The third generation version of Renault's Kangoo van might just be the market's most complete compact LCV
This completely redesigned third-generation Renault Kangoo van aims to set fresh standards in compact van design - and in some ways it does. There are some genuinely clever features on offer here - though UK customers can't have all of them - mixed with more than a dash of Gallic flair.
'Renaulution'. What on earth does that mean? Apparently, it's got something to do with a programme of innovation that the French maker has in mind for its most practically-orientated models. Starting with this one, the all-new Renault Kangoo van. We haven't actually had a completely fresh generation of Kangoo models since 2007, so this one is a big deal. Full of all the most clever ideas that the Renault LCV design department's been working on over the last decade.
Sadly we won't get this range, but the improvement in the product is evident almost everywhere you look with this third-generation version. The competition though is tough, not least from this Renault's most recently redesigned rival, the fifth-generation Volkswagen Caddy. So, does 'Kangoo' mean 'can do'? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
There's a choice of three diesel engines - 55, 70 and 85 kW versions of Renault's usual 1.5-litre Blue dCi powerplant. And customers are also offered the company's 1.3-litre TCe petrol engine with either 74 or 97 kW. The standard transmission choice is a 6-speed manual gearbox, but selected variants also offer the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch auto.
Taking a lead from some rivals, the French maker is now offering the option of a permanent rearview camera where the rearview mirror would normally be. And this third-generation Kangoo also gets a decent dose of the camera-driven driving aids and camera safety equipment that its predecessor lacked - features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. There's also an all-electric version, the Kangoo E-TECH, which offers a 75kW electric motor and 44kWh battery with a range of 265 km
Design and Build
The Kangoo model line urgently needed a thorough visual redesign, which is what's been delivered here. In third-generation form, it certainly looks a lot more modern, with shorter bonnet and squarer lines. The large Renault badge on the nose (which conceals the charging socket on the E-TECH electric model) is flanked by headlamps incorporating the brand's signature C-shaped daytime running lights. And there are also smarter light clusters at the rear, where the left-hand door has been made wider to improve access in tight spaces.
There's an even bigger step forward inside, where just about everything that matters has been carried over from the current Clio supermini - steering wheel, dashboard, climate controls and the prominent infotainment touchscreen that appears further up the range. The cabin's more spacious too - now wide enough for the inclusion of an optional double passenger seat. If you need to carry more than two passengers, then it's worth checking out the Maxi Crew Van variant.
Market and Model
The Renault Kangoo price is dependent on the model, but we can say that we would want to keep some budget aside for the useful folding seat arrangement which sees the passenger chair collapse and the mesh bulkhead hinge to one side to leave a completely flat floor that runs from the rear doors into the passenger foot well. Another nice optional touch is the 'Easy Inside Rack', an interior roof rack that can hold lengths of up to 2,500mm and folds down from the roof when it's needed. Safety provision includes up to six airbags and you can specify all kinds of camera safety stuff this time round, including Lane Assist, tiredness alert and automatic emergency braking. Choose the optional automatic gearbox and you can have adaptive cruise control too.
Practicalities
As for practicality, well it isn't quite as straightforward as simply choosing the right body size - select either the 3.3m3 standard Kangoo van or the 4.2m3 Kangoo van Maxi. That's because in each case, there's the option to specify a fold-forward front seat that can boost said figures by quite a lot; to 3.9m3 for the standard version and to as much as 4.9m3 for the Maxi variant. And payload? Well for the standard van, this is limited to around 600kgs, but an 'increased payload' option can boost this to around 800kgs, while the lengthier Maxi variant with this option fitted can take around a tonne.
As for running costs, well, Renault says it's worked hard in this area; expect around 65mpg on the combined cycle and about 110g/km of CO2 from the volume dCi 95 diesel variant, while the TCe 100 petrol version manages around 50mpg and about 120g/km. The service intervals across the range though, aren't especially long. You also get a 3-year paintwork guarantee and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Summary
There's so much about this third-generation Kangoo that represents a clear step forward. Efficiency, cabin design, styling, safety, connectivity. We think innovations like the new folding seat arrangement and the roof-mounted interior rack are brilliant. If you're shopping in this class, make no mistake, this Kangoo has to be high on your list of contenders to try if you're to make the right buying or leasing decision. It turns out that 'Renaulution' really does mean something after all.
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Article shared from https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/
