Renault vans - More efficient, comfortable and economical

Renault has been the undisputed leader of western Europe's commercial vehicle market for the past 12 years, and a market share of 14.81 per cent in 2009 put the company in a good position to resist the sector’s downturn (down 28 per cent in 2009).

To consolidate its number one status, Renault is launching no fewer than three new models this year as it renews and upgrades its range with the introduction of New Master, Trafic Phase 3 and New Kangoo Van Maxi.

The flagship of Renault's commercial vehicle range is New Master, boasting bold styling which mirrors its rugged build, plus an entirely redesigned interior to ensure exceptional comfort and storage capacity.

The range's new 2.3 dCi engine is available in a choice of three power outputs (100, 125 and 150 hp). With an average fuel economy gain over the outgoing Master range of up to 4.1 mpg, the front-wheel drive panel van versions of New Master return impressive NEDC combined cycle fuel consumption from 33 mpg. Servicing costs have also been cut by 28 per cent and figure among the lowest on the market.

Thanks to the availability of a new rear-wheel drive version, the range has been extended to include a fourth length option (load capacity up to 22m³), new 3.5 and 4.5 tonne versions with twin rear wheels and gives greater scope to tailor-made conversions.

Joining New Master in 2010 is the facelifted, third-phase Trafic, which has been principally engineered to be more comfortable and driver-friendly. The dashboard has been redesigned to incorporate practical stowage spaces, while new equipment features normally associated with cars make life at the wheel even more comfortable. The 2.0 litre dCi version of Trafic Phase 3 also offers an appreciable reduction in fuel consumption.

The final model joining the fold is the New Kangoo Van Maxi, an extended wheelbase version (nearly 40cm) of the ever-popular Kangoo Van, available with either two or five seats. It offers a useful load volume of up to 4.6m3, a maximum load length at floor level of 2.90 metres, an even more modular interior, solid roadholding and a choice of fuel-efficient engines. This latest addition means that Renault is the only brand in Europe to market a compact van that is available in a choice of three wheelbases, ensuring there is a version to match every type of business use.

At the same time, Renault is enhancing its business customer strategy with the launch of the Renault Pro+ network in 20 countries across the world. Essentially a one-stop shop, the new network offers practical, efficient solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of each customer, ranging from extended opening hours, servicing ramps up to 7.5t and a wide range of used and demonstration vehicles.

The Renault group's aim is to offer affordable, more ecologically-friendly mass-market solutions and, to this end, has extended the Renault eco² signature to cover its commercial vehicle range in a bid to highlight its ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products. The Renault eco² signature now applies across the complete range of cars and commercial vehicles.

Furthermore, the first half of 2011 will see the introduction of an all-electric version of Kangoo Van with an operational range of 100 miles. This zero-emission van will be particularly suited to business users looking for an optimised carrying capacity of three cubic metres and will primarily be intended for use in and around built-up areas.