Renault Kangoo

Expert Rating:

Introduction

It's not that long since MPVs were a rare sight on the UK roads and the niche was just that, a relatively small portion of the market. Today, every manufacturer of family cars offers a range of MPVs alongside conventional hatchbacks. These tend to be derived from existing platforms that are shared with hatches or less prestigious alternatives such as small commercial vehicles. The Kangoo is one of the latter, and as a result is a hugely practical, if workmanlike, family car.

What are its rivals?

There are a myriad of small MPVs available from all of the usual suspects and similarly the full spectrum of hatchbacks must be considered as potential alternatives. However, in terms of cars made to a similar remit then the Fiat Doblo and Citroen Berlingo offer all but identical commercial van roots.

How does it drive?

The elevated driving position gives an excellent view of the road, as does the expansive glass-house, which ensures great visibility all around. All of the driving controls are well situated and combine with a good range of adjustability to give a comfortable driving environment. On the road the experience is much like any other MPV. The ride is fairly supple and composed and the handling is tidy - if limited.

Renault's punchy little 1.5 dCi engine, tested here in 106bhp guise, is well mannered and economical with a fine blend of performance; in fact the top diesel matches the performance of the 1.6-litre petrol offering and with a broad and deep torque curve (driving through a six-speed manual gearbox) is the pick of the range offering significant improvements in performance over other derivatives for the minimum reduction in fuel economy, returning 50mpg routinely.

What's impressive?

Interior space is genuinely huge, the van-based body offering tardis-like properties with a loading area that shames any conventional rival and swallows virtually anything you can throw at it. Cubbies abound in the interior from the door pockets that will house a large bottle of water, through to the overhead parcel shelf that accommodates deceptively large items; indeed the Renault brochure shows a tennis racquet or two in there.

So, the interior is massively practical and if it doesn't fit inside then there's a strong chance that it will either go on the nifty roof-rack or the Kangoo will tow it. Access to the rear cabin is completely unhindered and easy courtesy of the two large sliding doors. All in all, this is where having a car based on a van really delivers.

Other benefits of a workman like ethos are comfortable seats and sound ergonomics - the Kangoo was a fine travelling companion, covering distances of several hundred miles without fatiguing the occupants and with no complaints about comfort.

What's not?

The Kangoo's roots as a van are all but impossible to shake off. Its looks are seriously compromised as a consequence and though they've tried hard the designers at Renault can't conceal what the Kangoo actually is. For many this will be the deal breaker as the Kangoo lacks that all important driveway chic many crave when buying a new car.

In terms of flaws within the car itself, refinement isn't a strong point, with a fair bit of wind noise and too much intrusion from the engine note. Both of these are somewhat brought in to focus by the standard fit stereo's lack of quality and volume, sounding rather tinny and underwhelming and rather an oversight in a family car.

Should I buy one?

The Kangoo's more commercial basis will make or break the deal. Image conscious buyers could immediately be put off by the looks but for those of us who will always put practicality over appearance the Kangoo is an interesting option. The versatility on offer is hard to find anywhere else and makes for an excellent, if flawed, family car.

Dave Jenkins