Renault renews Kangoo compact van line-up

It was a fantastic past year, for Renault who’s second generation Kangoo Van was the best-selling model in its class in 2012. In hopes of continuing their success within the compact van business market, which since 2008 has been popular with more than 400,000 customers, Renault just announced a renewal of its compact van line-up. Building on the strengths of Phase 1, the Kangoo Van will now feature Renault’s new styling identity, following the introduction of a new front bumper and in the cabin; the dashboard has been revised in order to give a more pronounced impression of quality.

Renault’s bestselling compact van will make its grand re appearance this year with the release of a brand new Phase 2 version which covers the entire range, from Kangoo Van, and Kangoo Maxi, to Kangoo Van Z.E. and Kangoo Maxi Z.E. The van range offers two wheelbase lengths, three versions of the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (75, 90 and 110hp) and a choice of two- or five-seat versions of the Kangoo Maxi. The five seat “Crew” version features a rear seat that can be tipped forward to accommodate particularly long loads. The line-up also includes economical powerplants, two of which return the lowest fuel consumption in their segment. The dCi 75 Stop/Start and dCi 90 Stop/Start engines boast NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km or 65.7mpg (equivalent to 112g/km of CO₂₎.

As with all new vehicles these days, the new refreshed Kangoo Van benefits from the latest hi tech equipment options such as ESC with Hill Start Assist, Grip Xtend, and includes a connected multimedia system thanks to the introduction of R-Link (optional or standard equipment for ‘Sport’ versions). This system incorporates the in-dash TomTom® LIVE navigation plus numerous new functions, such as advance warning of hazardous zones and the ability to download applications like the reading out of e-mails.

The new Kangoo Van Z.E., Renault's electric van will now, well, look more like an electric van with a new front end which features the brand’s latest styling and a repositioning of the battery charger which is now located behind the new blue-tinted logo, at the front. Plus, for an even more futuristic element, Renault has added the Z.E. Voice function that emits a sound to warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach. This system is activated at speeds of between 1 and 19mph (no sound at a standstill). Meanwhile, in order to benefit from off-peak electricity rates, owners can programme the charging of New Kangoo Van Z.E.’s battery remotely using their computer or smartphone thanks to the ‘My Z.E. inter@ctive’ pack.

For more details on these newly refined small vans, please visit Renault's official website here.