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New Renault Kangoo: closer to luxury than the loading ramp
Photo: Thibaud Chevallier / Planimnonteur / Renault
The first impression:
the new Renault Kangoo is still practical and good, but no longer square.
While the developers had designed the outward appearance of the previous models so that as much as possible fits in, they are now opting for a smoother design.
The rear window has been given a slight curve and the flanks are evidence of the creative drive.
The hinted underrun protection is reminiscent of an SUV.
What the manufacturer says:
Renault calls the design of the new Kangoo a "turning point". The first two generations were nicely equipped commercial vehicles; the simple dominated. The third edition "is based more on the car design with athletic style elements than on the typical panel van optics and thus signals its higher position," say the Renault managers. The Kangoo will therefore not yet become a status symbol, but at least more shine for the cabin and new technology underpin the ascent. Cooperation partner Mercedes may have requested the product upgrade. The Stuttgart-based company sells the Kangoo, subtly modified, as the Citan. They received a lot of criticism for the previous model, also a Kangoo clone. This should not be repeated - especially since the Citan is not only available as a mini-van,but also as a car called the T-Class.
We noticed that, at
least in the upscale versions, the Kangoo is closer to luxury than the loading ramp, with fine chrome rings around the switches and soft foamed plastics instead of hard plastic. Imitation wood sticks to the consoles, and a colorful touchscreen lights up above the center console. And Renault has distributed significantly more insulation material in the car: while the old models roared and rattled, the new Kangoo is quiet. The delivery van has become a car that is suitable for long journeys. The relaxed suspension and smooth steering contribute to this. Renault makes it easier for frequent drivers to travel with cruise control, including distance control and blind spot warning with steering intervention. Assistance systems such as maneuvering support or panorama cameras are particularly helpful in city traffic.
But although it is less dice-like, the kangoo has not shed its old virtues.
Thanks to its larger dimensions, it even offers more space for people and luggage.
Even more little things disappear in storage compartments.
In total, the car has a volume of 49 liters for small items.
Two shelves stand out: There is the huge glove compartment, which functions as a drawer, with good insight and access.
And the hollow behind the steering wheel.
Where the head-up display is installed on some cars, the Kangoo has another storage option that is not well done.
The lid blocks the driver's view when he is looking for a mobile phone or ID.
The Kangoo will be better equipped for larger loads.
Renault engineers installed roof rails inspired by the sister brand Dacia.
The railing can be rotated 90 degrees in two easy steps, turning it into a roof rack.
A passenger seat will be available shortly, the back of which can be flattened and which, if necessary, disappears almost completely into the floor of the car.
You have to know that:
The new Kangoo will go on sale in June and will cost at least 23,800 euros.
But there is a car that has grown by almost 20 centimeters to 4.49 meters, has increased in width by almost ten centimeters and therefore offers more space.
The trunk holds between 519 and 2031 liters, depending on the configuration.
In addition, Renault promises online infotainment, standard LED headlights and all the assistants that are known in this class from the car world. With the engines, progress will have to wait a little longer. It starts with a 1.3-liter petrol engine with 102 or 130 hp and a 95 hp diesel with 1.5 liter displacement, which have to get by without electrification. Even a 48-volt system, as is standard in SUVs in this class, was apparently too expensive. But next year the Kangoo will drive up purely electrically - with 75 kW engine power and a 44 kWh battery for a range of 250 kilometers.
In addition to the station wagon for the family, there is also a variant as a small delivery van, with prices starting at 16,886 euros.
The more powerful gasoline engine is not available for these, but a second diesel engine with 75 hp.
The panel van is the first of its kind to dispense with the B-pillar on the passenger side, so that a huge loading hatch is created on the right-hand side when the doors are open.
We won't forget that:
the impressive opening angle of the front doors.
They can be raised by a little more than 90 degrees.
Although this requires a certain degree of caution in parking spaces, it makes it much easier to sit down.
This makes switching from an SUV a little easier.
Thomas Geiger is a freelance writer and was supported in his research by Renault. Reporting is independent of this.