Renault expands its Master

RENAULT has expanded its light-commercial van line-up with the introduction of a smaller low-roof L1H1 variant of its full size Master load-lugger.

The new body-style slots in below the rest of its Master siblings in the Renault LCV line-up, but sits above the long-wheelbase version of the smaller Trafic van.

Pricing starts at $39,990 drive-away when matched with a six-speed manual, rising to $42,490 for the version with a six-speed automatic transmission, compared to the LWB Trafic which starts at $35,990 excluding on-road costs and the Master L2H2 that carries a recommended retail price of $43,990 plus on-roads.

The capacity of the L1H1 is eight cubic metres, a 33 per cent boost over the LWB Trafic (six cubic metres), while the medium wheel-base L2H2 Master can lug 10.8m3.

Measuring in at 5048mm long, the L1H1 is 500mm shorter and 195mm lower than the L2H2 and can carry 1.6 tonnes in the cargo area and has a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

The load bay is 2583mm long, 1765mm wide and 1700mm high which Renault says is more than enough to take two 1200mm by 1200mm full-size pallets and because it is front-wheel drive, the load bay of the L1H1 has a low step-in height.

There are three seats in the cabin, although the middle backrest also doubles as a flat workspace when not in use, and standard features include cruise control with a speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity and dual airbags.

It also gets an unglazed left-hand sliding door

two glazed rear barn doors and a metal bulkhead with a glazed section, while a right-hand side sliding door is an option either glazed or unglazed.

Power comes from the same engine used across the Master range which is a 112kW/350Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with the option of the aforementioned six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The L1H1 has a 105-litre fuel tank and is covered under Renault’s capped price servicing program which keeps the cost down to $349 for the first three scheduled services.

Renault LCV model line manager Lyndon Healey said the French brand intends to build on the success it has had with the Master and believes the L1H1 will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

“The combination of the frugal, clean and punchy 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine and a choice of manual or automated 6-speed gearboxes, plus the refined, quiet and comfortable ride, has proven to be a winner in the competitive Australian market to date,” he said.

“Now the Master family adds a city-friendly package that will be ideal for a wide range of operators who need capacity but want a shorter overall length.

The L1H1 is almost the same length as a typical large Australian family sedan, so it can fit into metered parking spaces, a big advantage over some rival..”

Renault’s local arm has boosted its Master range in the past year, with the addition of the cab chassis body-style in August followed by the dual-cab cab chassis and a high-roof version in November.