Autozine – Auto Test: Renault Kangoo

Renault offers commercial vehicles in all shapes and sizes. Kangoo is the second smallest. Therefore, this compact van is mainly used for short distances, such as for distribution within the city. And that’s what this fifth generation Kangoo design was designed for! Kangoo is available in two lengths: standard (L1) and extra long (L2). As standard, it has 3.9 m3 more cargo space with a payload of 527 kg, for the extended version it is 4.9 m3 and a payload of 700 kg.

Room

The standard length was chosen for this test, as it takes advantage of Renault’s latest inventions: “Open the sesame”By including a b-pillar on the front door, security is maintained, but a large opening (145 cm) is created when the sliding door and front door are opened. It offers extra options for loading and unloading cargo, so this smart access alone could be the reason to choose Kangoo.

Special designs do have some consequences. Since there is no B-pillar to attach the passenger seat belt, it can be found on the rear left of the passenger seat and it takes some getting used to. If a folding front seat is selected (because there is convenient storage space for the charging cable underneath), it cannot be adjusted.

The interior design of this Kangoo commercial vehicle is practical and simple, but certainly not shabby. Despite the emphasis on wear resistance and functionality, the materials used look good and the kit is complete. The Kangoo is available with modern infotainment systems (audio, communication and navigation) and almost all the safety features of a Renault passenger car. Unique to Kangoo is the digital interior mirror (as well as the reverse camera). Despite the partitions and/or tinted windows, the Kangoo is almost as clear as a regular passenger car!

Range and charging

The reason to hit the road again with Kangoo is the introduction of electric propulsion: the E-Tech Electric. It concerns a custom-built powertrain, so it’s not a copy of a Renault passenger car. The battery has a capacity of 45 kWh and that is good for a range of 300 km (WLTP). Depending on the version selected, charging can be carried out with alternating current 11 kW (3 phases), alternating current 22 kW (3 phases) or 80 kW (direct current). Renault offers this option because the so-called “inverter” required for charging is the expensive part. When the car doesn’t travel more than 300 km continuously during the day and doesn’t move at night, cheap chargers save a lot of money.

“Electric drive represents a leap forward in terms of comfort and environmental friendliness”

Regardless of the charging option chosen, the charger socket is located in the middle of the nose, under the Renault logo. With many other cars this would be called a point of criticism (mandatory parking out front, it’s not clear when to park outside), but with the Kangoo it’s all about functionality. The charging connection at the back of the car will sacrifice load space and space is a top priority for a delivery van.

Electric driving

Electric passenger cars are often very fast and work very easily, giving them a feeling of superiority. That doesn’t apply to Kangoo E-Tech Electric. Though the difference with the version with a combustion engine is very large. Engine power is immediately available and the drivetrain does its job silently, making driving much more natural than a combustion engine, which does both audible and tactile work. In addition, electric cars only have one gear and thus the ease of automatic transmission, which also contributes to comfort.

The driver can choose between standard or economy mode, but the difference between the two is small. In addition, it is possible to determine in three steps how much energy is recovered when the power pedal is released. The difference between these positions is clear. In the heaviest positions, the brake pedal is rarely needed and it is impossible to ride fully with one pedal. The display behind the wheel shows how much energy is being consumed or recovered, so the driver has a good understanding of the system and can adjust the driving style if necessary to reduce energy consumption.

Test consumption on a modest route under good weather conditions was 15.1 kWh / 100. That’s not only neat for a van, but neat for the average electric passenger car! Partly because it can be ridden economically, the promised mileage of 300 km can be easily achieved.

Handling

The Kangoo is designed to carry heavy loads, so the chassis has no problem with battery weight. The test car was equipped with 150 kg of counterweight in the cargo area and was therefore neatly balanced. With this load, comfort on poor road surfaces is fine, while the car doesn’t falter at speed bumps.

Of course, the Kangoo isn’t meant for fast cornering, but anyone who does will not be disappointed. Precisely because the weight of the battery is placed low and centrally, the Kangoo E-Tech Electric is very stable and therefore always quickly returns to balance.

Conclusion

The Renault Kangoo is now also available as an electric car and that is good news for everyone. Outsiders would appreciate it if the delivery service didn’t leave exhaust fumes after delivering packages or dropping off staff. The company will calculate that Kangoo E-Tech Electric is particularly advantageous for short range applications (lower energy costs, minimal maintenance, low depreciation due to fewer moving parts).

And test drives show that the arrival of the E-Tech Electric also means good news for motorists. Electric drive provides a leap forward in comfort and environmental friendlinessCompared to the previous Kangoo ZE (2011 – 2021), range, charging options and performance have been improved, making the E-Tech Electric more fun to drive and less worrying about range. So: get rid of the diesel!