November 2023 saw French automaker Renault debut its all-new Master large van with turbo diesel, battery electric, and hydrogen powertrain choices. The Master's first ground-up redesign in 13 years has also spawned a Nissan sibling in the form of the Interstar, which doesn't sport a hydrogen option.
The Japanese partner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance isn't big on fuel cell technology, but rather focuses on battery electric technology for its next-generation passenger and commercial vehicles. Be that as it may, Nissan couldn't resist the temptation of a turbo diesel for this application. Large vans are for Europe and the United Kingdom what full-size trucks are for the US, and the only viable powertrain for most prospective customers is the force-fed diesel engine due to inherent low-end torque and superior fuel economy over turbocharged gassers.
France-based Société de Véhicules Automobiles de Batilly is tasked with producing the all-new Master and Interstar, with SOVAB currently boasting a daily production capacity of 740 vehicles. Nissan says that its take on the Master comes with a warranty that covers the first 160,000 kilometers (nearly 100,000 miles) or five years of the vehicle.
Nissan's first-ever large van available with a 100% electric option further boasts an eight-year warranty for the high-voltage battery. There are two versions to speak of, beginning with 40 kilowatt hours for a driving range of circa 200 kilometers (124 miles). The standard battery needs around four hours to charge from 10% to 100% on alternating current.
Stepping up to the 87-kWh battery, prospective customers are presented with over 460 kilometers (286 miles) in the WLTP and up to 252 kilometers (157 miles) of driving range in 30 minutes of charging on direct current. Given that time is of the essence for every business, be it large or small, the DC rapid charging system should prove very popular with customers in the EU and the UK.
Photo: Nissan
The attached press release reads that the Interstar-e was designed primarily for inner-city driving. The Interstar's electric version is rated at up to 1,600 kilograms (3,527 pounds) for payload as opposed to nearly two metric tons for the internal combustion brother. The electric- and diesel-powered Interstar are both good for up to 2,500 kilograms (5,512 pounds) in terms of towing capacity. For reference, the 2024 model year Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck for the US market is advertised with up to 1,710 lbs (776 kgs) and 7,700 lbs (3,493 kgs).
Nissan further promises an improved turning diameter (1.5 meters) and a better reaction time for the forward emergency braking system (halved) compared to the previous generation. The Interstar will be available in a number of factory-built conversions, including Box Van, Dropside, and Tipper. Highlights include a heated windshield and heated seats with durable covers, Trailer Sway Assist, a 40-millimeter wider side door, a 100-millimeter longer load area, and class-leading aerodynamics. Unfortunately, Nissan couldn't be bothered to detail the Renault-sourced diesel mill.
The French automaker dubs the 2024 model year Master the XDD. The diesel is advertised as the 2.0-liter Blue dCi lump, and thus far, Renault confirmed four versions: 105 ps, 130 ps, 150 ps, and 170 ps. The four-cylinder turbo diesel can be connected to either a manual transmission or a torque-converter automatic with nine forward gears. The Master E-Tech flaunts either 96 kW or 105 kW, meaning 129 and 141 mechanical horses. Torque is 300 Nm (221 pound-feet) for both of the E-Tech's drive units.
Pricing information has yet to be released, but don't expect any tremendous difference over the 2023 model. In France, the current Interstar carries a starting price of 39,435 euros without VAT or 47,322 euros with VAT. At current exchange rates, that would be 42,435 and 50,925 freedom eagles.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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