10-09-2007
On its launch in 1997 Kangoo’s affable, expressive style revolutionised the leisure utility
vehicle sector. Roomy and versaile Kangoo has been a success, selling over 2,200,000
units since it was launched.
New Kangoo matches family expectations more closely. It draws on Kangoo
fundamentals, turning them into an optimised blend of quality, comfort, and practicality. At
4,213mm in length, New Kangoo’s resolutely contemporary, affable, cheery lines exert a
strong appeal. Its short, chunky front end frees up space for the bright, airy passenger
cabin, which is further enhanced by its steeply-raked MPV-style windscreen. Some
versions have pop-open windows, and other others electric ones. All have large doors
which open onto a comprehensively reworked interior.
New Kangoo emphasizes well-being and ride comfort.
For improved ride pleasure, a number of features have been upgraded. With its
outstanding roominess, New Kangoo has put the onus on space and the shared ride
experience. It is 180mm longer than its predecessor and that extra length has been
lavished on the cabin, where more volume gives the five occupants more room and more
comfort! Resolutely contemporary and featuring a more ergonomic design, the dashboard
resembles an MPV’s, while the cabin has been refitted and finished with quality materials.
New Kangoo boasts standards of thermal and acoustic comfort worthy of an MPV. Some
versions feature automatic climate control. Air is evenly distributed at both front and rear
thanks to the design of the circuit, which has outlets at each passenger’s feet. To ensure
acoustic comfort, engineers have used the same techniques as for the rest of the range.
New Kangoo takes an ingenious approach to modularity
With its practical design dedicated to the pursuit of leisure, it brings to the segment a
novel touch of ergonomic design, roominess, and user-friendliness. Its 60:40 split-fold rear
bench folds down easily in one fell swoop to form a flat load space. On some versions the
front passenger seat can fold dwn in the same way. Payload can thus be boosted from
660 litres to 2,866 litres. What’s more, in this configuration the vehicle can carry objects
that are 2.5m long. New Kangoo’s interior boasts up to 77 litres of stowage space, which
includes 24 litres in handy aircraft-style stowage compartments for the rear passengers.
It also debuts innovative longitudinal roof bars that convert into a luggage rack. No tools
are needed and the rack can take loads of up to 80kg.
New Kangoo comes complete with a diverse and comprehensive range of reliable
powertrain packages to meet the needs of all motorists: two petrol engines and one
diesel, and three different outputs. This offering is firmly built on strong values like
robustness, reliability, economy, and respect for the environment. The New Kangoo 1.5
dCi 105 (78kW) will offer consumers a diesel engine with particulate filter from launchday-
one. Both other 1.5 dCi powertrains (70hp/50 kW and 85/63kW) fulfil Renault’s eco2
commitment, with CO2 emissions lower than 140g/km.
Developed from a C-segment platform that is acknowledged for its dynamic quality,
comfort, and safety, New Kangoo offers features hitherto unprecedented in the leisure
utility vehicle segment. Its 2,697-mm wheelbase lends it sound, balanced, secure
handling. Its active and passive safety equipment is identical to that of a family saloon. All
versions are equipped with the latest-generation ABS and Emergency Brake Assist, while
some feature ESP with understeer control, ASR traction control, and engine torque
overrun regulation functions.
For the safety of its occupants, New Kangoo benefits from state-of-the-art driver
assistance systems, most of which originate in the segments above. They include cruise
control/speed limiter, automatic headlamp actuation, and wipers with automatic rain
sensors, none of which wasavailable on the previous model. New Kangoo also has
between two and six airbags, seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, and antisubmarining
humps in the front and back seats, as well as three seats with Isofix
anchorage points (depending on the version).
Text and photos courtesy of Renault
