While most automakers focus on launching nifty and all-purpose cars, there are some manufacturers who are ballers at launching versatile commercial vehicles for businesses to prosper by providing a bandwidth of mobility solutions to transport their goods. One brand which has emphasized on this segment and goaded a reputation of reliability is the French automaker, Renault. With the Dokker Van being around for many years now, it was the moment Renault grabbed to provide a tough and feature-laden van which looked swanky too. In comes, the new Master by Renault’s official distributor in the UAE, Arabian Automobiles which promises to build upon the strengths of its lineage and become an ideal choice for those scouting a highly potent goods mover.
Design
Being dressed in clothes which are in line with the contemporary Renault models, the Master adorns itself with tasteful use of chrome to add bling and luxury quotient to its purposeful styling. The trough-shaped grille neatly radiates the LED lights embedded in the headlamps. Available in short, medium, long or extra-long wheelbases, the Master can take in goods or commodities in abundance without any compromise. It can carry a payload of 1,623 kg to suit all needs. Its size provides it with an impressive road presence. Enormous-sized wing mirrors make sure great rear visibility to manoeuvre the car with ease and scud through traffic like a breeze.
Interior
While many commercial vehicles feature bland interiors, the Master has a different story to tell with an interior which is contemporary and not rudimentary with regards to the plastics used. The front of the cockpit has been wisely used to accommodate seats for three passengers. A digital drive computer sits in between the speedometer and the tachometer which comes in handy while on the go. But details like chrome highlights around the AC vents and knobs elevate its appeal.
It also comes with a touch-screen infotainment system which features navigation, allows phone calls through Bluetooth streaming, twaddling through the drive modes and also shows data through in-built USB ports. Its rear-view camera makes parking in tight spaces a relatively easy affair. It also gets steering-mounted controls to browse through the settings without having to lift your eyes off the road.
Features such as hill-start assist and electronic stability program make driving on hilly and serpentine areas a walk in the park. It also features differential locks as part of the optional package which selectively provides torque to the wheels asking for traction to prevent skidding. It sports airbags for both the driver and the co-driver.
The interior has been ergonomically designed to provide a lower loading lip which enables luggage to enter the cavity without much hassle and also a window behind the driver to watchdog the goods.
Engine and Performance
Available in a single state of tune, the Master is powered by 2.3-litre diesel engine that injects 160 hp to either the front wheels or the rear wheels and comes coupled to a 6-speed manual ratchet. Renault claims that the power is scant for even uphill driving with the cargo area fully loaded.
Verdict
With a cargo space area that spans 8 to 17 cubic metres, the Master makes an intriguing case for itself making it all the product a business will require. It’s powerful, tech-savvy and a good-looking van too which is the icing on the cake. It perfectly ‘masters’ all the attributes of a perfect commercial vehicle which makes it a great goods hauler.
