RENAULT'S New Master van has scooped the ultimate accolade at this year's What Van? of the Year awards by winning the Van of the Year title for 2004. In addition to winning the most coveted title, it also won the Large Panel Van category for the first time.

New Master which went on sale in the UK in November last year shares the two awards with its sister vehicles, Nissan Interstar and Vauxhall Movano. Winning this year's titles Renault's flagship LCV range was praised on all fronts, ranging from its modern styling to its extensive engine range and well-designed interior.

New Master's unique styling was applauded in particular thanks to its "pugnacious look" and distinctively styled wheelarches and vertically-set rear-lamp clusters. Its design was also highly rated for its excellent all-round visibility as a result of its large exterior mirrors and good view of the road ahead thanks to its sizeable, teardrop-shaped headlights giving a broad light spectrum.

What Van? magazine leaves readers in absolutely no doubt as to their glowing opinion of the New Master, summing up its landmark victory with simply, "Anyone who has made the mistake of underrating Master...now has no excuse. In its latest incarnation it can take on and thrash most of the opposition. Go check it out."