Test drive Renault Kangoo 1.6: Conveyor
Content
While the first generation of the car still hinted at its partially "cargo" character, the new Renault Kangoo pleasantly surprises with a much more friendly atmosphere and more comfort.
On the one hand, this car can be unmistakably recognized as the successor to its prototype, but on the other hand, there is something unusual in the picture: now Renault Kangoo looks as if the previous model was “inflated” with a few more atmospheres. The impression is not deceiving - the length of the case has increased by 18 centimeters, and the width is 16 centimeters more. The compact external dimensions of a practical car have long since disappeared, but the volume of the interior has also increased more than seriously.
Luckily, this time around, Renault has kept us in a lightweight-like driving position, and the driver now sits behind a panoramic windshield and dashboard that's virtually indistinguishable from any car in this segment. Comfortable left footrest, height-adjustable steering wheel, high-mounted joystick-like gear lever, armrest with object niche, etc., etc. - Kangoo's ergonomics have definitely carried over into the 21st century. The seats provide relatively modest lateral support, but are quite comfortable and upholstered in soft fabric.
Cargo volume up to 2688 liters
660 liters is the nominal cargo volume of a five-seater Kangoo. Do you consider it insufficient? With the help of two levers, the rear seat of the Spartan drops forward and gives more space. The procedure is extremely simple and does not require additional efforts. Thus, the volume of the trunk already reaches 1521 liters, and when loaded under the ceiling - 2688 liters. The maximum allowable length of transportable objects has been reached at 2,50 meters.
The road behavior is easy to predict, the steering is accurate enough although it is slightly indirectly adjustable, the lateral tilt is within the normal range, and the ESP intervention in case of a more extreme situation is timely, but unfortunately the electronic stabilizer program is not standard for all levels equipment. The braking system works flawlessly and even after the tenth emergency stop, it stops the car at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour at an impressive 39 meters.
The noise in the cabin at a speed of more than 130 km / h is added
The 1,6-litre petrol engine with 106 horsepower is capable of driving a 1,4-ton machine with decent agility, but it needs to use its full potential to do so, so it's no surprise that when cruising the highway at speeds around and above at 130 kilometers per hour, its sound begins to become intrusive, airborne noises quite naturally cannot remain hidden from the ears of passengers. But the improved torsional resistance of the body and stronger sound insulation deserve praise. Another piece of good news is that despite a significant improvement in almost every aspect, the new Kangoo has risen slightly from its predecessor.
Text: Jorn Thomas
Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert
Evaluation
Renault Kangoo 1.6
The car conquers with spaciousness, practicality, functionality and charm. In fact, these were the main advantages of the older generation, but in the second generation they are even more pronounced, and now you can add good comfort, safe handling and a more durable body to them.
technical details
| Renault Kangoo 1.6 | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | - |
| Power | 78 kW (106 hp) |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 13,6 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 40 m |
| full speed | 170 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 10,9 l / 100 km |
| Base Price | - |
2020-08-30
