New Launches
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 European Launch
Volkswagen’s Crafter has undergone a midlife makeover and gets a new front-end along with new Euro 5 engines… Read More
Volkswagen Amarok UK Launch
The Amarok one tonne pick-up is a Volkswagen from the ground up and from launch is available as a four-wheel drive double cab with a choice of three… Read More
Renault Kangoo Compact Review & Buyers' Guide
£10,450 
| Available as | Engine options | Volume (m³) | Payload (kg) | MPG |
| Van | 1.5TD 70hp | 2.3 | 500 | TBA |
Our Verdict
Not a bad little package, but check out Fiat’s Fiorino, Peugeot’s Bipper or Citroën’s Nemo — all three share the same basic design — before you buy.
The past few years have seen a whole new class of light commercials emerge; vans that slip neatly into the narrow gap between hatchback car-derived vans such as Ford’s Fiesta and full-size high cube vans such as Vauxhall’s Combo.Fiat’s Fiorino is a prime example of what we’re talking about while Renault’s take on the idea is the Kangoo Compact. It’s a truncated version of the standard Kangoo, now also available in lengthened guise as the Kangoo Maxi.
Compact comes with a 2.3m3 cargo bay accessed by means of twin asymmetric rear doors. Sliding side doors aren’t fitted and are not available as options, but that’s not too big a drawback given the short load bed length. Gross payload is healthy 500kg.
Power comes from a 70hp/160Nm 1.5-litre diesel and you get a five-speed manual gearbox.
Good to see that Compact gets a roomy and comfortable cab although we’re not entirely convinced by the odd-looking handbrake lever. There’s currently just the one trim level, Freeway, which comes with remote central locking and a tubular bulkhead behind the driver’s seat. The windows and door mirrors are manual.On the road you get to enjoy good handling and a high degree of manoeuvrability plus ample around-town performance. On the downside the ride is nervous and noise levels are on the high side.
Service intervals are set at 12,500 miles and a three-year/100,000-mile warranty is provided.
