The Renault Kangoo is an M-segment light commercial vehicle or leisure activity vehicle (LAV) launched by Renault back in 1997. It remains in production to this day. The French automaker has so far released two generations, catering to both the commercial as well as passenger markets. In 2011, it launched an electric model of the car, called the Renault Kangoo Z.E., which generated a favourable response from the market, having sold over 38,527 units till the end of 2018.
A Brief History
The Renault Kangoo succeeded the Renault Express, which ceased production in 2000 (2002 for the South American market).
Renault Express (1985-2000)
The Renault Express came out as a panel van in 1985, succeeding the R4 F6 model of the Renault 4 series but deriving design inspiration from the second-generation Renault 5. It went through three phases in the market, after which Renault introduced the Kangoo in 1997 as its successor.
The First Generation Kangoo (1997-2007)
Renault introduced Kangoo I, aka Nissan Kubistar, in 1997. It enjoyed a positive reception, especially from the mobility-impaired market due to its low height and wheelchair-adapted accessibility. It offered mounting points specialised for wheelchairs.
In 2002, it became available in 4WD with the introduction of the model called Trekka, which was popular for its fuel-efficiency. The Kangoo welcomed a facelift in 2003, which included a new nose styling as well as a new grille with the Renault diamond that later became the standard for all models.
The Second Generation Kangoo (2007-2020)
Kangoo II, also rebranded as Mercedes-Benz Citan and Nissan NV250, came out in 2007 as the next-generation Renault in the light commercial vehicle category, with a passenger variant simultaneously launched as well. The Kangoo came in three configurations based on its wheelbase, including the Express (standard wheelbase), Compact (shorter wheelbase), and Express Maxi (longer wheelbase). Between 2009 and 2012, the Kangoo Compact came under the name of Be Bop in some markets.
The Kangoo Z.E. (2011-present)
Renault launched Kangoo's electric variant, the Kangoo Z.E., in 2011, manufacturing it at the Maubeuge Plant in France. In 2012, it won the International Van of the Year. GreenFleet also voted it as the Electric Vehicle of the Year for 2012 and 2013.
By the end of 2013, the Z.E. had sold more than 10,000 vehicles around the world, firmly establishing it as a leader in the small category electric van segment. It remains a top-selling all-electric light utility vehicle in the world today.
The dimensions of the Kangoo Z.E. are the same as the other internal combustion variants of the Kangoo.
The Third Generation Kangoo (2020 onwards)
Kangoo III is also in the making, with launching slated in the later part of 2020.
Powertrains
The following powertrains have been made available in the Renault Kangoo over the years:
- 1.2L SWB petrol engine, 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, 84 kW, 190 Nm
- 1.6L K-Series petrol engine, 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic transmission, 70-78kW, 140-148 Nm
- 1.5L dCi diesel engine, 5-speed (and later 6-speed) manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic transmission, 62-82 kW, 200-240 Nm
- Synchronous electric motor with rotor coil, 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 170km driving range, 1-speed automatic, 44 kW, 226 Nm
The Renault Kangoo has a short history and, thus, is a relatively new car. If you're looking for a pre-owned vehicle or auto parts to repair one that you have, or are planning to sell that Kangoo in your garage, visit Carpart.com.au, it's where auto parts sellers and buyers in Australia do business!