Renault: This is how the new Kangoo drives

This already starts with the dimensions. At 4.49 meters, Kangoo number three is 20 centimeters longer than the old model, but at a height of 1.84 meters it is only slightly flatter. As a result, the space on offer has improved by 15 percent.

But the new generation also makes a more valuable impression in other respects. These include the upright chrome radiator grille with attached front and rear underride guards. Full-LED headlights are now standard equipment, as are the cleverly designed roof rails.

Five people have a comfortable place
Getting into the French car is done gallantly and without contortions. The front doors open at a wide angle of 90 degrees and the two sliding doors in the rear provide 60 centimeters of access.

Five people find a comfortable place in the Kangoo on commode seats and enjoy the airy feeling of space inside. In addition, the Renault once again proves to be a well thought-out practical car and offers ample storage space. Even in its normal state, the trunk offers a load volume of 519 liters. If the split rear seat is folded down, a voluminous 2031 liters are created.

The back-friendly low loading sill makes it easier to load and unload luggage, and the front passenger backrest can be folded down for long items of up to 2.7 meters. However, this function will not be available until the fall.

Software updates now take place "over the air
Compared to a regular passenger car, the Kangoo hardly has to make any compromises. Although the Frenchman only offers simple plastic materials in its interior, the Easylink online multimedia with its eight-inch touchscreen proves to be modern. The newly developed infotainment enables software updates "over the air" and connects smartphones with ease.

Blind Spot Assist now also on offer
In addition, the Renault proves to be extremely functional with its many stowage and storage compartments with a total capacity of 49 liters. The Kangoo has also improved in terms of driver assistants. The list of standard assistants includes a city emergency brake with pedestrian detection, a lane departure warning system and the drowsiness warning system.

A new feature for the Kangoo is blind spot assist, which intervenes to correct the steering in an emergency. A high-beam assistant and a semi-autonomous parking assistant are also available for an additional charge.

Diesel and gasoline engines are available from 75 to 130 hp
At the start of sales, there are two gasoline engines with 100 and 130 hp and two diesels with 75 and 95 hp. We chose the latter for our first rendezvous with the Frenchman. The Blue dCi we drove harmonizes well with the high-roof station wagon and runs smoothly. The 95 hp offered is also perfectly adequate. The Kangoo has good throttle response, floats easily in traffic, and the standard six-speed transmission pleases with smooth handling.

Less driving noise than the predecessor
The Kangoo is also audibly quieter than its predecessor. Especially in the city and on country roads; only on the highway do wind and rolling noises increase. The high frontal area takes its toll.

The Kangoo shows its real advantages at lower speeds anyway. Then the Renault takes rough bumps with flying colors and convinces with a pleasant ride comfort. Only the steering responds a bit doughy around the center position. However, one forgives the Frenchman this, since he is anyway a comfortable Cruiser. It is said to consume only 4.9 liters of diesel on average when driven calmly.

Purely electric variant to follow next year
Let's move on to the prices: The Kangoo with the 100 hp base gasoline engine starts at 27,300 francs. The driven diesel starts at 29,900 francs as Edition One, and 33,400 francs are called for the Intens.

Renault also plans to offer the Kangoo as a purely electric variant next year (gallery left). An alternative hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, are not currently planned.

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