YOU either love its looks or hate it. There is no sitting on the fence.
If you fall in the 'love it' category - and there are thousands who do, doubtless you have an eye for practicality and spaciousness at a relatively low cost.
Should you be in the latter group, you will probably dub it a 'Postman Pat' van.
What you can't argue against is the fact that the Renault Kangoo definitely has character. It was conceived as a fun vehicle which stands out in the crowd. Versatility is the buzz word with this car.
It can carry five people and their holiday luggage or, with rear seats folded, offer a larger maximum load volume than either the Scenic or Laguna Sport Tourer.
When you weigh it up like that, if your budget is fairly limited and if you can live with its van-like sliding rear doors, it actually offers a great deal.
Since it first went on sale in October 1999 nearly 7,000 Kangoos have been sold in the UK and it has now been updated.
The Kangoo Trekka 4X4 which I road tested is the flagship of the range and comes in a 1.6 16V or 1.9dCi format.
It has a more rugged look than the original model. The most obvious difference between the Trekka 4X4 and the two-wheel drive Kangoo is in its appearance.
The 4X4 features protective bumpers, a raised suspension, 15-inch alloy wheels, a 'Bull Bar' effect on the front grille and front protection undertray. The front and rear bumpers are specially equipped with wheel arch extensions and sill panel trims which visually balance the increased height of the vehicle.
It all reflects its capability to take on the rough stuff.
The idea is that you have a car with the power and build for whatever conditions come your way.
Drive it for a mundane supermarket visit or on the school run and it's enjoyable on smooth surfaces, motorways, or even in traffic. But it's also a go-anywhere vehicle. Point it up a muddy track and an effective four-wheel drive system kicks in when traction is in short supply.
Transition to 4X4 mode takes place automatically when the front wheels start to spin, as in the Scenic 4X4.
The Kangoo 4X4 echoes the spirit of the 1997 Pangea concept car with its offer of off-road adventure, flexibility and user-friendliness. Inside, the Trakka retains the functional spirit of the Kangoo concept, but with a new treatment.
The main elements of the driving position, including the steering wheel, the dashboard hood and the central display unit are black, while the white instrument dials confer a sporting touch and improve legibility.
Matte material has been used on the seats as well as the front door panels. The backs of the front seats are fitted with map pockets, while the rear seat bench has three integrated head restraints.
A new feature of the Kangoo range which boosts interior storage is the airliner-type overhead bin assembly which runs along either side of the passenger compartment. These are standard on the Trakka and an option on the two wheel drive version.
The spare wheel, housed on the right hand side of the luggage compartment, is installed vertically, retaining Kangoo's luggage volume of 550 to 2,500 litres.
FAST FACTS
Renault Kangoo 1.6 Trekka 5dr
Price: £10,995
Mechanical: 95bhp, 1,598cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving front or all four wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 95mph
0-62mph: 14.3 secs
Combined mpg: 32.9
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 205g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint