Mountains of Renault commercial vehicle innovations. In addition to the Trafic and Express, the brand also lifts the new Kangoo onto the podium. An interesting version will immediately make its debut: the Kangoo E-Tech Electric.
The second generation Kangoo, which was launched in 2007, is finally retired after more than thirteen years. Renault showed the first images of the new Kangoo at the end of last year. Now the practical purchaser has virtually no secrets anymore. The passenger version of the Kangoo is no longer bringing Renault to the Netherlands.
Electric
In contrast to the here extensively exposed Express, this Renault Kangoo is completely new. We start with a very interesting electric version that will follow the current Kangoo ZE at the beginning of 2022. That is the Kangoo E-Tech Electric, which is equipped with a 102 hp and 245 Nm strong electric motor. There is a 44 kWh battery in the bottom, good for a range of 245 kilometers. The battery pack can be fully pumped up with electricity again in 2 hours on a 22 kW charger. With a 75 kW fast charger, the battery pack can be charged up to 80 percent in 42 minutes. The Kangoo E-Tech Electric is available in two lengths.
Practical
The wheelbase of the Kangoo is 2.72 meters. The longest version has an 86 centimeter wide sliding door as standard. The loading length of this version is 3.55 meters. The cargo volume of the most spacious Kangoo is 4.2 cubic better. The shorter variant has 3.3 cubic meters available. As with the Express, we find two rear doors at the back.
The youngest Kangoo has – optionally – no roof pillar on the passenger side, which gives it a whopping 1.45 meter wide loading opening that is hidden behind a sliding door. That passage is twice as large as that of the previous Renault. Now comes the bad news: this ‘Open Sesame’ option is not on the market in the Netherlands. Renault hangs, among other things, an ‘Easy Inside Gallery’ in the van version of the Kangoo, a kind of ‘floor’ on which you can place long objects. In this way, the rest of the cargo space remains available for other items.
Renault Kangoo
Exterior
The Renault Kangoo, with its relatively square headlights and C-shaped LED day-free lighting, has clear similarities with its commercial vehicle brothers, such as the new Express and the modified Trafic and Master. The shape of the grille also fits in well with the other vans in the Renault range. LED headlights are optional. The high placed rear lights are over, the new Kangoo has LED tail lights that are now placed lower on the rear.
Renault Kangoo
Interior
The interior has also been completely revised. The design of the dashboard, including a free-standing display, looks a lot tighter and more modern. In contrast to the Express, the Easylink multimedia system is more at eye level. The system with 8-inch display is optional, as is Rear View Assist and a ‘digital’ interior mirror. The Kangoo can accommodate up to three occupants, although you must order a third seat as an extra. The storage space in the interior is 60 liters. There is a storage drawer with a capacity of 19 liters against the roof.
The steering wheel is adjustable in height and depth. The latter is new for the Kangoo. Also handy: the door on the driver’s side opens up to an angle of 90 degrees. Renault promises, among other things, seats that offer more support than before and according to Renault you can fold the passenger seat in such a way that a flat loading floor is created. There are two lashing eyes to secure materials. Renault promises that the sound insulation has been significantly improved. The Kangoo has an optional electronic handbrake. The orderer has three USB and three 12v connections as standard. An inductive charger is optional.
Renault Kangoo
engines
Renault puts 100 hp and 130 hp 1.3 TCes on the European engine list. The 100 hp version is only available with a manual six-speed gearbox. The 130 hp variant is only available in the Netherlands with a seven-speed automatic transmission with double clutch. Diesel is possible with the 1.5 Blue dCi, which is available with 75 hp, 95 hp and 115 hp. The 95 hp and 115 hp versions can be ordered with a manual gearbox and with an automatic transmission. The 75 hp version only gets a manual gearbox. The 130 hp 1.3 TCe and the 95 hp diesel are both available as an extra efficient Ecoleader. It is limited to 110 km / h.
Security systems
Renault brings numerous active and passive safety systems to the Kangoo, such as adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. Also new is Motorway & Traffic Compantion, which is available on the Kangoos with automatic transmission. This not only keeps the car in the middle of the lane, but also maintains a distance from the vehicle in front. The list continues with Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning.
The new Kangoo will be at dealers from autumn. Prices will follow in June.