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19/12/2010
By EWAN KENNEDY
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The new generation Renault Kangoo van range has bounced into Australia. Though the Kangoo has been the best-selling vehicle in this hotly contested market segment in Europe for the past 12 years it has never really hit it off in Australia. It will be interesting to see if the new Australian Renault team will be able to lift its image here.
A major selling feature is price. The Renault Kangoo is priced at $25,990 driveaway with either a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, or a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel sitting beside a five-speed manual gearbox.
The petrol 1.6-litre version produces 78 kW of power at 5750 rpm, and has its peak torque of 148 Nm at 3750 rpm. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine has only 63 kW of power, but its maximum torque is well up on that of the petrol unit, sitting at 200 Nm at a reasonably low 1900 revs.
The new generation Renault Kangoo is built on the Renault Scenic platform, thus giving it a wider track, longer wheelbase and wider body than before. Cargo volume is up from 2.75 cubic meters in the old Kangoo to 3.0 cubic metres in the 2011 version. The high torque of the diesel Kangoo means it can now carry up to 800 kg of payload, the petrol version can tote 650 kg.
The internal load length with the passenger seat upright is 1731 mm (60 mm longer the old Kangoo). Loads of up to 1218 mm wide will fit between the rear wheel arches. The kerb-side sliding door will allow access to loads up to 635 mm wide. The asymmetrically split rear doors open through 90 and then 180-degrees. Secure stowage is enhanced via six rings set into the floor pan.
Renault Kangoo has a short, rounded bonnet fronted up by a large pedestrian-friendly bumper. Boldly shaped wheel arches and merging styling lines give the new Kangoo a modern look. The rear barn doors are framed by pillars with large taillights. If you've ever been amazed at the driving and parking antics of European city dwellers you will understand why it is also built to take hard knocks.
The front guards are made from what Renault calls Noryl, a supple composite material that is able to absorb bumps and that is easy to replace if severe crashes make that necessary.
The seats are covered in hardwearing cloth trim and a tough liner protects the cargo area.
Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control with a speed limiter, air conditioning, power front windows, an AM/FM stereo with single CD/MP3 player and fingertip controls plus an RCA Aux Jack.
Safety features include a driver’s airbag, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). However, ESP is an extra cost option at $400.
A further selling feature is a three year or 150,000 km warranty, plus 24-hour roadside assistance. |
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