The Renault Master is a large van produced since 1980 and now in its fourth generation, replacing the earlier Renault Super Goélette light trucks. It is also sold as the Nissan Interstar, and Opel and Vauxhall have sold it as the Movano.
Renault Master at a glance
| Maker | Renault, France |
|---|---|
| Production | since 1980, four generations |
| Replaced | Renault Super Goélette |
| Other names | Nissan Interstar, Opel Movano, Vauxhall Movano, Renault Trucks Master |
| First-generation engines | 2.4-litre Sofim diesel, 2.1-litre from 1984 |
| Bodies | panel van, crew van, pick-up, chassis cab |
| Heavier versions | B series, Messenger and Mascott |
| Design | all four generations designed and built by Renault |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Master.
History of the Renault Master
The first Master
The original Renault Master was launched in September 1980, replacing the Super Goélette light trucks and completing Renault’s commercial range. It began with the 2.4-litre Fiat-Sofim diesel engine, and from 1984 the 2.1-litre unit was also offered; in rare cases the van was sold with two-litre or 2.2-litre Renault petrol engines. In 1990 a marginally larger 2,499 cc version of the Sofim diesel replaced the earlier one.
Bodies and heavier relatives
Over its life the Master has been available in many body styles, from the standard van to larger models with more load area, height and longer wheelbases. Panel vans and crew vans are the most common, but pick-ups are offered too. Heavier-duty versions were sold by Renault Trucks, now part of Volvo, as the B series and later as the Messenger and the Mascott.
Other brands
The Master is also sold as the Nissan Interstar, and Opel and Vauxhall have sold versions of the second and third series as the Movano in continental Europe and Britain respectively. Renault Trucks markets it as the Renault Trucks Master. All four generations have been designed and manufactured by Renault, whatever badge the van carries.
Design and features
- Four generations: continuous production since September 1980.
- Many bodies: panel van, crew van, pick-up and chassis cab.
- Shared across brands: sold as Nissan Interstar and Opel or Vauxhall Movano.
- Heavy-duty relatives: the B series, Messenger and Mascott.
Renault Master versions
- Master I (1980–1997): Sofim diesel engines, 2.1-litre from 1984.
- Master II and III: later generations, also sold as the Opel and Vauxhall Movano.
- Master IV: the current generation.
- Renault Mascott: the heavier derivative sold by Renault Trucks.
The Master replaced the Renault Galion generation of light trucks and is the biggest van above the Renault Trafic. Its heavy version is described on the Renault Maxity page; more Renaults are in the Renault collection.
Video: Renault Master drive
Video by Matthias Weiland on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault Master, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, bodies, other brands
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