Since its launch in 2008, the second-generation Kangoo Van has already found favour with more than 400,000 business customers. Renault’s small van, which tops the European market, returns in strength this year with the release of a brand new Phase 2 version which covers the entire range, from Kangoo Van, Compact and Maxi, to Kangoo Z.E. and Kangoo Maxi Z.E.
The changes are immediately apparent, including the introduction of a new front end which incorporates the cues of Renault new styling identity, with a more prominent logo set in a more vertical position. The new design is suggestive of the van’s strength and modernity.
- The New Year sees Renault, Europe’s number one van manufacturer; renew its small van line-up which was itself the best-selling model in its class in 2012, with a market share of 17.4 percent. Significant changes have been made to Kangoo Van, which now features Renault’s new styling identity following the introduction of a new front bumper. In the cabin, the dashboard has been revised in order to heighten the impression of quality.
- Kangoo Z.E. is even more clearly identifiable as an electric vehicle. Europe’s leading electric van comes with a new specific front bumper which incorporates the flap for the battery charger behind the bigger, blue-tinted, more vertically-positioned logo.
- The market’s benchmark small van can now also be specified with three front seats irrespective of the chosen length[1] (Kangoo Express, Compact or Maxi). This addition extends the Kangoo range to ensure that it meets the needs of business customers even more closely.
- The New Kangoo Van line-up includes a wide selection of diesel and petrol engines, including the Energy dCi 75 and 90 and the TCe 115hp[2], which top their respective classes in terms of low fuel consumption thanks to the fitment of Stop&Start and deceleration energy recovery.
- New equipment includes ESC with Hill Start Assist and Extended Grip, the connected in-dash Renault R-Link multimedia system and a reversing camera.
- Renault’s range of small vans is made exclusively at the firm’s MCA de Maubeuge plant in France.
New door mirrors and new rear lights blend more harmoniously with the vehicle’s overall lines and the cabin, too, benefits from a new design in the form of a brand new, higher quality centre console and a new steering wheel. The dashboard continues to include the centrally-positioned stowage solution that is particularly appreciated by business customers.
Three front seats now available [3]for the extended New Kangoo Van range
The Kangoo van range previously featured seven vehicles available in one of three lengths (Kangoo Van, Compact or Maxi), plus two types of energy (internal combustion engine or electricity), and a choice of two- or five-seat versions for Kangoo Maxi.
Today, the renewal of Kangoo Van sees the introduction of yet another option, namely three seats at the front, which will be available irrespective of the chosen length (with the exception of Kangoo Z.E., Maxi Z.E and Kangoo Maxi 5 seats). Several changes inside the cabin, including revised door panels, have enhanced the comfort of occupants, and it continues to be possible to tip the passenger seat backs forward in order to accommodate particularly long loads.
Segment-best low fuel consumption (petrol and diesel)
The latest Kangoo line-up builds on the strengths of the Phase 1 version and continues to stand out as particularly fuel-efficient. The catalogue features a choice of responsive yet economical powerplants, three of which return the lowest fuel consumption in their segment. The Energy dCi 75 and Energy dCi 90 engines boast NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km (equivalent to 112g of CO2/km), while the CO2 emissions of the Energy TCe 115 engine are a low 140g/km[4]. The Energy dCi 110 is also particularly fuel-efficient and claims CO2 emissions of 115g/km.
To help drivers to reduce their fuel consumption further still, the latest-generation engines available for Kangoo come with a gear shift indicator as standard equipment, as well as an ECO-mode that can achieve fuel savings of up to 10 percent by acting on engine torque, the gear shift indications and accelerator pedal mapping.
The result is lower running costs and TCO savings, two fundamental considerations for fleet owners. Costs have been further reduced by longer engine servicing intervals for core range versions (every two years or 40,000km, instead of every two years or 30,000km previously).
An impression of quality that expresses New Kangoo’s inherent robustness
During the development of New Kangoo Van, significant attention was paid to improving the impression of quality. A thorough review process lasting many months was implemented with a view to identifying those areas which permit the van’s strength to be perceived at first glance. The areas to benefit from attention include:
– Spot weld finishes,
– Crimping quality of door panels (cleaner, more consistent finish, radii),
– Precision in the application of body sealants,
– Enhanced acoustics (sound proofing, aerodynamics, engines).
Innovative equipment: Renault R-Link, ESC with Extended Grip and Hill Start Assist
New Kangoo Van benefits from a connected multimedia system thanks to the introduction of R-Link (optional, or standard equipment for ‘Extra’ versions). This system incorporates the in-dash TomTom® LIVE navigation previously available for Phase 1 Kangoo, plus numerous new functions, such as advance warning of hazardous zones and the ability to download applications like the reading out of e-mails. The range of radios has evolved, too, with a choice of three solutions. All customers who specify a radio will benefit from USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The next level up is equipped with a CD player, while the premium radio includes the Renault R-Link system.
Also available is new-generation ESC combined with Hill Start Assist, plus Extended Grip for improved traction in difficult conditions. A reversing camera can now be specified, with the display built into the driver’s sun visor. It goes without saying that New Kangoo continues to be available with the many innovations that have forged the Renault van’s reputation, including the sliding rear roof flap.
New Kangoo: made exclusively at Renault’s Maubeuge plant
All New Kangoos will be made exclusively at Renault’s MCA de Maubeuge facilities in France. This factory is notably acclaimed for its ability to cover a wide range of vehicles and options (63 versions of Kangoo[5], 21 engines/motors, the Mercedes Citan, 200 colours), as well as for its uncompromising quality inspection procedures. The factory has made more than 4.9 million vehicles since 1971, including almost three million small vans and ludospace derivatives.
The Maubeuge plant also houses a Renault Tech facility. Kangoo Vans can consequently be converted on site as they come off the line, allowing business customers to take delivery of quality, tailor-built vehicles directly.
A more assertive ‘electric’ look for Kangoo Z.E., Europe’s number one small electric van
Like the whole Kangoo Van range, New Kangoo Z.E. comes with a new front end which features the brand’s latest styling identity. The differences between the electric and internal combustion-engined versions have been accentuated. New Kangoo Z.E. comes with a blue-tinted logo, for instance, and blue rear light trim extensions, as well as new black headlight masks.
The socket for New Kangoo Z.E.’s battery charger is now located behind the logo, at the front. By plugging in the cable provided with the vehicle, owners can benefit from a complete charge in between six and nine hours using a Wall Box at their home or at a roadside charging station.
Another specific feature of New Kangoo Z.E. is the Z.E. Voice function which emits a sound to warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach. This system is activated at speeds of between 1 and 30kph (no sound at a standstill). Meanwhile, in order to benefit from off-peak electricity rates, owners can programme the charging of New Kangoo Z.E.’s battery remotely using their computer or smart phone thanks to the ‘My Z.E. inter@ctive’ pack.
