Which Renault large van was launched in September 1980?

The Renault Master was the large Renault van launched in September 1980.

The original Master expanded Renault’s commercial-vehicle range alongside the smaller Renault Trafic, which was also introduced in 1980. Its design stood out for details such as a sliding side door and unusual round door handles, styling features that made the van easy to distinguish from rivals.

Early Masters used a 2,445 cc Fiat-Sofim diesel engine. Renault added a 2,068 cc power unit in 1984, and a larger 2,499 cc version replaced the original diesel in 1990. Petrol versions with Renault engines also appeared in smaller numbers.

The Master was Renault’s answer to the large light-commercial-vehicle market, while the Trafic occupied a smaller class. That distinction causes a frequent quiz mix-up: both vans date from 1980, but the large van launched in September was the Master. The first generation remained in production until 1997, after which Renault introduced a redesigned successor.