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For those interested in vans, and we're hoping that's most
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of you, this past year has seen plenty of action in the high-cube category, with several key players being replaced. However, there has also been a smaller compact category launched to complement or compete with the established flock, giving further options for the potential buyer.
Citron's tiny Nemo (along with its Fiat Fiorini and Peugeot Bipper counterparts) started the trend for a more compact small van, followed shortly after by Renault's decision to create a smaller version of its Kangoo, which now comes in two sizes — badged Van and Compact for standard and small models respectively.
For this test we're looking at the former, although, for the record, the Compact is 384mm shorter, has a load volume of 2.3m" complete with 500kg payload, along with two engine options — 70hp and 85hp.
As is the way, the new Van is bigger and heavier than the previous model; load volume is up from 2.7m3 to 3.0m3, while GVW also rises by about 200kg.
It's powered by a 15-litre dCi unit that produces 70hp, 85hp or 105hp — with the latter output receiving a six speeder instead of five cogs. In addition, there are two payloads —650kg and 800kg — and trim levels to choose from.
The entry ML gets you ABS with EBD, full-height bulkhead, CD/radio with fingertip controls positioned by the steering wheel and remote central locking, while the + version adds nearside sliding door, central storage compartment, electric front windows, height-adjustable driver's seat and side anchorage rails.
Prices start at £10,590 for the ML dCi 70 650, while our test vehicle (ML dCi 85 650) lists at £10,990.
Also on board our test vehicle were trip computer (E50), central storage (£50) and air-con pack, which includes electric windows (£565).
The Kangoo has some pretty stiff competition, including Ford's bulletproof Connect, Volkswagen's Germanic Caddy and Citroen's newly launched Berlingo, but it is approximately 300kg lighter than the first two, which have to obey the post-2,200kg GVW speed law, which reduces their legal top speed to 50mph on A-roads.
Productivity Being heavier than its predecessor should mean a decrease in fuel economy, but the gap wasn't dramatic.We recorded 45.9mpg for a laden run and 48.8mpg for an unladen one (previous versions came in at 49.6mpg and 55.8mpg respectively). This was somewhere in the middle of the group — so a fair performance in all.
At the business end, the 650kg payload and 3.0m3 volume are about middling for the class, but the latter figure is beaten by the VW Caddy at 3.2m3 and Citroen Berlingo with 3.3m Word's Connect is 2.8m5).
Access to the rear is via rear offset doors, while a welldesigned release catch unlocks them to 180°. What we weren't enthused by, though, was the lack of a side loading door, standard on the VW Caddy, which has you crawling to get at the load from the front.
That said, the actual design allows good use of the space available and there are six load lashing points located on the floor to secure it.
Servicing is every 12,000 miles/12 months while warranty is 36 months/100,000 miles.
Cab comfort There's been a significant revision to the new Kangoo's interior, most significantly with the actual sizing, which is appreciably larger than the previous model. To indicate, vehicle width is 1,829mm, up from 1,672mm, translating into a noticeably roomier cabin.
Access is excellent, thanks to a cavernous footwell that provides plenty of space in which to swing your feet in and out (a rarity in this class of vehicle), and is equally welcome when on the move thanks to a well-positioned footrest.
This is helped by a recession in the bulkhead of several inches on the driver's side, allowing extended rear seat travel and combining well with the foot space and tilt-adjusting steering wheel to provide a fine driving position.
Renault has stuck to its simple and logical dashboard design, with easy-to read dials and simple-to-operate stalks: we also liked the steering wheel columnmounted radio controls, which were easy to use. But, incidentally, there was a distinct lack of MW reception.
Storage was generally well thought-out for such a small light CV. You get (slim) door bins, an (optional) central storage tray, which is ideal for clipboards and larger objects, a central armrest-cum-compartment and an overhead parcel shelf.
All good stuff, but already in the running for design flaw of the year 2009 is the L-shaped handbrake, which obscures the lower central cubby/cup-holder. Genius.
V A mention also goes to the gearshift housing, which opt detached slightly from the dashboard when operating in fri cold weather, and wasn't in keeping with the overall build fri quality, which was noticeably strong.
fri On the move, the Kangoo's cab feels well insulated, fri giving off a big van feel, however this good work is Cab comfort It may be bigger and heavier, but the latest Kangoo retains the nimbleness that made its predecessor so easy to get on with, particularly when navigating urban areas.
There's a lightness to the controls that allows you to get on with the driving part without making any concessions.
The steering is among the best in the class, being just the right side of assistance and communication and allows quick, controlled changes of direction, while the chassis copes well with a full load.
It also rides well, soaking up bumps convincingly and maintains its composure through comets, feeling well planted, whether through tight S-bends or sweeping A-roads.
The engine delivers just enough torque, particularly from low-down, to make it feel eager, and matches well to the spacing of the short in throw, but slightly loose live-speeder.
On the other hand there is less enthusiasm for the noise that is generated by the engine. While at low revs it stays sufficiently hidden, press on and it becomes gruff and mechanical in sound, building with intensity towards the rev limiter. m