Renault Kangoo review: our award winning Small Trades Van

Comfortable, bright and well equipped, particularly if you go for the Sport 

And two specs

Both the Van and the Van Maxi have a new two-grade equipment specification – Core and Sport.

All models are equipped with a driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, plus a twin 20W speaker audio system with Bluetooth, AUX and USB port for iPod connection. Sport models also get Renault’s R-Link system which allows the radio, iPods, USB connections, Bluetooth and sat nav to be controlled remotely – this is a £810 option on Core spec models.

The new Kangoo has a more sophisticated ESC stability control package which incorporates Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend – an intelligent traction control system that delivers improved grip on loose and slippery surfaces.

We’ve driven the Maxi LL21 Energy dCi 90 Sport, Maxi LL21 dCi 110 Crew Van Sport, and the battery-powered Kangoo SE – but we’ll keep that for a separate report.

The roof flap is another feature that makes loading easier, and is great for carrying oversized items

What’s hot?

• The new front end looks stylish, purposeful and modern.
• The cabin is well appointed and very comfortable. It’s bright and airy and the large windscreen ensures good visibility. Storage is well up to par.
• Kangoo Van has a load volume of 3cu m with asymmetrically split rear doors and a sliding side door. Six tie-down rings are provided.
• There’s the option of a combination of a swivelling bulkhead and folding passenger seat to allow longer items to be carried, as well as a nifty optional roof flap to make life easier when carrying oversized items, such as ladders or pipes.
  

  Side door access too

• In the five-seat Maxi LL21 Crew Van the additional row of three seats split-fold 60:40, providing a versatile balance between passenger accommodation and load space. Rear legroom is impressive. Access to the seating is via unglazed sliding doors on both sides.
• With all seats in place, load volume is 1.1cu m (up to seat height) and load length 1.3m; load length increases to 2.2m with the rear bench folded.
• The Crew Van’s maximum payload is 740kg and, in common with the standard Kangoo Van, it has space to carry a Euro pallet.
• Kangoo’s controls are well formulated and simple to use. The sat nav especially is a doddle to operate.
• The instrumentation’s also good – the dials are especially well designed.
• Both the dCi 90 and dCi 110 units are lively engines with decent power outputs and smooth torque delivery.
• The dCi 90 is equipped with a five-speed box and generates 200Nm of torque. The dCi 110 engine, mated with a six-speed manual transmission, has 240Nm of torque.
• Sport models also have an Eco Mode function that’s activated by a dash-mounted button. According to Renault this gives a 10% reduction fuel consumption by steadying acceleration and lowering engine torque. In Eco Mode the gearshift indicator is activated earlier.
• The Sport’s  R-Link system for remote control of the infotainment system –  radio, iPods, USBs, Bluetooth and satnav.
• Options on Core and Sport models include ESC stability control package, incorporating Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend – an intelligent traction control system that delivers improved grip on loose and slippery surfaces, rear parking sensors and cruise control.
• An engine speed limiter, which can be programmed for 56 mph, 62 mph or 68 mph, is available as an option.
• All new Kangoo vans are offered with a four-year/100,000-mile warranty, four years’ roadside cover and the option of four years’ scheduled servicing.

What’s not?

• The lack of a high-roof model might be a drawback for some operators.
• Though comfortable, the cab is rather dull.