Kangoo leaves van past behind

Nov 16 2009 Peter Hayward

WHILE the old Renault Kangoo was based on a van, the latest model is built on the same chassis as the Scenic compact people mover and should ride and handle much better.

This is the cheap and cheerful end of the MPV market, but Renault also claims much better refinement and quality than in the old model.

It looks spacious inside with loads of storage and plenty of passenger room in both the front and the back.

Twin sliding side doors make access easy and the boot is huge, with an equally large hatch which forms a rain cover in bad weather.

Affordable prices and low running costs mean it has plenty of appeal. Most buyers will probably opt for the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which is available in 68, 86 or 106bhp forms.

All will average more than 53mpg but the 68bhp version is probably best avoided since it takes 19.6 seconds to get from 0 to 62 miles an hour.

Interior

Expect a vast amount of high-roofed space with storage everywhere around the cabin. Equipment in all but the basic model is likely to be enough for most and comfort should be excellent.

FAST FACTS

Renault Kangoo

Price: £13,300

Mechanical: 84bhp, 1461cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving the front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 98mph

0-62mph: 15.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 53

Insurance group: 4

CO2 emissions: 140g/km

BIK rating: 19%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 8/10

Main rival: Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo