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.
The high roof ensures that there is sufficient headroom – even for the tallest of drivers – easing access to seating throughout and accommodating a storage shelf that runs the width of the cabin above the driver’s head. In the rear, the parallel overhead storage compartments – similar to those found in aeroplanes – make efficient use of the height, keeping valuables out of harm’s way and maintaining rearward visibility for the driver.
Unfortunately, they cannot accommodate much more than a lunchbox and a few schoolbooks per cupboard, so thick winter coats or bulky items are not recommended. Located on the back of the front seats, the fold-up table and storage pouches are useful for the kids to read and store their magazines. The sliding rear doors are superb for car parks, making light work of strapping the children in without having to perform acrobatics.
The 60/40 split folding rear seats are great for storing longer items or increasing the boot capacity, but do not fold completely flat.
Euro NCAP Rating
The Renault Kangoo (99-08) was tested by Euro NCAP in and received the following safety ratings:
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The safety ratings are determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.
