Renault KANGOO VAN RANGE
Thanks To A Far-Reaching Makeover, Renaults Kangoo Van Has Obtained A Renewed Spring In Its Step. Steve Walker Investigates
The world of the small van is a fiercely competitive one. With lucrative fleet contracts at stake, it has to be, which is why the competing manufacturers are always keen to make sure their representative in the sector doesnt fall off the pace. Hence Renaults recent and decisive package of improvements to their strong-selling Kangoo van, keeping it fresh in the face of tough competition.
And tough it certainly is. Kangoo customers are also being targeted by the likes of Fords Transit Connect, Citroens improved Berlingo and Peugeots restyled Partner, all of these small vans bringing fresh faces and superior engineering to compact commercial vehicle customers. To keep up, Renaults small but spacious little van needed to move on and the French designers say it has. Thats why anyone visiting a
Renault van centre today will be confronted by a Kangoo thats noticeably, if not strikingly, different from the original model which first showed up in late 1997.
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The stylists have tinkered with the Kangoos frontal aspect to the extent that it now features large elliptical headlights along with a bonnet that curves up at the wings and features an unusual crease running down the middle. Theres also a horizontally slatted grille and a gapping air-intake below the bumper that wouldnt look out of place on a hot-hatch. The Kangoo has inherited the
Renault van familys facial features with visual similarities between it the Clio van and the Trafic instantly apparent. The original Kangoo wasnt much to look at and that failing has been successfully addressed in the current model.
Having said that, Renault have shown admirable restraint, remembering this is a van and stopping well short of turning it into an over-styled oddity.
"anyone visiting a Renault van centre today will be confronted by a Kangoo thats noticeably, if not strikingly, different"
The Kangoo range features two trim levels (Standard or +) and a whopping six engines although three of those are essentially the same diesel powerplant tuned to provide differing power outputs. Buyers can get their hands of the 1.5-litre dCi in 57, 65 or 80bhp form. All are quiet and economical with good response at low engine speeds to negate the need for constant gear changing.
The 80bhp produces maximum torque of 185Nm and hauling a fully loaded Kangoo up a treacherous incline will be well within its powers: owners should also be able to manage 53mpg. Then theres the 1.9-litre dCi that powers the Kangoo 4x4 model and the engine line-up is completed by two petrol units, a 1.2-litre with 60bhp and a 95bhp 1.
6-litre 16-valver. The former, like the diesels, is economical with low exhaust emissions and the later is a decent choice for performance and refinement. The larger petrol engine is also available with Renaults Proactive automatic transmission system. Curiously named after another of those management-speak watchwords that dont really mean anything, it confounds expectations by actually working rather well.
Thinking outside the box, Renault have pushed the envelope to develop a clutchless system that alters its shifting strategies according to your driving style. Proactive can still return 35mpg on the combined cycle. Theres nothing about the Kangoos visual make-up that should prove a turn-off for buyers but commercial customers usually select their model of choice on practical criteria, so a set of natty new headlights wont cut much ice with them. Of far more relevance will be the changes rung-in on the rest of the vehicle.
Noise is always going to be a problem in vans. In the worst culprits, the metallic load area amplifies road roar and engine noise for an overall driving experience not unlike being stuck in a metal dustbin as its pounded from the outside with a big stick. Renault have improved sound insulation on the Kangoo and the result, aided by the more refined engines, is a 3 decibel noise reduction at 80mph. Safety has been stepped-up too with a collapsible steering column, greater body stiffness and height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners all added.
Theres also a drivers airbag (passenger and side airbags are optional), side impact bars, energy absorbent door padding and ABS brakes. This little lot puts the Kangoo among the very best commercial vehicles you can buy when it comes to passenger protection. General equipment levels are similarly good, entry-level Standard trim being fairly extensive and including remote central locking, immobiliser, power steering and height adjustable headrests amongst other things. Make the step up to the + trim level and theres a sliding side door, a rubber floor covering for the load area and a CD player.
All Kangoos also feature RAID the Renault Anti-Intruder Device which automatically locks all the doors with a hefty clunk as you drive away, thus preventing undesirables from gaining access while youre stopped at the lights. The Kangoo is great to use on a day-to-day basis. With a big payload on the back it copes admirably and once the load is lightened you can extract some enjoyment from driving it home especially if youve opted for one of the more powerful engines. The sliding side doors are well worth specifying as they add a new dimension in versatility to the load area.
Meaning that you dont have to clamber in through the back to lay your hands on awkwardly positioned cargo. There are plenty of fixing points for securing heavy loads and at just 535mm, the loading sill is thoughtfully placed to lessen the chances of doing yourself a mischief. If the Renault Kangoo was starting to lag behind the leaders in the small van market, the facelift that brought us the current version did plenty to redress the balance. A bold front end along with important upgrades to engines, equipment and basic design make this a vehicle that few LCV operators can afford to ignore.
Renault have already enjoyed considerable success with the Kangoo and there should be more to come from a vehicle thats competitive on every meaningful level.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Renault Kangoo Range
PRICES: £7,395 - £13,050 (Basic) ENGINES: [diesel] 1.5-litre dCi (57,65 or 80bhp), [petrol] 1.2-litre 60bhp petrol, 1.6-litre 16-valve 95bhp.
INSURANCE GROUP: 5A WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE? Length/Width/Height 3650/1630/1655mm
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