Renault’s volume-selling Kangoo van has received a heart-transplant as part of its 2017 makeover with a more powerful, more efficient engine doing the grunt work of the popular light commercial.

The 2017 Renault Kangoo will see a significant update, with two new transmissions – six-speed manual and efficient dual clutch (EDC) six-speed automatic – as well as a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine replacing the old 1.6-litre petrol found in previous models.


The new unit boats a power output of 114 Hp at 4500 rpm with 190 Nm of torque available between 2000-4000 rpm. Despite dropping 400 cc in capacity, the new four-cylinder unit actually boasts an extra 8 Hp and 42 Nm over the previous 1.6-litre. Renault is claiming the new, smaller engine is 21 per cent more fuel-efficient too, at just 6.2 L/100km for the manual (and 6.5 L/100km for the EDC auto).

The new petrol Kangoo, with the new variant name of Compact, will also receive some safety equipment previously not available, including hill-start assist, cruise control and speed limiter and reverse parking sensors. The Kangoo also comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags, including side airbags. All standard wheelbase models now get a cargo mat for the load area, previously only offered as standard in the longer wheelbase turbo-diesel Maxi variant.


A single option pack, called the Pro pack, will be offered across the petrol range and features Renault’s R-LINK satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen and rear-view camera as well as an overhead cabin storage shelf and glazed dual rear and side sliding door. Other options available include 15-inch light alloy wheels, a foldout front passenger seat, a steel bulkhead behind the seats, anti-slip timber floor in the load area and a funky retractable roof flap.

2017 Renault Kangoo pricing
  •          1.2-litre turbocharged petrol manual – AUD 23,490 (plus on-road costs)
  •          1.2-litre turbocharged petrol EDC – AUD 26,490 (plus on-road costs)
  •          1.5-litre turbo diesel Maxi manual – AUD 26,990 
  •          1.5-litre turbo diesel Maxi Crew manual – AUD 29,490