No, the French giant isn’t recreating the 1970s TV comedy series, rather it has launched a 12-seat bus version of the Master L3H2 long-wheelbase van.
In fact Renault is Europe’s number one best-seller for commercial vehicles.
Powered by Renault’s 110kW/350Nm 2.3-litre diesel engine driving through a six-speed automated manual transmission, the Renault Master bus has a 3.9-tonne GVM, 1252kgs payload for passengers and cargo, a 2.5-tonne towing capacity and a 3.5m3 luggage area.
The roof is rated to carry 200kgs including the roof rack.
A left-hand sliding door is standard and pleasingly the rear barn doors open through 270-degrees for easy loading.
Inside even tall folk can stand comfortably thanks to 1880mm of headroom.
Renault says wider seats than other similar vehicles and extra leg-room combine for enhanced passenger comfort.
Two seats come with ISOFIX connections for child seats.
And – especially important in this market – there are dual air conditioning systems with the front supplemented by a rear forward-blowing system.
You can get your Renault Master bus in a choice of seven solid or three metallic paint colours.
Pricing starts at $59,990.
And there are two option packs.
The ‘Premium’ ($3,590) pack adds satellite navigation, carpets, rear and side window curtains, LED roof lighting, a power sliding side door and auto lights and wipers.
And the ‘Luxury’ pack ($7,990) gets all that plus leather upholstery, lane departure warning, alarm system and window tinting.
Like other Renault Master vans, the bus version is backed by a 3-year/200,000kms factory warranty which can be extended to four or five years and includes roadside assistance.
Renault is currently developing an additional version of the bus which will be suitable for wheelchair access.
