New Renault Kangoo Brings Fun And Design Flair To Multi-Activity Sector
Published: 6th May 2003
New Renault Kangoo is now designed with closer shut-lines, while thanks to new foam materials, the front seats provide better sideways support as well as better driving comfort. In addition new trim materials have been added, including those on the door panels.
For better travelling comfort, noise insulation is also improved. The underside of the dashboard is isolated with padding similar to that of the bulkhead, with 30mm-thick foam. To reduce the transmission of vibration within the cabin, the engine mountings have been stiffened, while a new subframe is used with the 1.5 dCi and 1.6 16V engines.
Finally, the 80bhp 1.5 dCi engine is equipped with a new vibration-absorbing flywheel. Thanks to these developments, New Kangoo registers an overall reduction in noise level of 3dB at a steady speed of 80mph.
The Latest In Active And Passive Safety
A option across the range, the braking system of New Kangoo Van has evolved with the adoption of the latest-generation Bosch 8.0 ABS system including EBD and emergency brake assist. A flexible spoiler positioned below the body and forming a bumper extension improves crosswind stability. These changes add to the many developments already applied to the Kangoo Generation 2001, such as the fitting of larger brake discs and the widening of the rear track by 9mm.
New Kangoo also tops the class for passive safety. It features a new design of steering column which collapses in the event of an impact, preventing intrusion of the steering wheel into the cabin. The sides of the bulkhead together with the sill sections have been strengthened to provide better cabin stiffness in an impact.
The softer, more energy-absorbent new door padding provides the best protection for the pelvis and abdomen in a side impact, while new, stiffer seats offer added stability in an impact. The Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP) remains with front driver and passenger airbags, two front side head/thorax airbags and front safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Economical Yet Powerful Engines
New Kangoo offers the two petrol engines (from 75 and 95bhp) and one diesel (80bhp), plus one Proactive automatic transmission on the 95bhp petrol engine.
The 80bhp 1.5 dCi turbodiesel engine provides performance which is particularly well adapted to both urban and suburban driving, while fuel consumption of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km easily top the class.
Among the petrol engines, the 75bhp 1.2 16V provides an excellent compromise for urban driving: economy of 40.4mpg in the combined cycle, low emissions of 163g/km of CO2 and reduced operating costs.
The 95bhp 1.6 16V – only available with the four-speed Proactive automatic transmission - offers a competitive trade-off between good consumption and performance while for additional ease of driving and dynamism. With its nine shifting strategies and the use of fuzzy logic, this transmission takes account of the type of driving and the road profile, and adapts its shifting accordingly. This version achieves 35.3mpg in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 190g/km.
To keep operating costs to a minimum, New Kangoo only needs servicing every 18,000 miles or two years, for all its 16V and dCi engined versions.
PricesOn sale on 11 April 2003, on-the-road prices for the New Renault Kangoo are as follows:
| Authentique 1.2 16V | £9,100 |
| Authentique 1.5dCi | £9,800 |
| Authentique 1.6 16V Auto | £10,100 |
| Expression 1.2 16V | £9,650 |
| Expression 1.5dCi | £10,350 |
| Expression 1.6 16V Auto | £10,650 |
