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To put it bluntly, a van with windows doesnt seem the most obvious place for a car manufacturer to showcase its cleverness, but the Kangoo range brings far more to the party than an extra bench and glazing. These models open up new possibilities for the cash-strapped family motorist looking for something reliable and tough until the kids are old enough not to ruin the upholstery. Who knows, the Kangoo is such fun you may well have grown attached to it by then.
For most readers, the concept of a diesel MPV is one that leaves them struggling to re-ignite the will to live. Its hardly the most charismatic of market sectors and to add insult to injury, most manufacturers want to charge you through the nose for the privilege. Youd need to budget well over 13,000 for the cheapest Renault Scenic-sized mini-MPV with a diesel engine and over 18,000 for something shaped more like an Espace. When there are bills to pay and kids going through clothes, shoes and Cow and Gate products at a prodigious rate, a big direct debit for a new car often isnt even a realistic proposition.
Painfully aware of this but unwilling to reduce their prices, the major makers came up with a rather obvious solution. Why not take one of the new generation of car-like vans and add some extra windows and seats, plus a smattering of extra equipment? You'd have easy room for five, plus plenty of luggage capacity, all for a rock-bottom price. The idea took off big-time in Europe, particularly in France, causing market leaders Peugeot/Citroen and Renault to refine the idea still further. The British have been a bit more resistant to the idea of a builders van with extra fenestration smeared around the back of it, but theyre catching on. The first result was Citroen's Berlingo Multispace, introduced to Britain in 1998 and now facing stiff competition from the rival featured here, Renault's five-door Kangoo dCi.
"Running a Kangoo diesel is one part of your life thats not going to give your credit card a sound thrashing "
Since the Berlingo Multispace was reduced in price and offered here in five-door form, theres not been much to choose between the two rivals, though the Citroen has had an advantage in the form of its huge retractable panoramic sliding sunroof. Renault werent about to let that last for long of course, and quickly added one to the options list. The 10,970 68bhp dCi engine is the entry-level point but those seeking more power can opt for the 84bhp version of the same unit from 12,120. The Kangoos chassis is based on that of the previous generation Clio, which means that it's wonderfully agile around town, with light quick power steering, short gearing and great visibility through those huge windows. It isn't quite as confident as its supermini stablemate on the open road however - for many of the same reasons. The short gearing means you have to swap cogs regularly and the tall, thin, glassy profile can make it a little susceptible to crosswinds. Two trim levels are available for Kangoo diesel buyers, Authentique and Expression. Authentique gives you a 60/40 split-fold for the rear seat and a roof-mounted stowage rack inside the cabin.
You also get a centre three-point rear seatbelt, ABS brakes, a passenger airbag, electric front windows, remote control central locking, electric mirrors and a CD stereo. Expression adds 14" alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, front fog lamps and a selection of additional storage solutions. It's fairly utilitarian inside - though that's intentional. If necessary, the rear bench pivots forward to convert the Kangoo from people carrier to a 2,500-litre estate. Moreover, thanks to those sliding side doors, it's a lot easier to access the space. Versatility is helped by the airline-style overhead bins and side bins with a total volume of 60-litres plus theres the usual exterior plastic protection that makes a sideswipe of a farmers gate that little bit more insurance-friendly. Renault have played the Kangoo diesel card with guile. Here we get a sophisticated diesel engine with a pair of power options in a model that makes some kind of lifestyle statement.