The first generation of Renault Master was presented to the world in September 1980. In the early years of production, the first-generation Renault Master was equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine from Fiat. In 1984, Renault introduced a new 2.1-liter power unit marked with the symbol J8S. This was engine diesel and offered a very good power to combustion ratio. The other power units in Renault Master I were 2.0-liter and 2.1-liter petrol engines with the marks J5R and J7R. In 1990, the modernized Sofim unit, with a capacity of 2.5 liters (2445 cm3 vs 2449 cm3) joined the engine range.
Renault Master of the first generation stood out from the competition with its custom design. The first element that immediately catches the eye are the side doors, sliding in an unusual way for commercial vehicles. The sliding door rollers were on the roof of the vehicle and under the body. An additional element that distinguished Renault Master was the use of round door handles. Renault Master I was available with three wheelbases to choose from: 2.81 m, 3.23 m and 3.70 m, as well as in several body versions such as: cargo van, microbus, chassis with cab.
The first generation of Renault Master was also available in an alternative version with B series designations (later known as Messenger). These vans have version with rear-wheel drive or with optional all-wheel drive. Renaul Master B-series / Messenger were equipped with 70 HP diesel engines and 80 HP gasoline engines, hence their designations B70, B80.
An interesting fact is that the Renault B90 with all-wheel drive took part in the Paris Dakar Rally in 1987. Despite this, Renault produced four-wheel drive vans only in 1990. In 1994, Renault Master underwent the latest modernization of exterior design. New naturally aspirated Renault engine with a capacity of 2.1 liters, as well as 2.5 liter Iveco units (75 hp, 90 hp) were presented.
The production of the Renault Master I ended in 1997, with the appearance of the second-generation of Renault Master van. Renault Messenger in the 4x4 version was produced until 1999.
