Renault Master 2.5 dCi Bus (120)

With this short message, we would not lie to the Renault Master passengers, at least if we had the opportunity to try it.

Have you ever thought that a van could be sporty? Not yet? How about our measurements of engine flexibility: acceleration from 50 to 90 km / h in fourth gear in 11 seconds and in fifth gear in 4 seconds? Not bad for a van that weighs just over a tonne nine hundred pounds.

Perhaps the acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 19 seconds is not so interesting, but the torque, or rather its 0 Nm, is definitely there. Especially when you consider that it reaches it at 290 rpm.

The Renault-branded 2.5 dCi 120 engine is indeed one of the best features of this van. If your budget allows you to buy it, you definitely won't regret it. Namely, it is a proven acquaintance from the previous version of Mastra, which boasts a quiet ride that does not cause unpleasant noise.

Well, the new, even more effective soundproofing is responsible for the fact that there is no annoying noise or noise when cutting air in the driver and passenger compartment (air resistance can never be ignored in a van with such a large front surface).

A passenger car can be even more noisy than a Mastro. The measured noise level at normal driving speed on roads and motorways is between 65 and 70 decibels, which means that during the trip you will be able to talk to the neighbor in the seat next to you at normal volume and you will also hear what the other person wants. to tell.

But not only is the refined aerodynamics (if you can use the term for vans at all) and soundproofing, but the six-speed transmission also provides comfort during the ride. This one is simply gorgeous, the handle sits well in the palm of your hand as it sits high enough on the raised center console. When transferring, the movements are short and fairly accurate. We did not find any blockages.

Thanks to the abundance of torque in the engine and well-chosen gear ratios, the gearbox allows you to drive at moderate engine speeds. During testing, the engine speed ranged between 1.500 and 2.500, and there was no particular need for acceleration.

Both on motorways and on main roads, the Master handles excellently in sixth gear, which has a positive effect on diesel consumption. In our test, we measured an average consumption of 9 liters per 8 kilometers while driving (unfortunately) mostly empty. It was slightly taller when fully loaded with passengers in all seats (including a nine-person driver) and a slightly livelier ride.

With a slightly heavier right leg, we used 100 liters of diesel fuel per 12 kilometers. But so that you do not think that you will not save money with Mastro, we note the minimum consumption, which was 5 liters of fuel. So we can say that a van like the Master makes money, because even a larger passenger car with a lower overall weight won't be ashamed of such a waste.

Speaking of money, Renault boasts a long service interval, which makes car maintenance cheaper. According to the new law, such a master will need to be handed over to regular maintenance only every 40.000 kilometers. This is also true!

Apparently, Renault has their mission, i.e. the creation of safe cars, also converted to vans. Brake systems ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) are standard!

We are not used to such moves with vans yet. This is definitely a very long-awaited novelty, the test Master braked from 100 km / h to a complete stop after 49 meters. Very good for a van (it also has cooled brake discs), especially considering that our measurement conditions were in winter, that is, cold asphalt and an external temperature of 5 ° C. In warm weather, the braking distance will be even shorter.

In addition to great brakes, the Master also has a standard driver airbag (second driver at extra cost) and three-point seat belts on all seats.

Comfort is provided by effective ventilation (including the rear), good defrosting of large windows, which increases safety due to better visibility, and, just as important, comfortable seats. The driver is very well adjustable (in height and tilt), and the second and third rows of seats boast armrests, adjustable lumbar sections and height-adjustable headrests.

Therefore, the master offers a lot; For example, if it had slightly more noble plastic and upholstery, you could call it a luxury minibus. But this is more a matter of the wishes of those who need it, since the Master, not least, offers a number of conversion options.

Compare it to the competition and you will find that it is a little more expensive, but on the other hand, it is larger, has better hardware, and increased security. The master has quite a real name, as he is a master in this class of vans.

Petr Kavchich

Photo by Sasha Kapetanovich.

Renault Master 2.5 dCi Bus (120)

Basic data

Sales:	Renault Nissan Slovenia Ltd.
Base model price:	26.243,53 €
Test model cost:	29.812,22 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:	84kW (114 KM)
Maximum speed:	145 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	8,9l / 100km

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection diesel - displacement 2463 cm3 - maximum power 84 kW (114 hp) at 3500 rpm - maximum torque 290 Nm at 1600 rpm.
Energy transfer:	front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 225/65 R 16 C (Michelin Agilis 81).
Capacity:	top speed 145 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h no data - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,7 / 7,9 / 8,9 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension:	wagon - 4 doors, 9 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, two triangular cross rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers - rear rigid axle, leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc - rear wheel 12,5 .100 m - fuel tank XNUMX l.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1913 kg - permissible gross weight 2800 kg.
Box:	Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5L): 1 × backpack (20 l); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 2 × suitcase (68,5 l); 1 × suitcase (85,5 l)

Our measurements

T = 1 ° C / p = 1021 mbar / rel. vl. = 36% / Odometer Condition: 351 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	19,0s
402m from the city:	21,4 years ( 104 km / h)
1000m from the city:	39,7 years ( 128 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	11,4 / 14,9s
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	20,7 / 25,1s
Maximum speed:	144km / h (V. and VI.)
Minimum consumption:	8,2l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	12,5l / 100km
test consumption:	9,8 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	49,5m
AM table:	45m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	62dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	61dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	61dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear	61dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	67dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	66dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear	65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	71dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear	70dB
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (327/420)

• The Master Bus is undoubtedly at the top of the van, as the sales figures show when we look at all Master versions. This is definitely very helpful.

• Exterior (11/15)

  Among the vans, he is one of the most beautiful, but certainly among the best.

• Interior (114/140)

  Plenty of space, comfortable seats, and it was hard to expect anything more from the van.

• Engine, transmission (37
  
  
  / 40)

  The engine deserves a clean A, and the drivetrain is just as good.

• Driving performance (72
  
  
  / 95)

  The driving performance is solid, the reliable position on the road is impressive.

• Performance (26/35)

  What else can you expect from a van of this size.

• Security (32/45)

  Standard ABS and EBD systems and two front airbags enhance safety.

• Economy

  It consumes a reasonable amount of fuel, is a little more expensive, but it also offers a lot.

We praise and reproach

engine

capacity

safety

Mirror

Transmission

driver's cab

service intervals after 40.000 km

maximum flow rate during chase

for maximum (excellent) comfort in the interior there are no more noble materials

put the steering wheel

inflexible passenger bench