Used Renault Kangoo MPV 1999 - 2009 review

What's the used Renault Kangoo like?

The Renault Kangoo's huge cabin is light and airy, and even the tallest passengers shouldn't have complaints about the headroom. Legroom is good front and back, too, and the driving position is reasonably comfortable, even though there's no seat or steering wheel adjustment.

Like other cars based on a commercial vehicle, though, there's no getting away from the fact that this is (as it's unkindly dismissed by some) a 'van with windows'.

Overview

The Renault Kangoo provides versatile and practical van-based transport for five people and their dogs

Pros

• Masses of room, decent engines
• cushioning ride

Cons

• Practicality overtakes any style, Spartan interior

In some ways, that's good news. For a start, the rear sliding doors and a high-lifting tailgate mean access is easy from all sides. And, with the rear seats folded down, the cargo area extends to an impressive 2600 litres.

However, equipment levels are less impressive, and the interior has a spartan feel, with rubber mats rather than the carpet offered by rivals.

Once on the move, some road noise can be heard from inside, but otherwise refinement is good. Meanwhile, the ride is soft enough to cushion the effect of Britain's road surfaces, but the sift suspension does lead to a certain amount of roll through corners.

Our recommendations

Which used Renault Kangoo should I buy?

From launch the Kangoo was available with a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol (discontinued in 2001) or 1.9-litre non-turbo diesel, and buyers had the choice of basic RN trim or RXE, which added a passenger airbag and three three-point seatbelts in the rear.

Limited-edition versions of the 1.4 were introduced in 2000: Alize added air-con and remote central locking, Helios brought a twin sunroof.

Revisions in 2001 rationalised the trim to one level - Authentique - and changed the engine line-up to a 1.6-litre petrol with 75bhp and an automatic gearbox or an 80bhp 1.9-litre turbodiesel.

The Trekka version introduced in 2002 adds four-wheel drive and alloy wheels. But, it's rather an oddball, and the basic cars give you everything that's good about a Kangoo in a cheaper package.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all automatic versions, and were introduced across the range from 2004. In the same year a 1.5 dCi engine with 65bhp was introduced.

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