Renault Master 165 dCi Energy Review: An Underrated Motorhome Base Vehicle? -

The Fiat Ducato may dominate the motorhome market, but it’s certainly not the only choice. The Renault Master 165 dCi Energy has quietly built a reputation as a capable, refined and dependable base vehicle that’s won over both manufacturers and owners alike. But does it deserve more recognition?

The Quiet Achiever

When motorhome enthusiasts discuss base vehicles, the conversation almost always starts with the Fiat Ducato or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Yet sitting quietly in the background is the Renault Master – a vehicle that has steadily earned respect without attracting the same level of attention.

Manufacturers including Auto-Sleepers, Elddis, Roller Team, Swift and several campervan conversion specialists have all chosen the Renault Master as the foundation for various models over the years. While it may not enjoy the same market share as the Ducato, the Master has developed a loyal following among owners who appreciate its comfort, refinement and dependable performance.

The 165 dCi Energy version, introduced with Renault’s updated engine range, is often regarded as one of the best-balanced models in the line-up.

First Impressions

Step into the cab and the Renault immediately feels modern and well thought out.

The driving position is excellent, with a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment making it easy to find a comfortable position. Visibility is another strong point, helped by large mirrors and a commanding seating position that inspires confidence from the outset.

Unlike some commercial vehicles that still feel like vans underneath, the Master has a surprisingly car-like character. The controls are light, the dashboard layout is logical and everything falls easily to hand.

For long touring holidays, these little details make a noticeable difference.

The 165 dCi Energy Engine

The heart of this model is Renault’s 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 165PS.

It’s an engine that’s well suited to motorhome use.

Rather than encouraging fast driving, it delivers strong pulling power where it matters most. Whether climbing steep hills in the Lake District, negotiating Alpine passes or joining a busy motorway, the engine produces plenty of torque to move a fully laden motorhome with confidence.

The six-speed manual gearbox is smooth and positive, making the Master easy to drive even for those new to larger vehicles.

Many owners also comment on how refined the engine feels once cruising speed is reached. Noise levels are well controlled, making long motorway journeys less tiring than some older base vehicles.

Comfort on the Road

The Renault Master is one of those vehicles that grows on you the longer you drive it.

Ride comfort is particularly impressive. The suspension absorbs poor road surfaces well without feeling overly soft, while the steering offers a reassuring balance between lightness at low speed and stability on faster roads.

Crosswinds – something every motorhome driver experiences sooner or later – are handled confidently, particularly on coachbuilt models.

The Master may not have the sporty image of some competitors, but it feels composed and predictable, qualities that are arguably far more important when touring.

Living with the Renault Master

One area where the Renault scores highly is practicality.

The cab provides numerous storage compartments for maps, drinks, sunglasses and other everyday essentials, while the large windscreen creates an airy feeling inside.

Fuel economy is respectable for a vehicle of this size, with many owners reporting figures in the high 20s to low 30s mpg depending on motorhome size, driving style and terrain.

Routine servicing is straightforward, and Renault’s dealer network throughout the UK and Europe provides reassurance for those planning extended tours abroad.

Replacement parts are also generally readily available and competitively priced.

Reliability

The Renault Master has earned a reputation for being a dependable workhorse.

Like any vehicle, it isn’t entirely without faults. Earlier models experienced occasional issues with EGR valves, sensors and electrical components, while regular servicing remains essential to maintain long-term reliability.

However, the 2.3-litre dCi engine is generally regarded as robust when properly maintained.

Many examples have comfortably exceeded high mileages in commercial use, which bodes well for motorhome owners whose annual mileage is often considerably lower.

How Does It Compare?

Compared with the Fiat Ducato, the Renault Master feels slightly more refined in some areas of everyday driving, particularly around town and on longer motorway journeys.

The Ducato still holds advantages thanks to its widespread use within the motorhome industry, meaning parts, servicing knowledge and aftermarket accessories are often easier to source.

However, buyers shouldn’t dismiss the Renault simply because it’s less common.

In many respects it offers an equally capable touring experience.

Who Is It Best Suited To?

The Renault Master 165 dCi Energy is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a comfortable, dependable and easy-to-drive motorhome.

It’s particularly well suited to couples and touring enthusiasts who spend long days behind the wheel and appreciate refinement over outright performance.

For those buying a used motorhome, a well-maintained Renault Master deserves serious consideration and can often represent excellent value compared with more sought-after alternatives.