- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
2021 Renault Kangoo Compact Van. 3rd generation
The Renault Kangoo is a French multipurpose compact van produced by Renault since 1997. There are two and three-door cargo and four-door passenger modifications. In 2021, the manufacturer released a new, third generation. The new Renault compact van is manufactured in France, and sales are expected to start in June 2021.
The manufacturer believes that the history of this model is quite successful: more than 4 million units have been sold in 50 countries of the world, and one electric Kangoo even drove the Pope. The model is used by the postal service in more than 50 countries. The meeting of Japanese owners of the Kangoo has a certain romantic aura, as it is held outdoors at the foot of Mount Fuji. Interestingly, Daimler took part in the development of the third generation car. The new Kangoo has become more beautiful, more ‘family-oriented’ and more spacious. The car is intended to replace the Scenic, a more expensive compact van, the production of which is almost complete.
Exterior
Thirteen years after the first Kangoo was released, perhaps it’s time to create a new generation. And the French manufacturer did not disappoint. The model has been seriously upgraded, acquiring an elegant and sporty design, which brings it closer to a private fleet. The idea of making a double-purpose car, which can be used for home and family on weekends and for work on weekdays, originated even before the creation of the first generation. And only now it has really been materialised.
The new Renault Kangoo has become noticeably larger. Thus, it is now 4,486 mm long (instead of 4,304 mm) and 1919 mm wider (instead of 1829 mm), whereas the distance between the axles is 2,716 mm instead of 2,697 mm. The ground clearance is 164 mm. The height, taking into account the roof rails, has decreased by three centimeters. This is compensated by curious roof rails with built-in crossbars, which can be unfolded with bare hands and loaded with up to 80 kg of cargo. All vehicles have an aluminum hood and LED optics. The front doors swing open 90 degrees. The vehicle’s size is especially noticeable when you look at its trunk. It has grown from 660 to 775 liters. And if you fold the back row, the total volume will be 3,500 liters instead of 2,600 liters offered by its predecessor!
Interior
The quality of interior trim materials has improved, and the 2021 Renault Kangoo looks more expensive. The vehicle offer more comfortable passenger seats and better sound insulation (for example, the glass has become 11% thicker). The center console comprises a modern EasyLink media system with an 8-inch screen. Plus, such functions as dual-zone climate control and push button start have appeared. It is planned to install virtual instruments (7-inch digital panel), but for now the driver is informed by a trip computer with a 4.2-inch display.
An important detail for a vehicle in this segment is the total capacity of all niches and pockets, which reaches 49 liters. The second row starts from the entrance through wide sliding doors. The backseat is suitable for three people, and its back is divided in the usual 60:40 ratio.
Engines
There are two engines: petrol and diesel, both of which are turbocharged. The 1.3-liter petrol engine producing 100 or 130 hp was jointly developed by Renault Group and Daimler Benz. The engineers have carefully thought out the shape of the combustion chamber to optimize the operation process. The engine features direct fuel injection at a pressure of 250 bar, variable valve timing at the inlet and outlet, and a Bore Spray Coating on the cylinders, the same as on the Nissan GT-R, which reduces friction and optimizes heat transfer. This engine was first installed on the Renault Scenic.
A 1.5-liter diesel engines is available in three power variants: 75, 95 or 115 hp. All modifications are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 130-hp petrol or 95/115 hp diesel engine can be coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission. The manufacturer doesn’t plan to produce hybrid modifications. However, in 2022, an electric car, based on the Renault Kangoo, will be released.
Equipment
The vehicle can boast of modern assistance systems, which is quite a huge evolution. Thus, the 2021/2022 Renault Kangoo comes with adaptive cruise control with a lane keeping assist function, an automatic braking system, and a side wind stabilization system. Plus, for the first time, a rear-view mirror has been replaced by a display, which shows the rear camera recording in real time. The list of options also includes an electric handbrake with the Auto Hold function.
