What they said when the Renault Kangoo was new… (Sep 30 2002)
IF you're looking for a small mpv with off-road appeal you'll find the Kangoo can.
The quirky carry-all with more disguises than Inspector Clouseau provides exceptional room and versatility allied with reasonable 4x4 ability.
At £11,000 for the 1.6 petrol and £12,000 for the Trekka 1.9 TD it will not break the Bank of Monte Carlo.
And for your money in the top model I tested you get a useful 80bhp turbo-diesel engine, easy five-speed manual gearbox and a typically French, supple suspension.
The steering isn't particularly sharp or responsive but the Kangoo has a good turning circle and there's no kick-back though the wheel.
The intelligent four wheel drive transmission system requires no input from the driver but simply slips into action when it senses the need to provide additional grip. The braking system's also very good, slowing the Trekka easily and smoothly with minimum effort and holding it securely on a hill with the handbrake.
The high riding suspension provides a fair amount of wheel travel yet this tall car doesn't suffer from upsetting body roll or pitching.
In the cabin, the secondary controls are all well laid out and the instruments clear. Oddments provision is surprisingly good, particularly when you fill the aircraft-style overhead lockers in the back, and the loadbed is spacious and easy to use.
A truly massive sunroof almost transforms the Kangoo into a convertible and it has powered front windows as well to complete the fresh air feeling on hut summer days.
Sliding side doors behind the front seats gave excellent access, but it's just as easy to climb into the front with its wide opening conventional doors. Once inside, you'll find big and comfortable seats with good adjustment on the front pair.
The high cabin with its deep windows and slim pillars makes for remarkably good visibility, helped by good lights at night and large but hindered by slow wipers in wet weather.
Just as the Scenic set the trend in the small mpv market, and the Avantime has redefined the executive car sector, so the Kangoo 4x4 will be the benchmark in the sports utility vehicle segment, where the Ford Fusion is trying to make an impression but with only two-wheel-drive.
There are two-wheel-drive versions of the Kangoo as well, but the nature of the beast better suits the all-wheel-drive transmission.
Its low ownership costs, ease of use and practicality give the Kangoo 4x4 a head start others will struggle to exceed.
Words: Robin Roberts
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