Renault Kangoo Review & Buyers Guide

Renault Kangoo Review & Buyers' Guide

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£11,250 – £13,590

Available as	Engine options	Volume (m³)	Payload (kg)	MPG
Van, Crew Van	1.5TD 70/85/105hp	3.0 – 4.0	650 – 800	TBA

Our Verdict

A frugal and environmentally friendly load-shifter, but we would advise fitting a full steel bulkhead to cut down the noise.

Since its launch at the Amsterdam commercial vehicle show back in 2007 the latest version of Renault’s Kangoo has won lots of friends and, perhaps predictably, garnered lots of sales. Also available in smaller Compact and larger Maxi guise, it’s a purpose-built high cube van fit to rival models such as Vauxhall’s Combo and Volkswagen’s Caddy.

With a 3.0m³ or 4.0m³ (Maxi) load bay and a payload capacity of between 650kg and 800kg depending on the model, Kangoo is on offer with a choice of three diesel engines.

All are 1.5-litre dCi units which come in either 70hp/160Nm, 85bhp/200Nm or 105bhp/240Nm guise and drive the front wheels via a five-speed gearbox. The standard Kangoo takes the 70hp and 85hp while the Maxi can be had with the 85hp and 105hp. The 85hp version produces commendably modest CO2 emissions of just 130g/km.

kangoo-maxi-2010-bg3

On the positive side, the cab is remarkably roomy given the vehicle’s compact overall dimensions. However, Renault has given it an odd-looking handbrake lever with a horizontal bar that looks rather like the shift for an automatic transmission; you press a button on the end of the bar to release the brakes. It’s all very odd and we really can’t see the point of it.

Kangoo rides and handles well, and is remarkably frugal. The low CO2 85hp diesel should give you around 55mpg.

Interior noise is an issue, however, and it’s adviseable to specify a full bulkhead.

Service intervals are set at 12,500 miles for the 70hp and 85hp while the 105hp is 18,000 miles. Kangoo is covered by a three-year/100,000-mile warranty.

As well as a standard van, the Maxi can be had as a five-seater Crew Van.