Renault Unveils 'New Kangoo Express'
By Alexander Tallberg
October 19, 2007 2:47 PM
Filed Under: European, Renault
Yet another plumber's workhorse, you say? Today Renault launched the 'New Kangoo Express', the follow-up to the successful Kangoo that has sold over 1.3 million units since its launch in 1997. Two weeks ago Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced a new jointly developed van concept, creating a new market for "light vans" that are half the size of traditional compact vans. Despite their two-week advance, we think that Renault's nailed it, and here's why.
The New Kangoo Express is supposed to be bigger, better and more practical than its predecessor. The car has grown to 4.21 m in length (+17 cm, of which wheelbase has been lengthened by 10 cm) and to 1.83 m in width (+16 cm). The Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen light van models are noticeably smaller, measuring in at roughly 3.80m. This is, however, exactly why the Renault's got the upper-hand. Most middle-of-the-road car enthusiasts don't know what a Euro Pallet is (yeah, what is it?) but anyone who's been in the materials handling business will tell you that it's the standard 120 x 80 x 12 cm pallet widely used in Europe. The New Kangoo Express will fit a Euro Pallet and the light vans won't. Renault's also given the Kangoo several practical stowing solutions, with a 15-litre lidded glowbox, an overhead parcel shelf and an A4-sized dashboard stowage.
The engine range includes three diesel powerplants (70 hp, 85 hp and 105 hp variants of the 1.5 dCi engine) and two petrol variants, the 90 hp 1.6 8V and the 105 hp 1.6 16V. The 85 bhp diesel will sip 5.2 liters per 100 km, and clear you of any environmental guilt with 137g of carbon dioxide per kilometer. For full details, see press release below.
Press Release
NEW KANGOO EXPRESS: COMFORTABLE, PRACTICAL AND VERSATILE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PROFESSIONALS
New Kangoo Express's design is modern and expressive and notably features a short, robust front that provides a spacious cabin and a large, practical cargo area. Meanwhile, the forward-positioned, panoramic, MPV-style windscreen ensures a brightly-lit cabin.
Inside, Renault has placed the accent on space, comfort and practicality thanks an array of features and functions that are unprecedented in this segment. The high seating position ensures a broad view of the road and combines with the dashboard-mounted gearshift lever to deliver a standard of driving comfort on a par with that of a passenger car. New Kangoo Express is equipped with several practical stowage solutions, including dashboard stowage for an A4 document, an overhead parcel shelf and a large, 15-litre lidded glovebox (depending on version). Multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity means that New Kangoo Express also doubles easily as a travelling office.
versatility extends to the possibility of folding the passenger seat (optional) to
extend carrying capacity to 3.50 cubic metres. Moreover, the design of New Kangoo
Express enables a long list of specific conversions (emergency vehicles, delivery
vehicles, controlled-temperature transport, pick-ups, etc) to be carried out thanks
to the numerous specialist partnerships that have been put into place.
New Kangoo Express also places the accent on performance and comes with a
choice of economical, environmentally-friendly powerplants that are inexpensive to
service. The range includes three diesel powerplants based on the 1.5 dCi block
and available in three power outputs (70hp, 85hp and 105hp), plus two petrol
engines (1.6 8V 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp). Powered by the 85hp version of the diesel
engine, New Kangoo Express returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.2
litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 137g/km.
Indeed, the first two versions of the 1.5 dCi both emit less than 140g of CO2/km,
making them eligible for the Renault eco2 appellation, while the most powerful
version can be equipped with a particulate filter.
New Kangoo Express is based on the same running gear as that of Sce?nic – a
model long been acclaimed for its dynamic performance, comfort and safety – and
consequently delivers a level of performance unprecedented on the LCV market. Its
wheelbase dimension of 2.70m ensures balanced, reassuring handling. Depending
on version and market, New Kangoo Express is equipped, too, with driver aids
more commonly associated with the world of passenger cars (cruise control/speed
limiter, rear parking proximity sensor, automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper
activation).
Its active and passive safety equipment surpasses the norm for an LCV and is on a
par with that of a family saloon. Features include latest-generation ABS, plus MSR
engine torque overrun regulation and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). New Kangoo
Express can also be ordered with ESP, CSV understeer control and ASR traction
control.
New Kangoo Express boasts a market-leading stopping distance of 40 metres
(measured after 10 consecutive stops from 100kph to standstill).
The cabin of New Kangoo Express has been designed to ensure leading safety for
all occupants, including a driver's side airbag, seatbelt pretensioners with load
limiters and an anti-submarining hump in the seats (except folding front passenger
seat). A passenger side airbag and driver's side thorax airbags are also optionally
available.
Despite its long list of new features, the New Kangoo Express range will sell at
prices very similar to those of the current Kangoo range.
2. A functional design
A pleasing, functional design
New Kangoo Express boasts a width of 1.83m (up 16cm compared with its predecessor). The hinged rear doors are flanked by vertical rear light clusters which house the indicators, sidelights, stoplights, rear foglamp and reversing light. Particular attention has been paid to the design of the opening panels to provide the widest possible access.
3. Passenger car-standard comfort and practicality
New Kangoo Express has been thought through to be a genuine work tool for professional users and, as such, is practical, comfortable and functional. The logically laid out drive station provides optimal comfort, worthy of an MPV.
Volumes and practical features that simplify day-to-day work
The drive station of New Kangoo Express is user-friendly and offers a practical working environment that is unprecedented for its segment. The extensively revised dashboard brings a modern, functional touch to the welcoming cabin. The dashboard-mounted gearshift lever not only enhances drive station ergonomics but also frees up space between the front seats. The short steeringwheel-mounted control stalks and fingertip audio remote control are logically positioned, too, while the radio and optional navigation display is offset (according to version) for added comfort. The display is shielded by a large shroud, making information easy to read whatever the degree of brightness. Special care has also gone into the quality of materials and interior trim and no exposed steel is now visible inside the cabin.
The front elbow room of 1.51m (up 8.8cm compared with the previous model) epitomizes the outstanding roominess afforded by New Kangoo Express and comfort has been further enhanced thanks to the fitment of a height adjustable driver's seat (according to version, +/- 20mm) and the addition of a footrest. The driver also profits from a high-up driving position identical to that of an MPV. The seats have been completely redesigned to provide improved lateral support, while the original aviation-style handbrake is redolent of the approach employed on Me?gane and frees up stowage space between the seats. Controls for the electric windows are now positioned on the door
armrests.
Unprecedented thermal comfort for the LCV market
For enhanced travelling comfort, New Kangoo Express' thermal comfort performance is worthy of that of an MPV. For optimal cabin comfort, a manual climate control system is optionally available.
The carrying capacity of New Kangoo Express ranges from 3 to 3.60 cubic metres according to version. The availability of abundant stowage space and advanced connectivity solutions can turn New Kangoo Express into a genuine travelling office.
A carrying capacity of between 3 and 3.6 cubic metres
The dimensions of New Kangoo Express (length: 4.21m; width: 1.83m; height: between 1.81m and 1.84m according to version) ensure a generous carrying capacity of 3 cubic metres (up from 2.75 cubic metres compared with Kangoo Express), a load length of 1.73m (up 6cm over Kangoo Express) and a width between the wheel wells of 1.21m which permits a Euro pallet to be carried. Its rugged hinged rear doors have been engineered for intensive use. When opened to an angle of 90°, they are held in place by a system that prevents them from slamming shut in gusty wind. A handle located on the inside of the doors releases the mechanism and permits them to be opened to an angle of 180°. Depending on equipment level and version, the cabin is separated from the cargo area by two protective tubes, a swivelling mesh grille bulkhead or a full bulkhead. The payload of New Kangoo Express can be as high as 800kg (depending on version).
For enhanced modularity and increased carrying capacity, New Kangoo Express is available with a folding passenger seat (optional). With the seat is folded, maximum cargo capacity increases to 3.5 cubic metres, while maximum load length becomes 2.50m. Moreover, it is also possible to order the vehicle without a passenger seat which extends the maximum cargo-carrying volume to 3.6 cubic metres and maximum load length to 2.92m.
The design of the sliding side door is extremely robust and features a load entry width of 635mm (up 16mm compared Kangoo Express). A total of six anchorage points permit heavy items to be tied down and, depending on finish level and the layout of the cargo area, it is possible to add a further four or six anchorage points.
Clever, functional stowage
The voluminous carrying capacity is enhanced by the availability of a high number of stowage solutions around the drive station designed to facilitate the day-to-day life of professionals. A4 documents or an invoice pad can be easily stored in the dashboard, which also incorporates a pen holder. The 15-litre lidded glovebox (according to equipment level) can take two laptop computers, as well as documents and/or items that are best kept away from prying eyes. The 13-litre overhead parcel shelf is easy to access and is ideal for stowing a road atlas, documents or a bag, while the generous 4- litre door bins can also take an array of documents along with a 1.5-litre bottle.
A range of accessories associated with the worlds of multimedia and navigation transforms New Kangoo Express into a travelling office. Renault provides a portable navigation system holder which fits to the driver's top left for easy visibility. An Audio Connection Box is also available for New Kangoo Express. This system sits inside the glovebox and enables occupants to listen to their own audio collection thanks to ports for a USB key, mobile MP3 player or iPod. Functions are controlled via the steering wheel- mounted fingertip remote control and a hands-free Bluetooth telephone function is also available.
4. A range of robust, economical, environment-conscious engines
New Kangoo Express comes with a broad choice of engines addressing the varied needs of trade users. All extol the key virtues of robustness, economy, reliability and environment-consciousness.
1.5 dCi, 70hp (50kW), 85hp (63kW) & 105hp (78kW)
The 1.5 dCi unit, renowned for high performance, low running costs and good environmental credentials, appears on New Kangoo Express in three versions, rated at 70hp (50kW), 85hp (63kW) and 105hp (78kW), to cover the full spectrum of professional needs. The entry-level version, delivering peak power of 70hp (50kW) at 4,000rpm, achieves very low running costs. Torque of 160Nm is available from 1,500rpm and combined cycle fuel consumption is remarkably low: 5.3 litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. This engine is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The superbly versatile 85hp (63kW) version delivers peak power at 3,750rpm and peak torque of 200Nm from 1,750rpm, for effortless duty both on long hauls and under intensive urban usage. As well as boasting a highly impressive trade-off between performance and economy, this engine also makes New Kangoo Express one of the most economical and environment-friendly vehicles on the market, with combined cycle fuel consumption averaging 5.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions down to 137g/km. Again, this engine is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.
In its top-end diesel version, New Kangoo Express is fitted with the most powerful of the 1.5 dCi units, developing 105hp (78kW) at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 240Nm at 2,000rpm, to meet the most exacting demands of business users in terms of power and driveability. With its second-generation common-rail injection system, variable geometry turbo and 1600-bar injection pressure, this engine gives excellent performance, but with no jeopardy to fuel consumption, just 5.4 litres/100km on a mixed cycle, which gives CO2 emissions of 142g/km. This remarkable fuel economy owes much to the use of piezo-electric injectors and a six-speed manual gearbox. Vehicle acoustics are improved by a dual-mass damping flywheel that eradicates boom at low engine speeds. In a special variant with particulate filter, fuel consumption rises slightly to 5.5 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions to 147g/km. New Kangoo Express with the 105hp 1.5 dCi will reveal its full
potential on expressway journeys.
Petrol engines
Entry level 90hp (66kW) 1.6 8V
The 1.6 8V petrol engine, widely appreciated within the Renault range for its robustness, reliability and efficiency, develops peak power of 90hp (66kW) at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 128Nm over a broad rev band, with 90% available from 2,000rpm. The engine is easy to service and consumes 7.8 litres of petrol per 100 km. It is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.
105hp (78kW) 1.6 16V
The 1.6 16V engine delivers 105hp (78kW) at 5,750rpm and maximum torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm. Driveability is excellent, with a special camshaft design ensuring crisp response at lower revs. Extensive use of lightweight materials, and special features such as a roller-bearing rocker arm, keep fuel consumption down to 7.7 litres/100km. This engine is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox and will later be available with a Proactive four-speed automatic transmission.
Renault eco2 appellation for New Kangoo Express
Two versions of New Kangoo Express – the 70hp (50kW) and 85hp (63kW) 1.5 dCi – earn the Renault eco2 appellation for vehicles that comply with ecology and economy criteria under Renault’s wide-reaching environment initiative. Vehicles bearing the eco2 tag are made at ISO 14001-certified plants, emit less than 140g of CO2 per km (or run on bioethanol E85 or biodiesel B30), are 95% (by weight) end-of-life reusable and have a plastics content that includes at least 5% of recycled materials.
In the coming months, New Kangoo Express will be appearing in a third Renault eco2 version, with a bioethanol E85 variant of the 1.6 16V engine. This will be followed by B30-compatible versions of the 1.5 dCi diesel engines (without particulate filter).
5. Benchmark safety features and dynamic handling
Renowned for its response, comfort and safety, the Sce?nic running gear brings New Kangoo Express performance and features unprecedented on a van.
Dynamic handling carried over from Scenic
For New Kangoo Express, Renault engineers combined the best of both worlds, achieving passenger-car performance without detracting from its LCV calling. New Kangoo Express is based on the Sce?nic's running gear (renowned for its dynamic response and comfort), specially adapted to meet LCV requirements. For improved roadholding, the front and rear tracks are 12cm wider than on the previous-generation Kangoo Express (front:1.52m/rear: 1.54m), while the wheelbase is 10cm longer (2.70m).
The MacPherson-type front suspension has a rectangular lower arm for steady tracking and effective damping. Front and rear shock absorbers are calibrated to optimize the comfort/roadholding trade-off under different load conditions. The torsion-beam rear axle features programmed-deflection suspension, spiral springs and a 15.1mm anti-roll bar. Roadholding is extremely sound and reassuring, with good body support. There is virtually no difference in vehicle roll between empty and fully-loaded configurations, so vehicle response is sound and predictable in all circumstances.
New-generation electric power steering brings a 3.5% reduction in fuel consumption plus enhanced driving comfort in all conditions. With a between-kerbs turning circle of 10.7m, New Kangoo Express has no difficulty manoeuvring in a cramped urban environment.
New Kangoo Express comes as standard with 15-inch wheels for precise, reassuring roadholding and braking. Stopping distance is among the best on the market. The four ventilated disk brakes are sized for power and bite: 280 mm at the front and 274 mm at the rear. After 10 consecutive stops from 100kph to standstill, New Kangoo Express comes to halt in 40 metres.
Unrivalled active safety
New Kangoo Express has all the active safety systems of a family car. All versions have Bosch ABS 8.0 with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist with automatic activation of hazard warning lamps. And New Kangoo Express innovates by offering ABS with MSR engine torque overrun regulation which prevents the wheels locking under sudden deceleration on slippery road surfaces.
Some versions of New Kangoo Express are available with optional ESP plus CSV understeer control to round off an active safety package that is unprecedented on the compact LCV market. ASR traction control ensures safe pullaway when grip is at a premium, even with a full load.
The safety performance of New Kangoo Express also benefits from a wealth of modern driver aids, most brought in from more upmarket vehicle segments and not previously available on Kangoo. Depending on the equipment level and engine, New Kangoo Express is available with optional cruise control and speed limiter, automatic headlamp activation, automatic wipers with rain sensor, and parking proximity sensor. All-round visibility is enhanced by the generously-sized windscreen, practical drive station and large wing mirrors.
Uncompromising passenger protection
New Kangoo Express' structure and safety equipment provide maximum protection for the driver and passenger. The vehicle structure is front-most in any vehicle’s array of protection systems. New Kangoo Express has a structure in steel and special materials designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy. Within this structure, the passenger compartment forms a rigid survival cell, as indestructible as possible, protecting occupants against intrusion from the engine compartment following a frontal impact.
Both seatbelts on New Kangoo Express are fitted with pyrotechnic pretensioners for optimum support under impact, and load limiters calibrated for optimum thorax protection. All versions of New Kangoo Express have a driver’s airbag, and one or two additional airbags (passenger airbag and driver’s thorax airbag) appear on some versions. To minimize the risk of pelvic injury under frontal impact, there are anti-submarining humps under the front seat cushions (except with the folding passenger seat option).
A number of other features contribute to protecting occupants in collision, including the magnesium collapsible steering column, door padding, a protective steel sheet in the cowling under the steeringwheel (to reduce the risk of lower-leg injuries), and a brake pedal retraction system that reduces the risk of injury to the ankles.