Renault Kangoo Be Bop Revealed Ahead of Paris Debut

By Michael Gauthier
October 1, 2008 8:57 PM
Filed Under: European, Paris Motor Show, Renault

Renault is planning to storm the Paris auto show with at least six world debuts, including the Megane hatch and coupe, Laguna coupe, Ondelios concept, a mystery concept, and the recently announced Kangoo Be Bop.

Drawing inspiration from the original Kangoo concept which debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car aims to appeal to today’s active urban lifestyle. At less than four meters in length, the Be Bop is 38cm shorter than its five door sibling and features numerous unique styling touches to set it apart. The standard two-tone paint scheme demands attention, while the increased ground clearance and protective moldings try to convey a sense of adventure. Among the other updates are black headlamp masks, new bumpers, and 16” alloy wheels.

One of the more interesting features is the forward sliding convertible roof panel at the rear of the Be Bop, which helps to create an open air experience. The interior stays slightly more traditional and features individual seating for four. In a first for the Kangoo range, the Be Bop will be available with a Carminat Bluetooth CD satellite navigation system with a 7 inch display.

Power options include two diesels that produce 85hp and 105hp, and a 1.6L petrol engine with 105hp.

If different is your thing, and the Be Bop certainly is, look for it to hit UK showrooms in spring of 2009.

Source: Renault

Press Release (Click to expand)

Renault Kangoo Be Bop

*New Kangoo be bop becomes third model in New Kangoo range, following five-door car and van versions
*Compact yet spacious, with stylish two-tone exterior and raised ground clearance to appeal to active urban dwellers
*Contemporary interior with four MPV-style seats and contrasting upholsteries
*Innovative features such as sliding rear tailgate window and glazed roof
*Three engines available: 1.5 dCi 85 and 105, plus one petrol: 1.6 105. dCi 85 version is eco2
*Set to launch in UK in Spring 2009

Based closely on the Kangoo Compact Concept show car unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault Kangoo be bop is the latest addition to the Kangoo family. Its compact size (3.87m in length), original two-tone colour scheme and exclusive interior appointments of this innovative vehicle combine to give it a particularly strong personality. Its extensive glazed area and four roomy seats afford a sense of space and light. Ideal for escaping the crowd, Kangoo be bop offers open-top motoring at the rear thanks to its glazed sliding roof and rear tailgate window which slides down out of sight. There are two tilting glass panels at the front, plus a fixed central glass panel.

The latest Renault is ideal for customers who want to move away from the norm, with a car that expresses their ‘joie de vivre’.

A truly original reworking of a show car
Kangoo be bop came into being in the wake of the enthusiasm shown for the Kangoo Compact Concept show car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. A compact leisure vehicle with an original design and strong personality, Kangoo Compact Concept showed that an unusual car could appeal to active urban dwellers who share the values of fun and friendship. In addition to its design, the originality of the concept lay in its extensive glazed area and unique convertibility solutions, with the emphasis firmly on space and light. Kangoo be bop’s designers have succeeded in producing a production model which echoes the strengths and features of the concept car.

Kangoo be bop has the familiar Kangoo front end with its short bonnet and droplet-shaped headlamps. Light floods into the cabin through the sweeping, steeply raked windscreen for outstanding visibility. It differs from its five-door sibling by being even shorter (less than four metres in length), as well as through some original styling details, such as the black headlamp masks, new bumpers, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Ground clearance has been raised 20mm compared with New Kangoo, while protective side mouldings lend the look of an 'urban adventurer', ready to confront the great outdoors. Its robust, expressive lines are energized by the standard two-tone colour scheme handed down from the concept car. The bonnet, grille, door mirrors, front bumper bib and tailgate panel are Cosmic Grey, while the rest of the bodywork is available in one of three other colours: black, orange or white.

Another similarity is the elongated, semi-circular form of the side windows, which make Kangoo be bop instantly recognisable. The large tailgate window slides right out of sight into the door. It is operated by a switch on the instrument panel or by a third button on the ignition key, and makes it possible to access the boot without having to unlock the car or open the tailgate. The system naturally incorporates an anti-pinch safety function.
Kangoo be bop features the same convertible roof configuration seen on the concept car, with a fully glazed, forward-sliding panel at the rear. With the rear section of the roof and rear window in the open position, Renault Kangoo be bop's rear passengers are able to enjoy the delights of open-air motoring. The roof opens at an angle which creates a deflecting effect to prevent bothersome turbulence while on the move. Its 'open' and 'closed' positions are secured by two side locks. It opens independently of the tailgate with the help of two small arms.

The wide, fixed central glazed panel contributes to the cabin’s brightness, while the two front tilting glass panels ensure that front-seat occupants also get a taste of the open air. Even when open, the panels do not interfere with the forward-sliding rear roof. The glazed roof panels have all been treated to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Although Kangoo be bop’s dashboard and front seats are the same as New Kangoo’s, the rear features two individual, raised seats which make the interior feel like a four-seater lounge.

The different exterior colour schemes and interior trim are reminders that Renault Kangoo be bop is at home in the city as it is on jaunts in the great outdoors and can look either 'chic' or 'fun'. Its chic look is derived from the black or white body colours, combined with the red and black upholstery and dark charcoal dashboard. The fun-loving be bop comes in orange with silver, blue, and orange upholstery. The white instrument backgrounds and satin-finish chrome climate control console further emphasise the exclusive feel of the car’s interior.