Renault Kangoo (99-08) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 02 June 2009
Simple, functional and spacious - the Renault Kangoo appeals to family buyers who are looking for straightforward practicality above anything else. Admittedly, the obvious van-like looks won't endear the Kangoo to everyone, but buyers looking for a value-for-money holdall will be smitten. It's perfect if you're self-employed too, taking on a huge load capacity at the fold of a seat and converting back just as easily to revert to a spacious family car. The sliding rear doors and ample headroom are great for ease of access, and although the engines are less than rip-roaring, this is unlikely to be high on a people carrier buyer’s priority.
3 out of 5

Other Renault reviews

3 out of 5

Safety

The Kangoo scored well in the Euro NCAP occupant crash test, with a commendable four-star rating, but didn’t perform as well in the pedestrian tests, due to the lack of frontal cushioning. This means that there’s inadequate protection in collisions for pedestrians, due to the hard bonnet and front edge. On the inside, there are dual front airbags as standard, while additional airbags are available as an option. Original base models lack ABS, which is concerning, but all models are now fitted with this. All models have an immobiliser fitted, but there is no alarm. Thieves shouldn’t target Kangoos, though an alarm may reassure insurance companies.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    2 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
3 out of 5

Reliability

The Kangoo has the ruggedness you'd expect from a van - the mechanicals stand up to heavy punishment and it feels solidly built. The plastic matt finish throughout the cabin increases resilience - as scuffs and scratches will not show up so easily - but the interior trim lacks the quality you'd expect from a passenger car. Although it is unlikely to let you down, there have been some electrical problems reported.

Car check problem points

Body

Poor paint finish and stone chips, rust around window frames. A recall in 2001 for a door security concern.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

Some owners report electrical niggles, including window mechanisms and starting. A recall in 1999 and another in 2000 for a potential loss of brake assistance. There was also a recall in 2000 for a risk of rapid loss of tyre pressure. In 2001 there was a recall for a possible unintentional deployment of an airbag or seat belt pretensioner.