Reviews - Renault

Overall Rating

The Kangoo challenges Citroen's Berlingo. Van-based like its rival, it offers lots of space at low prices. If Berlingo is the new 2-CV, is this the new Renault 4?

• Spacious for its size; massive headroom
• Practical for family or bulky loads
• Low insurance groups; reasonable running costs

• Plainly based on a light commercial vehicle
• Elderly 1.9D engine is underpowered
• Noisy and unrefined at higher speeds

'Kangoo competes neck-and-neck with Berlingo for sales to practical family motorists who put low running costs and ample load space before looks or performance. Despite a Clio-style nose job and improved equipment in 2003, Kangoo is probably lags behind slightly in the value stakes. The four-square cabin has huge headroom and plenty of space for five passengers plus luggage. With the rear seats removed, there's easy access to the big cargo bay through sliding doors. Equipment and trim are adequate rather than generous; RXE is best on early cars, Expression on current models. Air con is a desirable extra. Kangoo rides softly but rolls heavily, so it's best driven in an unhurried way. That suits the engines, which are no more than adequate. Although the 1.5 dCi turbodiesel is a modern design, it's outclassed by the Berlingo 2.0 HDi. There are also 4x4 Trekka versions overpriced, thirstier and fairly pointless.

JD Power stars: 2

NCAP: 4

Best Models: 1.4 Authentique or 1.9 dCi Trekka 4x4

Worst Models: 1.2 Authentique

Replacement: 2007

• Citroen Berlingo
• Fiat Doblo
• Peugeot Partner Combi