Diesel, electric, or hydrogen: Drivetrain options are key for the new 2024 Renault Master van

To some the Renault Master van might be easily forgotten, but to the French brand’s Australian arm it’s a quite important model - and now there’s a new one.

Renault has broken out the thesaurus for its global media release for the new generation van, mentioning its “spectacular design, strong personality [and] eye-catching looks”. But what’s inside and underneath the van are going to be of more interest to prospective buyers.

Key changes include drivetrain options with diesel, electric, or hydrogen power, while a step-up in tech brings the van into the current decade - its last generation launched in 2010.

The headline for most will be the choice of fuels and power for the Master, with four diesel engines ranging from 78kW to 127kW available with manual or new nine-speed automatic transmissions.

Two electric versions, with either a 96kW or 105kW motor and both with 300Nm, are available, the less powerful version coming with a 40kWh battery and a claimed 180km WLTP range. The latter has an 87kWh battery and a claimed 410km range.

Yet to come is the third drivetrain type, a hydrogen ‘H2-Tech engine’ suggesting Renault might put its previous testing of a hydrogen combustion engine into practice - much like Toyota’s new testing of a hydrogen combustion HiAce van here in Australia.

In the cabin, a “proper, classy, high-tech mobile office” as Renault calls it can be set up with a small desk included and as much as 135 litres of cabin storage space.

Renault says 20 driving assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking and trailer stability assist are included in the new van, as well as ‘Intelligent Speed Assist’.

A Renault Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide to expect the new Master in Australia, though details are unconfirmed at this point.

"We certainly have our hands up for the new Master – it has been in the market locally for 20 years and sold consistently well during that time.

"With such a success story, we will stay with the current Master for as long as production allows. Australians have shown in the current environment they want practicality, useability and style all wrapped up in a value for money package."

In Australia, the Master trails the Koleos SUV (2605 sales) and Arkana (1288) for year-to-date sales, with its 1095 units just keeping it ahead of the smaller Trafic van (1071).

Stay tuned for more information closer to the new Master van’s Australian arrival.