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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.
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