Renault is poised to introduce a third generation of its Master van before the end of November, with an innovative ‘aerovan’ design. The Ford Transit rivalling van has been around since 1980, during which time it racked up sales of more than three million units, with the current model on sale for the last 13 years.

The new model has been teased with a silhouette of the forthcoming van, showing very little detail but revealing some interesting touches. The bonneted aesthetic remains, now with hints of Renault’s ‘fang’ design seen on the Kangoo, but the windscreen is now more steeply raked, while the roof takes on a very slight teardrop shape, tapering down at the rear to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Called ‘aerovan’ by Renault, the streamlined design promises improved efficiency, with the French manufacturer saying the electric model will reduce energy use by 21%, while diesel-powered models could see economy improvements of as much as 10mpg.

Renault is keeping tight-lipped about powertrains for now, ahead of the van’s reveal at the Solutrans show in Lyon, France, but we expect little change in the diesel-fuelled range. Electric models should see significant improvements; the current Master E-Tech is fitted with a 52kWh battery pack that’s good for a range of just 126 miles, so it’s expected that Renault will expand that to remain competitive with the likes of the Ford E-Transti (196-mile range) and Fiat e-Ducato (230 miles).

Renault has also been developing a hydrogen-fuelled van converted by Hyvia. However, we understand that the new model is being developed entirely by Renault, which should reduce complexity and cost, although hydrogen supplies will still be scarce.

Before the ‘aerovan’ is introduced on 21 November, other details remain scarce. Production will remain at the manufacturer’s plant in Batilly, France, where the facilities have been redesigned to produce the vehicle in a “new and innovative way”.

Phil Huff
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