Renault has officially uncovered its new-gen light commercial vehicle, the Kangoo, ahead of its market introduction set for next spring. Offered in four versions, including two lengths, the range comprises of the Kangoo, Kangoo Van, Express and Express Van, rivaling the likes of Volkswagen’s new Caddy.
The new Kangoo has a completely new front
end with horizontal headlamps, a big grille with chrome trim, larger lower air
intake, muscular hood, new lines on the sides and a redesigned rear end.
Squint, and you might imagine it wearing sister brand Dacia’s logos.
The outdated dashboard panel of the
current iteration has been replaced with a more modern-looking proposal that
has a tablet-like infotainment system placed in the middle, under the air
vents. The steering wheel is also new, although it retains the three-spoke
design, and behind it lies a traditional instrument panel with a small LCD
display between the gauges.
The gearshift lever has moved further back
and there are plenty of storage spaces all around, with Renault stating that it
offers the best storage level in its category. The new Kangoo also has a very
generous loading volume that ranges between 3.3 to 4.9 cu-m,
depending on the body style, enhanced by the Easy Side Access and Easy Inside
Rack. Other novelties include the introduction of a digital rearview mirror,
Trailer Swing Assist, Advanced Emergency Active Braking and Brake Stability
Control.
The engine lineup has yet to be detailed,
but we expect it to be offered with the traditional petrol and diesel unit,
mated to manual and automatic transmissions. A battery-electric version will
also join the range.
Renault will build the new Kangoo and
Kangoo Van at the Maubeuge factory in France, while the Express and Express Van
will be built in Tangier, Morocco. The Kangoo, Kangoo Van and Express Van will
be sold in Europe and international markets, whereas the Express will be
marketed outside the Old Continent.
