2008 Renault Kangoo Van Car Review and Specs | 2008 Renault Kangoo Van Car Wallpaper Pictures Pics

Unveiled recently in five-door car form at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault is now poised to take the covers off of its New Kangoo Van at this week’s European Road Transport Show, held at the Amsterdam RAI.

Kangoo Van, known in Europe as Kangoo Express, has been a phenomenal sales success since its original launch in 1997, with more than 1.3 million having found homes in its ten-year career to date. Initial photos and information for the standard wheelbase version are now being released ahead of the show to raise awareness levels for the all-new version of one of Europe’s best-selling compact vans in one of the few world premieres at this year’s event.

Retaining all of the previous version's inimitable character, but adding even greater comfort, modernity, quality and versatility, the New Kangoo Van goes further than ever before to meet the needs of its users. The newcomer is the fruit of an extensive development programme and in the realms of design, practicality and environmental-friendliness, makes a significant contribution when it comes to providing professionals with an economical and reliable van.

New Kangoo Van’s design is modern and expressive, featuring a short, robust front end, with a spacious interior and a large, practical cargo area. Meanwhile, the forward-positioned, panoramic, MPV-style windscreen ensures an airy, bright cabin.
Inside, Renault has placed the accent on space, comfort and practicality thanks to an array of features and functions that are unprecedented in the compact van segment. The high seating position ensures a broad view of the road and combines with the dashboard-mounted gearlever to deliver a standard of driving comfort on a par with that of a passenger car.

New Kangoo Van is equipped with several practical storage solutions, including dashboard storage for an A4 document, an overhead parcel shelf and a large, 15-litre lidded glovebox (depending on version). Multi-media and Bluetooth connectivity mean that New Kangoo Van can also double easily as a travelling office.

New Kangoo Van’s length of 4.21m frees up an optimised load capacity of between 3 and 3.6 cubic metres, while its interior width (1.21m between wheel arches) now makes it possible to accept a standard Euro pallet. Hinged, asymmetrical rear doors and the sliding side loading door (depending on version) give easy access to the cargo area.

New Kangoo Van adapts to meet the needs of all professional uses. This versatility extends to the possibility of folding the passenger seat (optional) to increase carrying capacity to 3.6 cubic metres. Moreover, the design of New Kangoo Van enables a long list of specific conversions to be performed thanks to the numerous specialist partnerships that have been established.

New Kangoo Van comes with a choice of economical, environmentally-friendly engines that are inexpensive to service. The range includes three diesel powerplants based on the 1.5 dCi block (70hp, 85hp and 105hp), plus two petrol engines (1.6 8V 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp). Powered by the 85hp version of the diesel engine, New Kangoo Van returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 54.3 mpg, equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 137 grams per kilometre.

Indeed, the first two versions of the 1.5 dCi both emit less than 140g of CO2/km, making them eligible for the Renault *eco² programme, while the most powerful version can be equipped with a particulate filter (not available in the UK).

New Kangoo Van is based on the same running gear as that of Scénic – a model acclaimed for its dynamic performance, comfort and safety – and consequently delivers a level of performance unprecedented in the LCV market. Its wheelbase dimension of 2.7m ensures balanced, reassuring handling. Depending on version and market, New Kangoo Van is equipped with driver aids more commonly associated with the world of passenger cars (cruise control, speed limiter, rear parking proximity sensor, automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper activation).

Its active and passive safety equipment surpasses the norm for an LCV and is also similar to that of a family saloon. Features include latest-generation ABS, plus MSR engine torque overrun regulation and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). New Kangoo Van can also be ordered with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), CSV understeer control and ASR traction control.

New Kangoo Van boasts a market-leading stopping distance of 40 metres (measured after 10 consecutive stops from 62 mph to rest).

The cabin of New Kangoo Van has been designed to ensure leading safety for all occupants, including a driver's side airbag, seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters and an anti-submarining hump in the seats (except folding front passenger seat). A passenger side airbag and driver's side thorax airbags are also available as options.

Contents

1. A pleasing, functional design
- Robust and easy to live with
- Interior finish

2. Passenger car-standard comfort and practicality
- Volumes and practical features that simplify daily life
- Unprecedented thermal comfort for the LCV market

3. An architecture designed to facilitate day-to-day working life
- A carrying capacity of between 3 and 3.6 cubic metres
- Clever, functional storage

4. New Kangoo Van adapts to the needs of all customers
- A New Kangoo Van for all professional uses

5. A range of robust, economical, environment-conscious engines
- 1.5 dCi 70hp, 85hp, 105hp and 105hp FAP
- 1.6 8V 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp
- Renault eco² symbol for New Kangoo Van

6. Benchmark safety features and dynamic handling
- Dynamic handling carried over from Scénic
- Unrivalled active safety
- Uncompromising passenger protection

7. Low repair and servicing costs
- Economical to service

1. A functional design

New Kangoo Van is more modern and robust than its predecessor, while its design was driven by the needs of professionals looking for a functional vehicle.

A pleasing, functional design

New Kangoo Van features a short bonnet and robust front-end design which is epitomised by its broad bumper. Its almond-shaped crystal headlamps emphasise the upgrade represented by the New Kangoo Van range. They also portray a family likeness with the model's predecessor and underpin the newcomer's more mature stance. The large, plunging, curved windscreen ensures a brightly-lit cabin and the impression of robustness is further expressed by the muscular forms of the front wings.

The length of New Kangoo Van is 4.21m, including a wheelbase of 2.7m and very short overhangs. Its generous overall dimensions, short bonnet and the forward position of its windscreen combine to provide ample cabin space without encroaching on its cargo carrying capacity. The sliding side loading doors (according to version) open effortlessly thanks to a simple and effective handle, while the reinforced wheelarches and the dropping of the character line ensure more fluid lines.

New Kangoo Van boasts a width of 1.83m (up 16cm compared with its predecessor). The hinged rear doors are flanked by vertical rear light clusters which house the indicators, sidelights, stoplights, rear foglamp and reversing light. Particular attention has been paid to the design of the opening panels to provide the widest possible access.

Interior finish

At launch, New Kangoo Van will be available in a choice of two trim levels in the UK. Both feature a dark charcoal upper dashboard which contrasts with the grey lower part of the dashboard, while a range of option packs is also available.

The entry-level version of New Kangoo Van places the accent on robustness and ease-of use. Standard equipment includes ABS, driver's side airbag, disc brakes all-round, height-adjustable seatbelts and steering-wheel, asymmetric hinged rear doors, 30W single-CD radio and a payload of between 650 and 800kg (depending on version).

The top-of-the-rangeversion comes with a sliding side door, CD-MP3 stereo, centre storage unit, electric windows (one-touch driver’s side), height-adjustable driver's seat, load area floor covering, rev-counter and lidded glovebox.

2. Passenger car-standard comfort and practicality

New Kangoo Van has been thought through to be a genuine work tool for professional users and, as such, is practical, comfortable and functional. The logically laid out drive station provides optimal comfort, worthy of an MPV.

Volumes and practical features that simplify day-to-day work
The driving environment of New Kangoo Van is user-friendly and offers a practical working environment that is unprecedented for its segment. The extensively revised dashboard brings a modern, functional touch to the welcoming cabin. The dashboard-mounted gearlever not only enhances drive station ergonomics but also frees up space between the front seats. The short steering wheel-mounted control stalks and fingertip audio remote control are logically positioned, too, while the radio and optional navigation display is offset (according to version) for added comfort. The display is shielded by a large shroud, making information easy to read whatever the degree of brightness. Special care has also gone into the quality of materials and interior trim and no exposed steel is now visible inside the cabin.

The front elbow room of 1.51m (up 8.8cm compared with the previous model) epitomizes the outstanding roominess afforded by New Kangoo Van and comfort has been further enhanced thanks to the fitment of a height adjustable driver's seat (according to version, +/- 20mm) and the addition of a footrest. The driver also benefits from a high-up driving position identical to that of an MPV. The seats have been completely redesigned to provide improved lateral support, while the aviation-style handbrake is redolent of the approach employed on Mégane and frees up stowage space between the seats. Controls for the electric windows are now positioned on the door armrests.

Unprecedented thermal comfort for the LCV market
For enhanced travelling comfort, New Kangoo Van’s thermal comfort performance is worthy of that of an MPV. For optimal cabin comfort, a manual climate control system is available as an option.

3. An architecture designed to facilitate daily working life

The carrying capacity of New Kangoo Van ranges from 3 to 3.6 cubic metres according to version. The availability of abundant storage space and advanced connectivity solutions can turn it into a genuine travelling office.

A carrying capacity of between 3 and 3.6 cubic metres
The dimensions of New Kangoo Van (length: 4.21m; width: 1.83m; height: between 1.81m and 1.84m according to version) ensure a generous carrying capacity of 3 cubic metres (up from 2.75 cubic metres compared with Kangoo Van), a load length of 1.73m (up 6cm over Kangoo Van) and a width between the wheelarches of 1.21m which permits a Euro pallet to be carried. Its hinged rear doors have been engineered for intensive use. When opened to an angle of 90°, they are held in place by a system that prevents them from slamming shut in gusty wind. A handle located on the inside of the doors releases the mechanism and permits them to be opened to an angle of 180°. Depending on equipment level, the cabin is separated from the cargo area by two protective tubes, a swivelling mesh grille bulkhead or a full bulkhead. The payload of New Kangoo Van can reach 800kg (depending on version).

For enhanced versatility and increased carrying capacity, New Kangoo Van is available with a folding passenger seat (optional). With the seat folded, maximum cargo capacity increases to 3.6 cubic metres, while maximum load length becomes 2.50m.

The design of the sliding side door is extremely robust and features a load entry width of 635mm (up 16mm compared to its predecessor). A total of six anchorage points permit heavy items to be tied down and, depending on finish level and the layout of the cargo area, it is possible to add a further four or six anchorage points.

Clever, functional storage
The voluminous carrying capacity is enhanced by the availability of a high number of storage solutions in the cabin, designed to facilitate the day-to-day life of professionals. A4 documents or an invoice pad can be easily stored in the dashboard, which also incorporates a pen holder. The 15-litre lidded glovebox (according to trim level) can take two laptop computers, as well as documents and/or items that are best kept away from prying eyes. The 13-litre overhead parcel shelf is easy to access and is ideal for stowing a road atlas, documents or a bag, while the generous 4-litre door bins can also take an array of documents along with a 1.5-litre bottle. A compartment for mobile phones is also located next to the centre console for ease of reach.

A range of accessories associated with the worlds of multimedia and navigation are available to transform New Kangoo Van into a travelling office. Renault provides a portable navigation system holder which fits to the driver's top left for easy visibility. The company’s Multi-functional TunePoint system is also available for New Kangoo Van. This system sits discreetly inside the glovebox and enables occupants to listen to their own audio collection thanks to ports for a USB key, mobile MP3 player or iPod™. Functions are controlled via the steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control and a hands-free Bluetooth telephone function is also available.

4. New Kangoo Van adapts to the needs of all customers

Because professionals need a vehicle tailored to their particular needs and demands, Renault has developed a comprehensive catalogue of accessories and range of conversions carried out by specialist converters.

A New Kangoo Van for all professionals
New Kangoo Van can be adapted to meet all types of needs thanks to a wide range of equipment, accessories and interior and exterior conversions. Different interior layout solutions have also been developed to meet the needs of tradesmen. A selection of practical protective linings for the cargo area – such as interior ply lining or plastic floor – make New Kangoo Van even more robust, while the availability of an alarm ensures the protection of contents.

For the first time in this segment, New Kangoo Van comes with pre-equipment to facilitate the work of converters and guarantee quality workmanship:

A passage for cables in the dashboard cowl
Engine power take-off (e.g. for fridge compressor)
Pre-installation of electrical connections

In the UK, Renault is working on extending its range of LCVs with its ‘Accord Produit’ certification, which ensures that conversions do not detract from the functions and performance of the original vehicle. This certification is delivered after inspection of technical, quality and commercial (after-sales, guarantee) criteria. Renault has the capacity to respond to specific demands from its customers and propose rapidly adapted solutions thanks to bespoke in-house specialists.

5. A range of robust, economical, environment-conscious engines

New Kangoo Van comes with a wide choice of engines addressing the varied needs of trade users. All extol the key virtues of economy, reliability and environment-consciousness.

1.5 dCi, 70hp, 85hp & 105hp
The 1.5 dCi unit, renowned for high performance, low running costs and good environmental credentials, appears on New Kangoo Van in three versions, rated at 70hp, 85hp and 105hp, to cover the full spectrum of professional needs. The entry-level version, delivering peak power of 70hp at 4,000rpm, achieves very low running costs. Torque of 160Nm is available from 1,500rpm and combined cycle fuel consumption is remarkably low: 53.2 mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. This engine is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The versatile 85hp version delivers peak power at 3,750rpm and peak torque of 200Nm from 1,750rpm, for effortless duty both on long journeys and during intensive urban usage. As well as boasting a highly impressive trade-off between performance and economy, this engine also makes New Kangoo Van one of the most economical and environment-friendly vehicles on the market, with combined cycle fuel consumption averaging 54.3 mpg and CO2 emissions down to 137g/km. Again, this engine is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.

In its top-end diesel version, New Kangoo Van is fitted with the most powerful of the 1.5 dCi units, developing 105hp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 240Nm at 2,000rpm, to meet the most exacting demands of business users in terms of power and driveability. With its second-generation common-rail injection system, variable geometry turbo and 1600-bar injection pressure, this engine gives excellent performance, without harming fuel economy. On a combined cycle, 52.3 mpg is achievable, which gives CO2 emissions of 142g/km. This remarkable fuel economy owes much to the use of piezo-electric injectors and a six-speed manual gearbox. Vehicle acoustics are improved by a dual-mass damping flywheel that eradicates boom at low engine speeds.

Petrol engines
90hp 1.6 8V
The 1.6 8V petrol engine, widely appreciated within the Renault range for its reliability and efficiency, develops peak power of 90hp at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 128Nm over a broad rev band, with 90% available from 2,000rpm. The engine is easy to service and consumes 36.2 mpg. It is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.

105hp 1.6 16V
The 1.6 16V engine delivers 105hp at 5,750rpm and maximum torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm. Driveability is excellent, with a special camshaft design ensuring brisk response at lower revs. Extensive use of lightweight materials and special features such as a roller-bearing rocker arm, keep fuel consumption down to 36.7 mpg. This engine is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox and will be available later with a Proactive four-speed automatic transmission.

Renault eco² symbol for New Kangoo Van
Two versions of New Kangoo Van – the 70hp and 85hp 1.5 dCi – earn the Renault eco² symbol for vehicles that comply with ecology and economy criteria under Renault’s wide-reaching environment initiative. Vehicles bearing the eco² symobl are made at ISO 14001-certified plants, emit less than 140g of CO2 per km (or run on bioethanol E85 or biodiesel B30), are 95% (by weight) end-of-life reusable and have a plastics content that includes at least 5% of recycled materials.

In the coming months, New Kangoo Van will be appearing in a third Renault eco² version, with a bioethanol E85 variant of the 1.6 16V engine. This will be followed by B30-compatible versions of the 1.5 dCi diesel engines (without particulate filter).

6. Benchmark safety features and dynamic handling

Renowned for its response, comfort and safety, the Scénic platform brings New Kangoo Van performance and features unprecedented on a van.

Dynamic handling carried over from Scénic

For New Kangoo Van, Renault engineers combined the best of both worlds, achieving passenger-car performance without detracting from its LCV calling. New Kangoo Van is based on the Scénic's running gear (renowned for its dynamic response and comfort), specially adapted to meet LCV requirements. For improved roadholding, the front and rear tracks are 12cm wider than on the previous-generation Kangoo Van (front:1.52m/rear:1.54m), while the wheelbase is 10cm longer (2.70m).

The MacPherson-type front suspension has a rectangular lower arm for steady tracking and effective damping. Front and rear shock absorbers are calibrated to optimise the comfort/roadholding balance under different load conditions. The torsion-beam rear axle features programmed-deflection suspension, spiral springs and a 15.1mm anti-roll bar. Roadholding is extremely sound and reassuring, with good body support. There is virtually no difference in vehicle roll between empty and fully-loaded configurations, so vehicle response is sound and predictable in all circumstances.

New-generation electric power steering brings a 3.5% reduction in fuel consumption plus enhanced driving comfort in all conditions. With a between-kerbs turning circle of 10.7m, New Kangoo Van has no difficulty manoeuvring in tight urban situations.

New Kangoo Van comes as standard with 15-inch wheels for precise, reassuring roadholding and braking. Stopping distance is among the best on the market. The four ventilated disk brakes are sized for power and bite: 280 mm at the front and 274 mm at the rear. In testing, after 10 consecutive stops from 62 mph to standstill, New Kangoo Van came to a halt in 40 metres.

Unrivalled active safety

New Kangoo Van has all the active safety systems of a family car. All versions have Bosch ABS 8.0 with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist with automatic activation of hazard warning lamps. And New Kangoo Van innovates by offering ABS with engine torque overrun regulation which prevents the wheels locking under sudden deceleration on slippery road surfaces.

Some versions of New Kangoo Van are available with optional ESP plus CSV understeer control to round off an active safety package that is unprecedented on the compact LCV market. ASR traction control ensures safe pullaway when grip is at a premium, even with a full load.

The safety performance of New Kangoo Van also benefits from a wealth of modern driver aids, most brought in from more upmarket vehicle segments and not previously available on Kangoo. Depending on the equipment level and engine, New Kangoo Van is available with optional cruise control and speed limiter, automatic headlamp activation, automatic wipers with rain sensor, and parking proximity sensor. All-round visibility is enhanced by the generously-sized windscreen and large wing mirrors.

Uncompromising passenger protection

New Kangoo Van’s structure and safety equipment provide maximum protection for the driver and passenger. The vehicle structure is upper-most in any vehicle’s array of protection systems. New Kangoo Van has a structure in steel and special materials designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy. Within this structure, the passenger compartment forms a rigid survival cell, as indestructible as possible, protecting occupants against intrusion from the engine compartment following a frontal impact.

Both seatbelts on New Kangoo Van are fitted with pyrotechnic pretensioners for optimum support under impact, and load limiters calibrated for optimum thorax protection. All versions of New Kangoo Van have a driver’s airbag, and one or two additional airbags (passenger airbag and driver’s thorax airbag) appear on some versions. To minimise the risk of pelvic injury under frontal impact, there are anti-submarining humps under the front seat cushions (except with the folding passenger seat option).

A number of other features contribute to protecting occupants in collision, including the magnesium collapsible steering column, door padding, a protective steel sheet in the cowling under the steering wheel (to reduce the risk of lower-leg injuries), and a brake pedal retraction system that reduces the risk of ankle injuries.

7. Low repair and servicing costs

Low repair and servicing costs were part of New Kangoo Van’s initial design brief as a reliable, economical vehicle. Because it is intended for customers who are highly demanding regarding running costs, New Kangoo Van was specifically designed to be reliable and durable. Fuel consumption is low, and the oil change interval is long: 18,000 miles (or every year) for petrol versions and the 105hp 1.5 dCi diesel version, and 12,000 miles (or every year) for the 70hp and 85hp 1.5 dCi versions.

The air filter needs changing every 36,000 miles (or every four years) on diesel engines and every 56,000 miles (or every four years) on petrol engines. The fuel filter needs changing every 24,000 miles on diesel engines and every 18,000 miles on the 105hp version.
In the case of diesel versions, service schedules are matched to real-world vehicle usage, with the driver kept informed by means of dashboard messages. New Kangoo Van comes with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Outer panels are fully galvanized and hollow sections are wax-filled.

New Kangoo Van is also economical to repair. The front wings are made from a deformable composite material which tolerates the sort of minor impact frequent in an everyday urban environment without calling for body repair work. The front panel is easy to remove, which reduces labour time during repair operations. The outer door handles can be removed without having to remove the whole door lining. The bonnet opens from the front for easier access, while access to the headlamp bulbs is much easier than it was on the previous-generation Kangoo.

Dimensions – New Kangoo Van (standard wheelbase)

Overall length
4.21m

Height
1.81m

Overall width
1.83m (between wheelarches: 1.21m)

Wheelbase
2.7m

Load length
1.73-2.92m (with folding passenger seat)

Load volume
3.0-3.6m³ (with folding passenger seat)

Payload
650 to 800 kg (depending on version)

Contact

Hybrid Cars

Car Magazines

Latest Car News!

Login

Register

Home

Latest Car News

New Car Review Areas

General Car Topics

2008 Renault Kangoo Van Review

View this 2008 Renault Kangoo Van Wallpaper Picture

View this 2008 Renault Kangoo Van Wallpaper Picture Gallery

View this 2008 Renault Kangoo Van Wallpaper Picture Gallery

Latest RENAULT Headlines

Latest Car News