than the considerable physics involved, the main obstacle to its acceleration seems to be the speed at which the driver can hustle through the 6-speed gearbox. The dash mounted gear lever is reasonably conducive to smooth shifting but the Master RWD has quite low gearing to ensure it can tackle steep inclines and tackle sticky construction sites without undue problems. The RWD models are the ultimate Renault Masters for van operators who intend to make their vehicles work hard for a living. These are tough, workmanlike products designed to do a job but that's not to say that they come without their creature comforts. Power steering, a trip computer and RDS CD player are all standard fit as are ABS brakes and Renault's DTC (Drag Torque Control). Operators who really want to cruise around in luxury's lap can also dip into an options list which features metallic paint, satellite navigation and cruise control. The Master RWD panel vans bridge the gap between light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. They give operators who don't quite need the capacity of a larger vehicle, rugged construction and increased traction while retaining the panel van's manoeuvrability and comfort.

Facts At A Glance VAN: Renault Master RWD van Range ENGINES: 3.0dCi 120 (115bhp) / 3.0dCi 160 (156bhp) PAY
LOAD CAPACITY: 897-921kg