Review: Renault X62 Master van (2011-on)

Review: Renault X62.I Master van (2011-14)

Overview

Released in October 2011, the Renault X62 Phase I (X62.I) Master van range initially consisted of L2 H2 and L3 H2 variants, though the range was subsequently expanded with L4 H3 variants in November 2013 and L1 H1 variants in February 2014. All models, however, were powered by 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engines which were mated to either six-speed manual or semi-automatic transmissions (Renault’s ‘Quickshift’). The full X62 Master van range and dimensions are given in the two tables below.

The Master van had rear barn doors with a 270 degree opening range and a left-side sliding door which was 1200 mm wide; a sliding door for the right side of the vehicle was available as an option. Inside, the Master had three seats – consisting of a single driver’s seat and a two-seat bench – and a cargo barrier was fitted as standard.

Compared to its X70 Master van predecessor, the X62 Master van was fitted with a life-long timing chain, a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter, stronger clutch and 20 per cent longer lasting brake pads. The X62 Master van had MacPherson strut front suspension with anti-roll bars and single-leaf rear springs with polyurethane bump stops.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Renault X62 Master Van included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

An optional ‘Safety and Security Pack’ added a driver’s side airbag (with head and thorax protection); the package also included automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a heated rear window, headlights with cornering lights and an alarm.

Features

Standard features for the Master Van included two speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary RCA input, Bluetooth mobile phone and audio streaming, air conditioning, cruise control (with speed limiter), chilled glovebox, rear parking sensors, multifunction steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, two 12-volt outlets, trip computer and immobiliser.

Unlike the other variants, the L4 H3 had dual rear wheels and was fitted with an Isringhausen driver’s suspension seat and was further equipped with a rear window demister.

In October 2013, standard features were extended to include 3.5 mm and USB audio inputs.

Brochure

• Brochure: Renault X62 Master Van and Cab Chassis (March 2014)

Review: Renault X62.II Master van (2015-on)

Overview

Released in Australia in January 2015, the Renault X62 Phase II (X62.II) Master van introduced 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engines (Renault’s M9T Energy dCi 135 and dCi 165) for models with manual transmissions. To reduce fuel consumption, the twin-turbo engine had a Stop&Start function which shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary in traffic.

The Renault X62.II Master van introduced an expanded range with L3 H2 RWD variants and L3 H2 Window vans for passenger conversions. Visually, the X62.II Master van could be identified by Renault’s ‘New Brand Identity’ (NBI) styling which included a revised bonnet pressing, grille and Renault diamond logo. Inside, a wide view mirror was positioned in the passenger sun visor for better rearward visibility and to reduce the left-side blind spot.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Renault X62.II Master van included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

For the X62.II Master, the new (Generation 9.0) electronic stability control system included:

• Trailer Swing Assist: could detect trailer oscillations and apply the brakes and/or reduce engine torque for better control;
• ‘Grip Xtend’: a traction control system designed for loose surfaces such as mud, sand and fresh snow; and,
• Hill Start Assist.

From the second quarter of 2016, standard safety equipment for the Renault Master van was extended to include front seat-mounted airbags which provided chest and head protection.

Features

Standard features for the X62.II Master van included a two speaker sound system with auxiliary inputs (two USB inputs and a 3.5 mm input), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, air conditioning, a chilled glovebox, cruise control with speed limiter, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power windows, a height steering column, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a 12 volt power socket (dashboard), trip computer and an immobiliser.

From the second quarter of 2016, the Renault Master van was fitted with a reversing camera as standard.

Master vans had 270-degree opening and glazed rear barn doors (180 degrees for the SWB L1H1) and a left sliding door. For the cargo area, there was a full steel bulkhead (glazed), cargo tie downs, a 12 volt power socket, two cargo lights and a mid-height lining.

The rear-wheel drive L4 H3 ELWB van was also fitted with an Isringhausen driver’s suspension seat.

Master Window Van

Based on the front-wheel drive L3 H2 van, the Master Window van was solely available with the M9T dCi 150 (110 kW) engine and semi-automatic transmission. As standard, the Master Window van featured directional double optic headlights, an Isringhausen driver’s suspension seat, front fog lights, full side glazing, a rear window demister, an A4 dashboard storage compartment, additional large door storage bin and full wheel covers.

Options: Premium Pack

The Master van was offered with an optional, extra-cost Premium Pack which included front side airbags, climate control air conditioning, integrated TomTom satellite navigation, directional double optic headlamps, front fog lights, a reversing camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, proximity key, rear demister, storage compartment under the front passenger bench, and additional door and dash storage compartments.

Related links

• Renault Australia: Renault Master
• Wikipedia.org: Renault X62 Master