RENAULT has been the undisputed leader of western Europe's commercial vehicle market for the past 12 years, and a market share of 14.81 per cent in 2009 put the company in a good position to resist the downturn in the van markaet

To try and maintain its dominance, the French company is launching three new models - the New Master, Trafic Phase 3 and a new Kangoo Van Maxi.

The flagship of Renault's commercial vehicle range is the latest Master which had undergone a complete makeover and goes on sale in the UK on May 7.

Outwardly the Master has a sleeker, modern style and it has an entirely redesigned interior with added comfort features for drivers and new storage capacity.

The new Master's front-end styling features a broad grille and large, headlamps. The large wheel arches and blunt bonnet give it a purposeful look.

The new model also has prominent protective bumpers and broad side protection mouldings. The rear lights are wider than those of the previous model and give the vehicle a more grounded stance.

The cabin of the new Master offers driver and passengers more comfort.

Items include full-width parcel shelf, provision for fitment of the tachograph, sunglasses holder, a dashboard compartment to accommodate a laptop computer and/or A4-size documents, a large oddments tray above the glovebox, mobile phone holder with a 12V socket for charging, a coin holder and a holder for cards or motorway toll tickets, an MP3 player holder audio connectivity, a 7.6 litre chilled glovebox.

The range's new 2.3 dCi engine is available in a choice of three power outputs 100, 125 and 150 hp.

Fuel economy, an important consideration for fleet buyers and small businesses, has been improved, the front-wheel drive panel van versions of New Master now return combined cycle fuel consumption from 33 mpg.

Servicing costs have also been cut by 28 per cent and figure among the lowest on the market.

There's also a new rear-wheel drive version, and the range has been extended to include new 3.5 and 4.5 tonne versions with twin rear wheels.

Prices for the New Master range from £25,276 for the MM33 Freeway Panel Van and up to £35,303 for the RWD LML45TW Standard Panel Van.

Another newcomer is the facelifted, third-phase Trafic, which has been re-engineered to be more comfortable and driver-friendly. New equipment features normally associated with cars should make life at the wheel even more comfortable. The 2.0 litre dCi version of Trafic Phase 3 also offers a reduction in fuel consumption.

The final model joining the Renault van fold is the New Kangoo Van Maxi, an extended wheelbase version (nearly 40cm) of the popular Kangoo Van.