Funky new Renault be bop debuts

Renault will add a new string to its MPV bow this week at the Paris Show when it unveils the distinctive new Kangoo be bop.

As the name suggests, the new car is a derivative of the popular Kangoo range, which, until now, has been made up of a lightweight commercial vehicle and a five-door MPV designed specifically with value for money in mind.

The new be bop adds a real dose of interest to the line-up, as it's intended to appeal to younger buyers and city dwellers looking for a funky and fun car.

Based on the Kangoo Compact Concept show car exhibited at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the be bop is a shortened version of the regular Kangoo with just two doors.

One of the be bop's unique features is its roof and rear door design. The glazed roof slides forward and the rear glass slides down into the tailgate to open up the back of the car completely to the elements.

The be bop accommodates four occupants in individual seats and the rear passengers get the chance to live the full open-air experience.

Although the dashboard and front seats of the be bop are shared with the five-door Kangoo, a range of bright colours and materials set the compact car apart and allow buyers to customise the look.

A similar approach will be taken with the be bop's exterior. A two-tone finish is standard, with the bonnet, grille, door mirrors, front bumper bib and tailgate panel painted Cosmic Grey, while the rest of the bodywork is available in either black, orange or white.

Even though Renault reckons the new be bop will appeal to urban dwellers, it will come with a range of engines suited for life outside the city, including 85 and 105bhp versions of the excellent 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel and a 105bhp petrol-powered 1.6-litre unit.

Sales of the new Kangoo be bop will begin early next year.

Shane O' Donoghue