Renault SA is jumping back into the light commercial market with the return this week of the Kangoo Express delivery van.
It is coming here rather late though, with this third-generation model having been released overseas in 2008 and Renault has already previewed the next-generation model with the Frendzy concept shown earlier this year.
When they laid out the third-generation Kangoo, Renault listened to the feedback they were getting from customers, and analysed how tradespeople, merchants and delivery drivers used their vans, day in and day out, so they could tailor it as an effective 'mobile office' and working tool.
But they also restyled it, giving the new Kangoo a short, robust front end with flexible composite front fenders to absorb the minor dings that afflict any working vehicle.
The cab is bright and spacious, with no visible sheet metal and a fashionable panoramic MPV-style windscreen. There's 1.51m of elbow room (88mm more than the previous model), a raised driving position, dashboard-mounted gearshift and electric power steering - and an aircraft-style handbrake frees up stowage space between the seats.
There's also a lot of stowage space, including an A4-format document storage area - complete with pen holder - on the dashboard, a 13-litre ceiling rack for items such as road maps, clipboards, logbooks (and even your lunch). The four-litre door pockets will each hold an A4 workbook and a 1.5-litre cool-drink bottle.
Air-con is standard, as are remote central locking, a trip computer and height-adjustable driver's seat - but the radio with MP3-compatible CD and Bluetooth connectivity is an aftermarket dealer fitment.
The Kangoo Express is only 4.21m long, but will swallow 800kg or three cubic metres of payload (up from 2.75) in a cargo bay 1476mm long and 1200mm between the wheel arches, so yes, Cyril, it'll take a standard Euro pallet.
The rear swing doors open to 90 degrees (or 180 if you release the internal latches) while the sliding side door opens by means of a fridge-type handle to provide a 635mm loading aperture - 16 mm wider than the previous Kangoo. Six anchor rings secure heavy goods.
The new-generation Kangoo Express is built on the Scénic chassis; its track (1.52m front, 1.54m rear) is 120mm wider than the previous model and, at 2.7m, its wheelbase is 100mm longer.
Suspension is by MacPherson-type front strut with rectangular lower arms and coil springs with a 15.1mm anti-roll bar at rear, with 15” rims running 195/65 rubber (including a full-size spare).
Motivation comes from Renault's proven fuel-injected 1.6-litre, eight-valve petrol engine, rated in this application for 64kW at 5500rpm and 128Nm - 90 percent of which is available at 2000 revs - and a five-speed manual 'box, at a claimed cost of 8.2 litres per 100km.
A driver's airbag is standard, as is ABS, which is coupled to the ECU to prevent the wheels from locking under sudden deceleration (or a clumsy downshift on a slick surface).
Any van is only making money while it's out there so, to minimise downtime, the Kangoo only needs an oil-change every 15 000km, a new air filter every 30 000km or four years, whichever comes first, and a new timing belt every 90 000km or four years.
PRICE:
Kangoo Express 1.6 8v - R164 900
That includes a five-year or 150 000km warranty and a three-year or 60 00km service plan.