Renault’s small panel van, the Renault Kangoo, has been upgraded and improved to include more efficient, Euro-6 engines, the standard fitment of solid bulkhead, new trim levels and the introduction of a number of safety and comfort features.
New Business and Business + trim levels
In line with the rest of the Renault light commercial vehicle range, there are now two trim levels called the Business and Business +. Business models now feature a full height, solid bulkhead and a DAB radio with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity as standard, and they can be ordered with or without a CD player.
Business + models feature everything on the Business vans, with the addition of electrically operated folding door mirrors, one-touch descending electric front windows, a centre console with armrest, an overhead parcel shelf, rubber flooring in the load area, manual air conditioning, body-coloured front bumper and rear parking sensors.
The optional Renault R-Link infotainment, which includes satellite navigation, is now controlled with a button rather than the touchscreen. Renault says this allows the driver to focus more on the road, as opposed to the display.
For the first time, the higher 800kg payload is now available on the short wheelbase models; previously they were confined to the long wheelbase ‘Maxi’ variants.
All-electric versions now receive Renault Z.E. Voice as standard, which alerts pedestrians or cyclists to the vehicle’s approach when travelling below 18mph.
Euro-6 engines
Seven Euro-6 engines have been offered ahead of the Euro-6 legislation deadline, which comes into force in September 2016. An additional NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) trap has been fitted into the exhaust system, which means there’s no requirement for Adblue (a urea substance that reacts with the nitrogen to produce water).
Fuel economy hasn’t been improved, although the Renault Kangoo is fairly economical anyway, with the dCi 90 ENERGY models achieving 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.
Renault Kangoo overview
Prices for diesel models start at £13,200 plus VAT, which is fairly competitive when compared with its nearest rivals. Battery-hire Z.E. versions are available from £12,994 plus VAT, or £16,161.15 plus VAT for full purchase, which includes the government grant.
The Renault Kangoo is one of the most affordable vans to run, with very low fuel consumption and low parts and fitting prices. They also come with a respectable four year, 100,000 mile warranty, although it has never featured in the Top 10 of the Fleet News Van Reliability Survey.
The upgrades mean there are now 32 variants, which includes two wheelbases, one roof height, three power outputs (74bhp, 89bhp and 109bhp), two trim levels and two nominal gross vehicle weights (1.9t and 2.1t). They arrive in Renault UK dealerships this month.
Read the Renault Kangoo review.
