Full review

The Europa – a classic rear lounge two-berth – is not a new model, but Renault has given the Master base vehicle a major facelift.

Unlike the much more frequently seen Fiats and Peugeots, which moved to Euro 6d in barely noticeable fashion, the Master has a bold new face. Inside, there’s a new dashboard with chrome inserts and 5in digital display incorporating the MediaNav Evolution multimedia system and navigation, which is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Master already came equipped with Lane Departure Warning and a reversing camera, but the latest model gets additional driver assistance systems (ADAS) including Rear View Assist, which is unique in the sector, and Side Wind Assist. Front parking assistance and Blind Spot Warning are also fitted, plus alloy wheels and metallic paint.

Power and torque are also increased on these latest Renaults, with the entry-level Europa featuring the 135bhp motor and six-speed manual gearbox. A £2,600 option is to upgrade to the 180bhp twin-turbo motor with Quickshift 6 robotised gearshift.

The update makes the Master look more appealing and we’ve always praised these vans for their fuel economy and ride comfort, but sadly it’s a vehicle now almost completely ignored by the motorhome industry.

Of course, it’s the lounge area that will be a top priority for many buyers and, with an overall length midway between the long and extra-long Fiats/Peugeots, there’s plenty of room here.

The settees are long enough (1.93m says WildAx) to act as single beds or you can create a huge double by slotting in the rear backrest.

In the day, the U-shaped arrangement adds lounging comfort and there are two small tables which can combine to make a generous dining surface. One table can, alternatively, be used up front in conjunction with the swivel passenger seat, while the rear seating area comes with a 19in TV/DVD as standard.

The kitchen impresses with a large work surface, as well as a three-burner hob and combined oven/grill, but you might be wondering where the sink is. Hidden when not in use, it slides out, drawer-style. Neat!

On the opposite side of the camper, underneath the wardrobe, is an 85-litre three-way fridge with removable freezer section. More storage can be found below the rear settees (some of it accessed through the rear barn doors) as well as in top lockers, which are all fitted (unusually) with tambour doors.

Another sliding door accesses the washroom, which is comprehensively lined out with WildAx’s own glass-fibre mouldings. There’s an opening window here, and the design obviates the need for a shower curtain, but the tip-up basin looks dated.

Where the Europa really scores is with practical features like its twin 100Ah leisure batteries, refillable 30-litre gas tank and heated/insulated 100-litre fresh and waste water tanks, all of which give it greater independence from site facilities than many rivals.