Last Updated: 20/10/2009
Kangoo with a bit more oomph
Renault’s second generation Kangoo has become a more familiar sight on our streets since we first tried it towards the end of last year. Our first test of the van involved the mid-range 85hp version of Renault’s 1.5dCi engine. This time however we’ve gone to the top of the range, and got our hands on the 105hp motor.Unlike the two lower powered vans, the 105hp gets six gears in its transmission, and that extra ratio makes all the difference when it comes to long distance cruising. Opting for the highest output shouldn’t cost too much at the pumps either, as Renault claims a combined 52.3mpg for the 105hp, vs 54.3mpg for the 85hp and 53.3mpg for the 70hp.
In real life we actually achieved closer to 43.5mpg in the 85hp van, while the 105hp returned a healthy 45.2mpg on a recent trip to Heathrow and back. It’s a similar tale at the tailpipe, with the 105hp producing 142g/km of CO2 against 140g/km and 137g/km for the 70hp and 85hp respectively.
Despite this extra pulling power, our test van was an ML19+, meaning a payload of just 650kg, rather than the 800kg of the ML20+. Both vans have the same 3cu m load volume of course, although our test van came with the oddly Gallic sliding roof hatch (£220), which provides in effect a 1m by 45cm hole in the rear of the roof for carrying taller objects or longer ladders.
For those who need even more room than that, Renault has confirmed that there will be a longer wheelbase version of Kangoo next year, further expanding the line-up alongside Kangoo and Kangoo Compact. There is no news yet on exactly how big this van will be, but it will be a proper long wheelbase model, not just a larger body on the same chassis.
Our test van came loaded with just about every goody on the options list. As an ML+ the van already gets additional anchor points in the load bay, a height adjustable driver’s seat, an unglazed side loading door and a central console between the seats, along with a CD radio with fingertip controls on the steering column.
On top of that we had metallic paint (£330), 15” wheel trims (£75), body coloured bumpers and mirrors (£100), load area lining (£80), front fog lights (£110), rear parking sensors (£200) and the Air Con + Pack of manual air-con, electric windows and mirrors (£600). That little lot takes the base price of the ML19dCi 105+ from £12,490 plus the VAT to a more substantial £14,205.
The van was also supplied to us with a TomTom Work sat-nav system (see box). As this was hard wired into the van it got around the slight problem caused by Kangoo’s odd handbrake lever, which makes it difficult to use a portable nav unit as it catches the cable in the 12V socket.
Being attached on a bracket near the face level air vents also made it possible to touch the screen while seated, something that is just not possible if you stick a nav screen to the MPV-like windscreen, which is virtually beyond reach of the driver. Of course the benefits of that screen are excellent visibility and a real feeling of roominess in the Kangoo cab. As a place to work, the Kangoo really is like no other small van in terms of interior design, offering plenty of storage in door bins, above the windscreen and in that central armrest.
The full steel bulkhead helps to keep noise to a minimum, although the engine can get a bit vocal when stretched. Certainly wind and road noise are well suppressed, contributing to a relaxed drive, whatever the distance.
Unlike our long term Connect however the French van is all about comfort over driving dynamics. Though relatively supportive and large, the seats are fairly soft and have little lateral support when cornering. Likewise the steering is light and easy to use, but offers little in the way of feedback when pressing on across country.
As a working van though the Kangoo delivers, in more ways than one. Easy access to the load area, a comfortable cab and relaxed driving characteristics will fit in with many small business needs. The 105hp engine also boasts extended service intervals compared to the two lower powered variants, with 18,000 miles or one year between visits to the dealer reflecting its ability as a long distance cruiser.
Of course you get the same three year/100,000 mile warranty, with three years of Renault Assistance for added peace of mind, whatever the engine.
The 105hp is never going to be the biggest seller of the three full size Kangoo models, but for those who plan to put some miles under the wheels it has to be the engine of choice. Yes there is a price to pay at the initial point of purchase, but running costs should be similar and residual values potentially even stronger. Certainly it would be our pick of the Kangoo range.
