IF FINGERS point at the Kangoo on the road, what are they going to make of this converted van bowling through meadows and along dirt tracks?
The Trekka 4x4 is a most unlikely sports utility vehicle, given that members of the breed are normally seen as status and lifestyle symbols.
No, the gangly vehicle is not going to do much for your street cred. But think practicality, and the Trekka leaps forward.
Considering the car is under four metres in length, passenger and luggage space is vast generated by a snub nose and vertical rear, a long wheelbase and, most significantly, enormous body height and good width.
Consequently, all five occupants have room to play with in all directions.
The generous amounts of metal on display are a bit hard on the car-accustomed eye, but in the Trekka SUV this contributes to the practicality, along with the wipe-down plastics and the easy-clean rubber flooring. Other toughie credentials include side cladding and a washable boot floor.
Mechanically, Renault has taken an adaptive hydraulic coupling from partners Nissan to govern the four-wheel drive according to conditions. Ground clearance is 20cm, wading depth 40cm, laden approach and exit angles are 27 and 30 degrees respectively and there are protection plates.
It certainly proved good enough to tackle light cross-country travel and some soft and lumpy tracks.
The rear suspension is similar to that of Renault's Scenic 4x4 and the whole set-up is quite firm, something you notice on-road.
Considering the car's dimensions, it handles pretty well and corners more securely than you have any right to expect. The size of the frame does produce wind noise but otherwise the Trekka is admirably quiet.
The test car was fitted with a 1.9 DCi common rail turbo diesel engine (there is also a 1.6 16v petrol) and a willing unit it is. The car is happy enough in fifth gear at quite low speeds, while there is reasonable acceleration uphill.
On the rare occasions you need to change down the shift is smooth, though the narrowness of the gate means care is required to avoid, for example, trying to start in third.
The high seating and big windows give fine visibility, but there's no height adjustment of the driver's seat and the steering column is rigid, so there are few driving position options.
Standard equipment levels generally are a little disappointing for a £12,000 (in diesel form) car. Trekka comes in just one trim and the set menu includes front airbags, PAS, ABS, electric front windows, heated door mirrors, 14in alloys, radio/cassette player with stalk remote, 60:40 folding rear seats with three three-point belts and integrated head rests, fog lights and white sport dials.
There are also sliding rear doors and, usefully, aeroplane-style overhead storage compartments. But air conditioning, side airbags and sunroofs will cost you extra, those alone adding nearly £1,500 to the bill.
Nevertheless, that's still an attractive price for a sports utility vehicle, and the Trekka delivers the statutory fun. Almost worth the pointing fingers...
FAST FACTS
Renault Kangoo Trekka 1.9 DCi
Price: £12,505
Mechanical: 80bhp, 1,870cc 4 cylinder common rail turbodiesel, driving all four wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 89mph
0-62mph: 16.6 secs
Combined mpg: 40.4
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 196g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint