RENAULT

RENAULT ADOPT A KANGOO ATTITUDE Renault Are Rapidly Establishing Themselves As One Of The Most Innovative Car Manufacturers Around. Their Kangoo Diesel Models Show That They Can Do Practicality Superbly Too. Andy Enright Reports…

To put it bluntly, a van with windows doesn’t seem the most obvious place for a car manufacturer to showcase its cleverness, but the Kangoo range brings far more to the party than an extra bench and glazing. These models open up new possibilities for the cash-strapped family motorist looking for something reliable and tough until the kids are old enough not to ruin the upholstery. Who knows, the Kangoo is such fun you may well have grown attached to it by then.

For most readers, the concept of a diesel MPV is one that leaves them struggling to re-ignite the will to live. It’s hardly the most charismatic of market sectors and to add insult to injury, most manufacturers want to charge you through the nose for the privilege. You’d need to budget well over £13,000 for the cheapest Renault Scenic-sized mini-MPV with a diesel engine and over £18,000 for something shaped more like an Espace. When there are bills to pay and kids going through clothes, shoes and Cow & Gate products at a prodigious rate, a big direct debit for a new car often isn’t even a realistic proposition. Painfully aware of this but unwilling to reduce their prices, the major makers came up with a rather obvious solution. Why not take one of the new generation of car-like vans and add some extra windows and seats, plus a smattering of extra equipment? You'd have easy room for five, plus plenty of luggage capacity, all for a rock-bottom price. The idea took off big-time in Europe, particularly in France, causing market leaders Peugeot/Citroen and Renault to refine the idea still further. The British have been a bit more resistant to the idea of a builder’s van with extra fenestration smeared around the back of it, but they’re catching on. The first result was Citroen's Berlingo Multispace, introduced to Britain in 1998 and now facing stiff competition from the rival featured here, Renault's five-door Kangoo dCi.

"Running a Kangoo diesel is one part of your life that’s not going to give your credit card a sound thrashing …"

Since the Berlingo Multispace was reduced in price and offered here in five-door form, there’s not been much to choose between the two rivals, though the Citroen has had an advantage in the form of its huge retractable panoramic sliding sunroof. Renault weren’t about to let that last for long of course, and quickly added one to the options list. The £11,165 68bhp dCi engine is the entry-level point but those seeking more power can opt for the 84bhp version of the same unit from £12,315. The Kangoo’s chassis is based on that of the previous generation Clio, which means that it's wonderfully agile around town, with light quick power steering, short gearing and great visibility through those huge windows. It isn't quite as confident as its supermini stablemate on the open road however - for many of the same reasons. The short gearing means you have to swap cogs regularly and the tall, thin, glassy profile can make it a little susceptible to crosswinds. Two trim levels are available for Kangoo diesel buyers, Authentique and Expression. Authentique gives you a 60/40 split-fold for the rear seat and a roof-mounted stowage rack inside the cabin. You also get a centre three-point rear seatbelt, ABS brakes, a passenger airbag, electric front windows, remote control central locking, electric mirrors and a CD stereo. Expression adds 14" alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, front fog lamps and a selection of additional storage solutions. It's fairly utilitarian inside - though that's intentional. If necessary, the rear bench pivots forward to convert the Kangoo from people carrier to a 2,500-litre estate. Moreover, thanks to those sliding side doors, it's a lot easier to access the space. Versatility is helped by the airline-style overhead bins and side bins with a total volume of 60-litres plus there’s the usual exterior plastic protection that makes a sideswipe of a farmer’s gate that little bit more insurance-friendly. Renault have played the Kangoo diesel card with guile. Here we get a sophisticated diesel engine with a pair of power options in a model that makes some kind of lifestyle statement. We’re not quite sure what that statement is, but those clever chaps at Renault seem to have the future mapped out. Createurs d’automobile? We’ll have whatever they’re having…

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Kangoo diesel range PRICE: £11,165 - £12,315 on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 4-5 CO2 EMISSIONS: 146-196g/km PERFORMANCE: [dCi 84bhp] 0-60mph 12.5s / Max Speed 96mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [dCi 84bhp] (average) 53mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: length/width/heightmm 3995/1663/1894

THE VAN THAT KANG Renault’s Kangoo has developed a split personality but are two Kangoos better than one? Steve Walker reports

The Renault Kangoo is now available as a sub-compact city van known as the Kangoo Compact or a full-blown compact van called the Kangoo. It might be confusing to some operators but with two models, Renault is confident of being able to give more customers what they want. The Kangoo Compact might be small but it’s highly nimble while the larger Kangoo handles in a more composed fashion. Both are well-built and pleasantly styled with engines that are better for economy than performance.

Why have one compact van when you can have two? Obviously Renault couldn’t come up with an answer to that one and the result is the double-header Kangoo range we have today. Businesses prioritising agility and compactness for urban usage can choose the Kangoo Compact. If your company needs more capacity and comfort, the full-blown Kangoo van might well be the route to take. The latest Kangoo is indicative of a wider segmentation in the compact van sector. Increasingly, manufacturers are offering either a choice of wheelbases in their small vans or a pair of completely distinct models. The whole Kangoo and Kangoo Compact idea basically boils down to a pair of wheelbase options but there are other differences and the overall effect is that Renault have two very different products with which to meet the needs of UK van customers. The Kangoo is powered by a range of 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi common-rail diesel engines. As tends to be the way in UK commercial vehicles, it’s the diesels that will account for the majority of sales. The petrol engines are 90 and 105bhp in output with the more powerful being a 16-valve unit. Packing a 148Nm maximum torque rating, even the range-topping petrol unit lacks the muscle of the entry-level diesel which has 70bhp but 160Nm. The 1.5-litre oil-burners are familiar units used across the manufacturer’s range of small cars and vans. The Kangoo Compact is only available with the 70bhp and 85bhp versions which impress most from a fuel economy standpoint. They don’t move either size of Kangoo with any great zest and can sound harsh when pushed into the upper realms of the rev range. The Kangoo also gets a 105bhp version of the same unit that feels stronger and is the unit to choose if big mileages are on your agenda.

"Why have one compact van when you can have two?"

The Kangoo’s underpinnings are borrowed from Renault’s Scenic passenger car and these origins are felt out on the road. The ride is more compliant and forgiving over the worst surface imperfections than we’ve come to expect in a compact van but the flipside is that body-control is a little wayward when you press the Kangoo into corners. The longer wheelbase of the standard Kangoo helps it provide a more composed ride and handling package than the Kangoo Compact which bounces around far more. The smaller model, however, has a wonderfully tight turning circle of just 9.7m which makes it superb in congested urban settings. As a reference point, the Renault Twingo city car has a 9.85m turning circle. Both Kangoos have great forward visibility courtesy of the extensive windscreen and truncated bonnet, while the well-weighted steering and positive gearchange also impress. Capacity will be the crux of many Kangoo buying decisions, the Compact model being significantly smaller than the standard Kangoo. The wheelbases of the two are 2,313mm and 2,697mm, the standard load volumes are 2.3m3 and 3m3 and the maximum payloads are 500kg and either 650 or 800kg. You get the general idea. Renault has aimed to bring elements of its Scenic MPV to the Kangoo’s interior, creating what it likes to refer to as a ‘mobile office’ concept. There’s certainly a good quota of storage options provided in both models with large door pockets, an A4-sized compartment in the dashboard complete with pen holders and a 13-litre overhead shelf. The Kangoo’s basic dashboard design is lifted wholesale from the Scenic MPV with its two-tone finish and dash-mounted gearlever. By the standards of the compact van market, quality of fit and finish is impressive. There’s also an upright driving position that facilitates easy entries and exits. An enormous amount of headroom is present in the front of the Kangoo, enough so that all kinds of elaborate headgear could be accommodated should the occasion arise. The space for driver and passenger is more than adequate in other dimensions too, with only the passenger legroom (restricted by the sloping floor) giving cause for concern. The size of the Kangoo Compact’s load bay might lead you to suspect otherwise but both Kangoo models can actually squeeze in a standard Europallet. The main point of access to the cargo in both vehicles is the asymmetrically-split rear doors. These open to a 90 degree angle but releasing a catch inside allows them to swing out to 180 degrees. The sliding side door is offered on the Kangoo and this opens to reveal a 635mm aperture with a tug on the reassuringly chunky handle. There are various bulkhead options including a mesh grill that swings open to increase the payload capacity and a full steel bulkhead. A ladder flap is also available so long items can be poked out through the roof at the rear of the van. The Kangoo has been designed to minimise operating costs in all its forms. As well as the economical engines and the long service intervals, the wings are made of a composite material so they’re cheaper to repair. Various small design modifications have also been made to cut labour time needed in the repair process. The Kangoo range is split between the Kangoo Compact and the Kangoo, with the larger model offering the further choice of 650kg or 800kg payload capacities. Safety equipment includes an advanced ABS system with brake assist and MSR torque overrun regulation, a diver’s airbag and pretensioner seatbelts. ASR traction control and ESC stability control are available as options on the larger model. The Kangoo Compact is the more interesting of the two products in terms of its market positioning. It goes head to head with the diminutive Citroën Nemo and Peugeot Bipper models and together, these sub-compact vans could well put the squeeze on the car-derived van sector below. They’re certainly more practical than the crop of hollowed-out superminis that are currently offered to operators needing to carry small loads around town. The larger model meanwhile fights it out with the established big guns in the compact van sector. Ford’s Transit Connect, Volkswagen’s Caddy and Citroën’s Berlingo will all be targets. With these two models working in tandem, Renault hopes to have covered all the small van bases, although it’s the standard Kangoo that will be the big seller with the marque predicting a 90 per cent to 10 per cent sales split in its favour. Renault has doubled up on the compact van market with two distinct versions of its latest Kangoo, the overriding aim being to more precisely meet the needs of small van operators. The Kangoo is tasked with catering for the more traditional compact commercial vehicle market while the Kangoo Compact targets those needing a smaller, more manoeuvrable product for light-duty urban work. By and large, the vehicles fill their roles very well. The Kangoo Compact is certainly manoeuvrable while the Kangoo produces greater practicality and a more composed driving experience. Neither Kangoo model is particularly sharp or involving from a driver’s perspective with too much body roll making itself felt especially in the smaller model. The engines lack power too, with the exception of the Kangoo’s range-topping diesel. Otherwise, it’s easy to be seduced by the excellent economy, the general ride comfort and the solidly-built interior. The Kangoo appears to have the core attributes that small van buyers want and both derivatives have something valuable to offer.

Facts At A Glance MANUFACTURER: Renault MODEL: Kangoo BHP: 70bhp - 105bhp PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 500kg – 800kg LOAD VOLUME: 2.3m3 – 3m3 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 1,715kg – 1,962kg LENGTH: 3,829mm – 4,213mm WIDTH: 1,829mm HEIGHT: 1,783mm – 1,805 May 19th 2008

BOUND FOR SUCCESS? Has Renault’s Kangoo van got what it takes to triumph in the cutthroat small van sector? Steve Walker investigates…

Where would we be without small vans? There’s a multitude of these vehicles out there being employed by all manner of different companies for a variety of diverse purposes. From fishmongers to financial institutions there’s room on almost everybody’s fleet for a dependable little van. All of which goes a long way to explaining why the various small van manufacturers are so keen on ensuring it’s their model that these operators choose. Renault have long been amongst the leaders in this field with their Kangoo van and over time they’ve introduced successive sets of revisions to ensure it continues to compete.

Today’s Kangoo sports a neat and distinctive front end but, as is almost always the case with compact vans, a boxy and unremarkable rear. Large elliptical headlights with their integrated clear lens indicators dominate the frontal aspect along with a bonnet that curves up at the wings and features an unusual crease running down its centre. There’s also a horizontally slatted grille and a large air-intake in the skirt below the bumper that wouldn’t look out of place on a hot-hatch. The Kangoo has inherited the Renault van family’s facial features over the years with visual similarities between it, the Trafic and the Movano instantly apparent. The original Kangoo wasn’t much to look at and that failing has been successfully addressed in later models. Having said that, Renault have shown admirable restraint, remembering this is a commercial vehicle, stopping well short of going overboard with the fancy detailing. The Kangoo range features two trim levels (SL or SL+) and five engines. That’s more power options than you find in most small van ranges but the three diesels are essentially the same unit tuned to provide differing power outputs. Buyers can get their hands of the 1.5-litre dCi in 60, 70 or 84bhp form. All are quiet and economical with good response at low engine speeds to negate the need for constant gear changing. Like the petrol engines in the Kangoo, these oil-burners are compliant with the Euro IV emissions regulations.

"The small van market is big business and Renault’s Kangoo has traditionally faired very well."

The 84bhp produces hefty maximum torque of 200Nm and hauling a fully loaded Kangoo up a treacherous incline will be well within its powers: owners should also be able to manage well over 50mpg. The dCi84 is also the quickest Kangoo around with a 0-62mph time of 11.3s. That’s more rapid even than the 95bhp 1.6-litre 16v petrol option which is detained, partly by its automatic transmission, for 12.4s on the sprint but yields better refinement than the oil burners. The final engine choice is an economical 1.2-litre 75bhp petrol one that may be enough to tempt a few cost-cutting buyers away from the diesel. Renault’s Proactive automatic transmission system is exclusively available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Curiously named after another of those ‘management-speak’ watchwords that don’t 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. A Kangoo 1.6 Proactive can still return 35mpg on the combined cycle, try running that up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes. There’s nothing about the Kangoo’s 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 headlights won’t cut much ice with them. Of far more relevance will be the user-friendliness of 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 it’s pounded from the outside with a big stick. Renault have done a good job with the sound insulation on the Kangoo and the result, aided by the more refined engines, is a relatively quiet driving experience. Safety is a strongpoint on the Kangoo with a collapsible steering column, good body stiffness and height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners. There’s also a driver’s airbag (passenger and side airbags are optional), side impact bars, energy absorbent door padding and ABS brakes with brake assist. 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 SL trim being fairly extensive and including remote central locking, immobiliser, CD stereo, power steering and height adjustable headrests amongst other things. Make the step up to the ‘+’ trim level and there’s a sliding side door, a rubber floor covering for the load area, a three button key that opens the load bay and the cab separately, rain-sensing wipers, load area lights and electric windows. 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 you’re 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 you’ve 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 don’t 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. In the cab, improvements have been made to the look and feel of the fixtures and fittings. Overall it’s a pleasant place to sit and the tough plastics seem well up to the job. The small van market is big business and Renault’s Kangoo has traditionally faired very well. It remains the top-selling small van in Europe, has consistently figured in the top five UK models over recent years and, despite some stiff competition, looks likely to continue a similar level of performance. The 1.5-litre dCi power options are amongst the most economical around, safety provision is class-leading and Renault provide a good level of standard specification. The Kangoo is well-equipped to help your company get the jump on its competitors.

Facts At A Glance VAN: Renault Kangoo van range ENGINES: [diesel] 1.5-litre dCi (60,70 or 84bhp), [petrol] 1.2-litre 75bhp petrol, 1.6-litre 16-valve 95bhp. INSURANCE GROUP: 5A WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE? Length/Width/Height 3650/1630/1655mm

RENAULT’S CAN-DO KANGOO The Renault Kangoo was once the epitome of cheap and cheerful family motoring. It’s become a little more sophisticated of late. By Andy Enright

Sooner or later we all have to face the fact that we’re growing up. Things that seemed enormous fun a few years ago now have us wondering what the attraction ever was. Cars also undergo this process, usually aping their human counterparts by getting bigger and a little thicker in the middle as they age. The Renault Kangoo may not have yet succumbed to middle age spread, but it has become a far more mature proposition than the first batch of rather crude van-cum-cars that first made their way to these shores back in 1999.

Those initial Kangoos harked back to the Renault 4, a lightweight box that never broke down, engendering the same kind of warm fuzziness amongst family buyers. As a result, by the end of 2002 Renault had shifted no fewer than 10,818 cars. About 55% of these went to fleet users who appreciated a genuine dual-purpose vehicle. The pattern was replicated across Europe and before too long the once derided van-based MPV sector had become one of the hottest tickets in town. Duelling it out with its great rival, the Citroen Berlingo Multispace, the Kangoo has in recent years undergone a series of revisions to try to wrest superiority from its Gallic counterpart. The Citroen offered a big sunroof so the Renault offered two, and then rammed the point home by improving quality, safety and introducing a rather curious four-wheel drive version dubbed the Trekka which is now no more. Since then it’s been a case of regular tweaks to the line up in a bid to keep things fresh. There are now eight Kangoo variants from which to choose, spread across a range offering a choice of two trim levels - Authentique and Expression. There’s also the choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, offering between 68hp and 95hp. The 1.2 and 1.6 16-valve petrol engines offer lively performance and excellent combined cycle fuel economy of 40.4 and 37.7mpg, while the 1.5-litre dCi 68 and dCi 84 common-rail diesels offer even greater torque at lower revs and 51.4 and 53.3mpg.

"The Kangoo is an easy car to like: it’s easy to see why so many have been sold…"

Another string to its bow is that the Kangoo has another unique proposition in its class - automatic transmission. For the latest range, this can be allied to the 1.6 16V engine on either trim level, offering even greater ease-of-use and refinement for longer journeys. Other than that, the recent changes have been all about trim and specification tweaks, including two new interior upholsteries and several new options. The specific improvements to the Authentique and Expression trim levels see the former gain £200 of extra equipment, namely a 30W CD player and overhead parcel shelf to complement its new ‘Kaleidoscope’ interior trim. Meanwhile, the Expression receives new ‘Gabor’ interior trim and, when specified with metallic paint, body coloured front, rear and side mouldings, similar to those available on larger Mégane. In addition to impressive fuel economy, the Kangoo range also features the cleanest engine in its class too, in the form of the dCi 84. Beating rivals such as the Citroen Berlingo Multispace, the Fiat Doblò and Peugeot’s Partner, this engine boasts carbon dioxide emissions of just 139 grams per kilometre which is notable for several reasons as it comes in under the important 140 gram emissions threshold. The Kangoo's platform is based on that of the MKII Renault Clio, which means that it's wonderfully agile around town, with light quick power steering, short gearing and great visibility through those huge windows. It isn't quite as confident as its supermini stablemate on the open road however - for many of the same reasons. A revised spoiler below the body and a bumper extensions means that this Kangoo is a good deal more resistant to cross winds than its predecessor. As we’ve said, four powerplants are on offer, all lifted directly from the Clio supermini. You can opt either for a high-tech common rail dCi turbo diesel in 68 or 84bhp form, or select between 1.2 or 1.6-litre petrol engines. Despite the excellence of the petrol engines, it’s the dCi diesels that still make more sense, travelling as they do five miles further on every gallon (in 80bhp guise) and endowed as they are with an extra dose of mid-range pulling power. In summary, the Kangoo is an easy car to like: it’s easy to see why over 130,000 have been sold in Europe already. Sure, for not much more, you could buy a secondhand large-sized MPV but it’s easy to admire the way that the Kangoo brings the latest Renault technology home at an affordable price. The latest models offer a level of sophistication few would credit, illustrating just how far the Kangoo has come in such a short time. Basically, it’s still fun, all of which just goes to prove that there’s a lot to be said for growing old disgracefully.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Kangoo range PRICES: £10,175-£12,315 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 4-5 CO2 EMISSIONS: 139-190g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.5 dCi 84] 0-60mph 12.2s / Max Speed 99mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5dCi 84] (urban) 47.9mpg / (extra urban) 57.6mpg / (combined) 53.3mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: [Authentique] length/width/heightmm 3995/1663/1894

AUTHENTICATED ENTRY Renault’s Kangoo 1.5-litre dCi 68 Authentique Provides A Much Needed Entry-Level Diesel In This Popular Range. Steve Ghosley Reports…

When Renault put seats and rear windows in one of their best selling vans and marketed the result as a family MPV, little did they realise what a hit this car would become on this side of the Channel. With sales continuing to break new records in the UK, this very practical, if not wonderfully attractive, vehicle is carving itself out a growing number of adoring fans. Vans have come along way in recent years, gaining passenger car creature comforts that were once denied the working man. These days, light commercial vehicles can come with air-conditioning, satellite navigation and CD players, so it’s not such a big step for manufacturers like Renault to convert their commercial vehicles into practical family movers.

The Kangoo took a while to catch on in the UK as the British motoring public first had to overcome its natural aversion to driving its loved ones around in the back of a builder’s van. It didn’t take them long, however, to realise that the concept made sense both in terms of practicality and safety. For active families, the Kangoo offers the luxury of a comfortable medium size car with the added advantage that it can be easily transformed into a load-carrying vehicle with a capacious interior. An entry-level diesel model like the Kangoo 1.5-litre dCi 68 Authentique we look at here is absolutely idea for the cost-conscious modern family. Retailing at just £11,165 on the road, this Kangoo offers families on a budget the option of modern diesel power and economy at a very affordable price. Admittedly, in Authentique guise, the creature comforts are limited to remote central locking, power-assisted steering, driver’s and passenger’s airbag, ABS brakes, tinted windows and a radio/CD player but you do get a car with a four star Euro NCAP safety rating.

"The Kangoo’s chassis is based on that of the latest model Clio, which means that it's wonderfully agile around town…"

One of the best features of the Kangoo are the sliding side doors. Anyone who has returned to their car parked in a supermaket carpark only to find that tell-tale dent in the side of their vehicle will appreciate the benefits of these doors in the hands of young children as opposed to conventionally opening ones. I know that I always feel more secure parking next to a Kangoo than I do next to a conventional mini-MPV. The first things many will notice about the Kangoo are the huge elliptical headlamps that rise high into the front wings. The bonnet features a bold crease down the middle and the front grille is now of the latest Renault family face. The rear door mouldings are a good deal beefier and the protective strips running down the sides are bigger and tougher. The Kangoo’s chassis is based on that of the latest model Clio, which means that it's wonderfully agile around town, with light quick power steering, short gearing and great visibility through those huge windows. It isn't quite as confident as its supermini stable mate on the open road however - for many of the same reasons. The short gearing means you have to swap cogs regularly and the tall, thin, glassy profile can make it a little susceptible to crosswinds. In addition to offering twin front airbags and ABS, Renault have beefed up side protection in the doors. Pretensioning seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat attachments all hint at why Renault have been consistently outscoring all other manufacturers in terms of safety provision. Even Volvo. Passive safety has been a big focus for Renault in the development of this car and the engineers have developed a keen awareness of what items should be rigidly mounted and what should retain some give. Therefore there are stiff bulkheads and seat frames, plus absorbent padded doors and a collapsible steering column. This new model is the only car with a four star Euro NCAP safety rating compared to its immediate rivals the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo and the Peugeot Partner. The Kangoo 1.5-litre dCi 68 Authentique gets a 1.5-litre common-rail turbo diesel that develops a useful 68bhp. The added power of the diesel unit is a welcome feature for a vehicle of this type as it tends to be used for moving either large loads or lots of people, yet it will still return over 51.4mpg on the combined cycle. It's fairly utilitarian inside - though that's intentional: you can clean the interior with a hose if you really want to. If necessary, the rear bench pivots forward to convert the Kangoo from people carrier to a 2,500-litre estate. Moreover, thanks to those sliding side doors, it's a lot easier to access the space. Versatility is helped by the airline-style overhead bins and side bins with a total volume of 100-litres plus there’s the usual exterior plastic protection that makes a sideswipe of a farmer’s gate that little bit more insurance-friendly. The running costs of the Kangoo have been kept deliberately low by design. It sits nicely in insurance group 4E thanks to the emphasis on safety and the servicing intervals are at 18,000 miles or every two years. Buyers of the Kangoo 1.5-litre dCi 68 Authentique will also benefit from a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and three years of free Renault Roadside Assistance. The Renault Kangoo 1.5-litre dCi 68 Authentique is a welcome addition to the Kangoo range. It may not have all the bells and whistles that others offer but nevertheless it does provide an economical, practical and safe option for a family on a budget. A diesel MPV for under ten grand can’t be bad.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Kangoo 1.5-litre dCi 68 Authentique PRICE: £11,165 - on-the-road INSURANCE GROUP: 4E CO2 EMISSIONS: 146g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 16.3s / Max Speed 91mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 51.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: length/width/heightmm 3995/1663/1894

GALLIC BRED Models Covered: 5dr MPV (1.2, 1.4, 1.5 petrol, 1.5, 1.9 diesel [RN, RXE, Alize, Helios, Authentique, Trakka])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

It’s easy to get dewy eyed with nostalgia when remembering the Renault 4. Tough as old boots, about as sophisticated as a thumb in the eye and with styling more akin to a henhouse than a car, it had a certain peasant charm. The Renault Kangoo has taken the basic ingredients and given them a new twist. Based on a van but with additional fenestration, the Kangoo offers cheap and cheerful transport with good luggage capacity. It was fair to assume that as long as you didn’t expect sophistication you wouldn’t be disappointed. But does a used Kangoo offer anything over, say, a marginally older family estate? In a rapidly growing sector where mere appliance of the word ‘lifestyle’ is a means to bump up the prices, the unpretentious Kangoo entered near the bottom and aimed to stay there. With its commercial vehicle basis, development costs were minimised. Along with its rival, the Citroen Berlingo Multispace, the Kangoo inhabited a niche pioneered by miniature glazed Suzuki vans of the past. Parents will love it, as there’s precious little for kids to snap off or rip up.

Although the British public were slowly getting used to the idea of small vans with windows, the Kangoo was something different again. For a start, the name took some adjustment. Kangoo? Was this the start of a trend by Renault for names based on antipodean fauna minus a middle syllable? Would the market be flooded by Renault Bancoots, Kolas and Plapuses? Fortunately not, and the Kangoo name gradually became accepted, mirroring the cars light-hearted, almost ironic nature. The styling was something of an acquired taste too. Renault billed the car as its ‘Practical Joker’ but the joke appeared to have been played on the Kangoo, wearing as it did a face that looked as if it had just sat on a drawing pin. Nonetheless, it was certainly more distinctive than Citroen’s blandly styled Berlingo Multispace. It’s certainly true that the French have done basic rugged transportation better than anybody else. Rural France wouldn’t be the same without the sight of Citroens 2CVs, Renault 4s and Peugeot 104s chugging back from the boulangerie in the morning. The basic engineering involved suited the rustic way of life, but things change. When the Kangoo was launched in the UK, the range consisted of two models, both with engines that the whilst not state of the art, were nonetheless a long way removed from the state of the ark mechanicals of French cars of yore. Available with a 1.4-litre petrol engine developing 75bhp and a 65bhp 1.9-litre diesel, both borrowed from the Clio range, the Kangoo’s key market advantage came through the provision of five doors at a time when the chief rival from Citroen was only equipped with three. Both engine options were available in basic RN guise, although the 1.4 was also offered with a slightly better equipped RXE trim level. In March 2000, a 1.4 Alize limited edition version was launched, plugging a gap between the RN and RXE. A 1.4 Helios limited edition model was introduced in July, boasting, as its name suggests, twin sun roofs, thus aiming to negate the Citroen Berlingo Multispace’s USP – its full length electric sliding sunroof. September 2000 saw the fitment of Renault’s RAID anti-intruder device. In 2001 the trim levels were rationalised to a sole Authentique version and the engine selection was altered. Buyers now chose between the 1.6-litre 16v petrol and a 1.9-litre 80bhp turbodiesel. The Trekka 4x4 version was launched with the same choice of powerplants and Nissan-sourced all-wheel drive menchanicals. From the spring of 2004 onwards, all Kangoos came with ABS brakes and by the autumn of that year a 65bhp version of the 1.5 dCi powerplant was available. The diesel engines both received a power boost at the start of 2006 with the dCi 65 becoming the dCi 68 and the dCi 80 getting 84bhp. There were also minor alterations to the trim and the colour scheme range.

Practicality and lots of it. What’s notable by its absence is any semblance of wry design, clever foldaway seating arrangements and the latest high-tech engines. What the Kangoo offers are hardwearing wipe clean surfaces, rugged cargo nets, huge luggage bins and a vehicle built to withstand a hard life. If you already have one of the current generation of mini MPV s on your driveway, ask yourself when you last rearranged the interior seating into a conference table facility or indeed even filled all the seats. Probably shortly before you wondered where said passengers luggage was going to go. No such problems exist with the Kangoo. Inside, it's fairly utilitarian - though that's intentional: you can clean the interior with a hose if you really want to. If necessary, the rear bench pivots forward to convert the Kangoo from people carrier to a 2600-litre estate. Moreover, thanks to those sliding side doors, it's a lot easier to access the space. Any further versatility depends on whether you've paid extra for the plusher RXE model, which adds a 60/40 split-fold for the rear seat and a roof-mounted stowage rack inside the cabin. You also get the centre three-point rear seatbelt which really ought to be standard on the RN given the likelihood of three children being in situ across the rear bench. Other items exclusive to the RXE include a passenger airbag, electric front windows, remote control central locking, electric mirrors and an upgraded stereo. Alloy wheels, ABS and air conditioning are all optional. Useful touches include the protective mouldings that surround the car and resist the knocks and scrapes of city life. Then there are the interior rubber mats that can be taken out and placed under the tap. And the rear tailgate that opens upwards high enough for someone over 6ft5" to stand underneath in a rainstorm. There are cheaper umbrellas about but few will seat five people.

Used prices for the Kangoo settle after the steep initial depreciation has worn off. A 1999 V registered Kangoo 1.4 RN will command around £2,775 whilst an RXE will be valued at just over £2,975. Expect to pay around £2,950 for similar vintage 1.9 diesel models. Insurance is a reasonable Group 4 for all models bar the 1.4 RXE which insurers rate at Group 5. No need to cancel the Florida holiday just yet, then.

As with all cars that get used to ferry children back and forth, check for rips, stains and other damage to upholstery and minor trim parts. This isn’t such a great problem in the Kangoo because it’s so utilitarian that only the most demonic child will be able to damage. Have a good look at the load bay area, as many Kangoos will have been used for some pretty heavy duties. The fascia mouldings aren’t anything to give BMW sleepless nights and it’s possible to lose coins, keys and credit cards between ill-matched mouldings and down into the fascia innards. The mechanicals are proven technology and shouldn’t cause any significant worry. Despite this, check for its service history but even if it’s not completely pristine, the Kangoo can usually cope. Just get it in to the garage for a once-over after purchase.

(Estimated prices, based on a Kangoo 1.4RN) Coming from a commercial background where spares prices are a more significant part of the buying process, spares are very reasonable indeed. New front brake pads £50, with rears coming in at about £45. A new radiator is around £175, whilst a new air filter is around £14 and spark plugs are around £5 each.

The Kangoo's platform is based on that of the Renault Clio, which means that it's wonderfully agile around town, with light quick power steering, short gearing and great visibility through those huge windows. It isn't quite as confident as its supermini stablemate on the open road however - for many of the same reasons. The short gearing means you have to swap cogs regularly and the tall, thin, glassy profile can make it a little susceptible to crosswinds. Compensation comes in the two powerplants on offer, also lifted directly from the Clio. Opt either for a 65bhp 1.9-litre diesel or a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit. The diesel makes more sense, travelling as it does five miles further on every gallon and endowed as it is with an extra dose of mid-range pulling power.

There’s no doubt that viewed logically, a nearly new Renault Kangoo has to be one of the most cost-effective ways of transporting the family and their luggage. It has a cheeky charm which helps you forgive its shortcomings. Its vast load area, no-nonsense rubber matting and many stowage bins means it can carry gear that far bigger vehicles would baulk at, yet somehow the paucity of bells and whistles scarcely seems to matter. Although the price makes it an economical used choice, many will question whether something like a slightly older Mondeo Estate makes a better buy. If you plan to cover long distances, then the answer would have to be yes. If, on the other hand, you like the idea of driving a car that’s still barely run in and that will still be running well after the Mondeo has shuffled off this mortal coil, the Kangoo could be the answer to a question you hadn’t thought to ask.