MOTORING REVIEW: New Kangoo is smart, versatile yet frugal option for Limerick drivers

THE LATEST generation Renault Kangoo panel van marks a new level for the French automaker in the small van segment, available with both diesel and electric variants.

The Kangoo model name has been around since 1997, and this version is the third generation, released in a number of other European markets in 2021, from which it won the 2022 International Van of the Year title.

The vehicle is on a new Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance platform developed for passenger cars and LCVs. In this small van format it offers big space and good load carrying capability, making it suitable for small trade businesses or solo operators. Buyers have a choice of wheelbases and two trim levels of Start and Advance. My test van was the ML19 dCi 115 diesel in the Advance trim.

The Kangoo now has a strongly modern Renault look from the front and exterior highlights include LED running lights, 16-inch steel wheel trims, power/heated door mirrors, and two sliding load doors. Dual rear doors and roof bar fixings are also standard.

This latest version offers payloads of up to 1000kg, and load volumes from 3.3-4.2 m3. The diesel's payload ranges 800kg-970kg depending on length, while the E-Tech electric version carries between 600kg and 760kg.

The cabin is spacious with good room for two occupants in very comfy seats clad with new cloth upholstery with yellow accents. On my trips, I was able to get a really good driving position. Storage includes a front upper cab compartment — with a warning to not use it for getting into or out of the vehicle and certainly not to hang onto it! The dashboard has an open storage area as well as a big lidded cubby. Other spaces include a decent glovebox, and some handy open storage areas between the front seats. There is a USB socket and a 12V power outlet.

With its tall height and large windows - including excellent big A-pillar ones - visibility is excellent and the large side mirrors have good blind spot detection. But for me the stand-out feature was the wide digital rear view mirror that provided me with a clear and continuous view of the road behind as I drove, showing all the vehicles over the entire area behind me, and also when I parked up. Panel vans can't use an interior rear-view mirror, so such a helpful aid should be mandatory on all commercial vehicles. A full bulkhead protects those in front from dislodged cargo items should the driver have to brake suddenly. There are 10 anchorage points in the load area to help secure cargo.

The entry level trim includes a single passenger seat, driver’s airbag, spare wheel, air con, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. The Advance spec adds an 8-inch touchscreen with connected navigation, smartphone integration, and my vehicle also had rear parking sensors, an electric parking brake and LED lighting in the load area. A passenger bench seat with a 3-seat configuration can be specified as an extra on the lower trim.

Options include 20 driver-assistance systems, so operators can specify their van with the safety features most suited to their own needs. Also available is an internal roof rack that allows long narrow items like ladders to be stowed securely at the top of the cargo area and keeping the floor for other goods and equipment.

Diesel versions are powered by a proven 95hp 1.5 dCi engine with a very neat 6-speed manual transmission (as in my review vehicle). The gear lever is on an extension from the lower dash.

In strong cross winds or when a vehicle overtakes, a sidewind assist helps maintain stability at above 65km/h. Sidewind and trailer sway assist are standard.

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Kangoo in its standard European configuration received four stars from Euro NCAP in 2021.

The vehicle has a 5year warranty + 5 years’ roadside assistance. Fuel consumption is circa 5.6 L/100kms.

A start price of €26,495. The price of my vehicle without options, €29,295; rising to €34,750 with options.

TRISH'S TEST VAN AT A GLANCE

Model: Kangoo panel van

Engine: 1.5 dCi 115

Trim: Advance

Payloads: up to 1,000kg

GVW: from 2,230-2,260kg

Price: from €26,495.