Renault and Vauxhall have announced full details of their second generation joint venture large panel vans; the Master and Movano respectively.

And the big news this time around is that when they go on sale in the UK in early May they will be available in both front- (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations, and at gross vehicle weights up to 4.5 tonnes.

Available with a choice of three wheelbases, four body lengths and three roof heights the new models offer load space of 8.0m³ to 14.8m³ with FWD and 12.4m³ to 17.0m³ if RWD is the preference. Load lengths range from 2,583mm to 3,733mm for the former and 3,733mm to 4,383mm for the latter.

Maximum load width is 1,765mm and load height can be 1,700mm, 1,894mm or 2,048mm. Top payload for the front-driven line-up is 1,680kg, rising to 2,260kg for RWD.

Power comes from a new range of 2.3-litre common rail diesel engines with maximum power outputs of 100hp, 125hp and 150hp. Peak torque figures are 285Nm, 310Nm and 350Nm respectively. They have an average CO₂ emission figure of 200g/km (the best is 189g/km) and can be had to meet either Euro 4 or Euro 5 regulations. The latter versions feature a Diesel Particulate Filter. A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard across the range. An automated manual ’box will be introduced at a later date.

Oil change intervals are set at an impressive 25,000 miles or two years and rear-drive models feature ESP as well as ABS as part of the all-round disc brake package. ESP is optional on FWD derivatives.

Interior cab space has expanded compared with the current Master and Movano, and the number and size of the storage compartments provided has to be seen to be believed. The glovebox, for example, is capable of swallowing two 1.5-litre bottles with ease and can be chilled if air conditioning is specified. One useful option is a huge storage locker under the twin passenger seat.

As well as a panel van the new generation Master and Movano will also be available as a double cab crew van, chassis cab, chassis double cab, platform cab and minibus. Shortly after launch they can also be ordered with a factory-fitted dropside, tipper and box body.

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