Renault Master van review | Auto Express

The base Advance model gets manual air-conditioning, electric windows, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, plus rear parking sensors, among other features. The Extra trim adds Google Maps and voice control to the infotainment, blue upholstery stitching, LED load area lighting and some additional 12V sockets. There’s no keyless entry or start, and all models have a manual handbrake for now, which seems slightly at odds with the modern electric drivetrain. Van drivers will probably appreciate the old-school approach, however, and there’s no mistaking whether it’s on or off. Renault has confirmed that an electronic item is coming in 2025.

You get 135 litres of storage space dotted around the cab, including overhead shelves, some large bins above the dashboard and a big space under the middle seat. The middle seat can be folded down to create a handy desk area with USB-C ports to keep devices topped up. There’s one big cup-holder at each side of the dashboard, but the middle passenger has no choice but to hold their coffee.

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

There are two trim levels to choose from – Advance and Extra – and both come with a crisp 10-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs a Google-based software interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It’s simple to operate, very responsive, and within easy reach of the driver’s seat. Plus, the dashboard serves as a handy ledge to rest your hand on when using the touchscreen on the move. The climate control dials are big and sturdy, and sit above a large wireless smartphone charging pad. Electric Renault Masters come with a digital driver’s display, while diesel models are fitted with analogue dials (the digital display is available as an option).

In order to keep the price in check but still have a good amount of performance and kit at your disposal, we recommend opting for the 148bhp diesel-powered Renault Master in Extra trim. Useful touches such as sat-nav, LED load area lighting and extra 12v charging sockets will undoubtedly prove highly useful when out on the road, while that extra power will mean less straining when carrying a heavy load.

Alternatives

As well as taking on the Transit and Sprinter, the Renault Master has a number of other rivals, including the Volkswagen Crafter and MAN TGE, the Iveco Daily, plus the Fiat Ducato, Vauxhall Movano, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay and Toyota Proace Max, which are all closely related, as well as the Nissan Interstar, which is based on the Master.