Large vans are not the most common in scoop stories but their development requires a lot of testing just like other vehicles. Our photographers caught three different prototypes of the all-new fourth-gen Renault Master – an ICE-powered van, an electric van, and a flatbed – ahead of its rumored debut in 2024.
The all-new Renault Master made its spy debut a couple of months ago but the new set of photos gives us a better idea of the exterior design.
Read: Ram ProMaster EV Teased Ahead Of Imminent Reveal
Despite the fact that the bodywork of all three prototypes was covered by a camouflage wrap, we can see the boxier shape of the bonnet, the vertical slits on the grille, and the outline of the front graphic with slimmer headlights resembling Renault’s passenger car lineup. The horizontal character line on the profile is also different while the large sliding door on the van appears to reach closer to the roof than before.
One of the three Renault Master prototypes has a single-cab flatbed truck layout which is typically included in the many bodystyle flavors of this LCV segment. Renault didn’t bother to wrap the rear bed as its metal structure, plastic fenders, and generic taillights are ready-made parts with no aesthetic significance. Still, the exposed exhaust reveals that this variant is ICE-powered. The other two prototypes feature the same regular van bodystyle with a slightly higher roof. However, one of them features a charging port mounted on the front fender which is not present in the other.
The spy shots confirm that Renault will keep offering ICE and EV options for the Master, as is the case with the current generation. Those will most likely be joined by a hydrogen-powered FCEV trim as a follow-up to the HYVIA-branded H2-Tech model of the outgoing Master. Despite the increased popularity of zero-emission LCVs, there is still a need for diesel-powered versions in certain markets around the world which is why Renault will keep combustion alive for another generation. After all, the ICE-ban in Europe won’t happen at least until 2035 so there is plenty of time left for a decade-long lifecycle.
The current third generation of the Renault Master was originally introduced in 2010, getting an extensive update in 2019. Furthermore, the fully electric Renault Master E-Tech got a new battery pack in 2022, resulting in a 68% increase in its WLTP range to a more respectable 126 miles (203 km). This number will most likely be improved further by the all-new Renault Master which is expected to debut sometime in 2024.
The French van which will also spawn a closely-related Nissan Interstar / NV400 will compete with the likes of the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, and the extended family of Stellantis van siblings comprising the Ram ProMaster, Fiat Ducato, Citroen Jumper, Peugeot Boxer, and Opel Movano.
