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O n the whole, the Renault Master is a vehicle we
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like.The four-cylinder, 2.5-litre 120hp/300Nm common-rail dCi engine, driving through a six-speed, manual box with dash-mounted gearstick, is commendably responsive.
Front-wheel drive might make the back end lighter in wet conditions, but it does give the impression that we are driven rather than pushed around Britain's congested road network. Handling is as flawless, controlled and precise as any driver could wish for.
The speed limiter is something that should be standard on all vehicles, rather than investing in devices that bleep or flash when there's a speed camera ahead. We prefer it to cruise control because you feel more in control of the vehicle and can act more quickly and instinctively to events on the road. Like every other vehicle in its class the Master has limited cab space, but Renault does just enough to make longer journeys pleasant.
Storage is a strong point. with shelves above the windscreen, door pockets, angled drink holders, a recess next to the radio, and space under the seats (but no coffee-cup-holder). There are excellent electrically controlled mirrors; front and side visibility is also good.
So what's wrong with it? Firstly, we don't like the sat-nay display. It's fine as a tool, but its flat display faces the middle seat so you have to take your eyes off the road for a split second longer than is safe to refer to it while driving.
Secondly, the clock is mounted in the top right corner so you have to duck down to see it, which is dangerous You could, of course, look at your watch or pick up the mobile phone and check that —both equally hazardous.
On two occasions these design issues nearly led to minor shunts in traffic. A more friendly position facing the driver is needed:ideally, a clock should be grouped with mileage, speedometer and warning lights on the dash.
When the Master had racked up just over 11,000 miles it needed a new starter motor because the original started failing intermittently; this was done under warranty. It also needed a new radio aerial to replace the missing one (at a cost of L10).
Franchised car dealership DSG Morecambe did the business, although it took two attempts: one for problem identification and, thanks to just-in time deliveries, a second visit when the starter motor was in stock a week later. Other than the wasted time, DSG delivered the appropriate aftermarket service.