The all-new Renault Kangoo range is now available to order, including the electric Kangoo E-Tech version, with two trim levels and two wheelbase lengths to choose from.
Built on a platform developed jointly by Renault and Nissan – and shared with the Mercedes-Benz Citan – the Renault Kangoo is the structural twin of the upcoming Nissan Townstar, and is set to challenge the sales of compact van rivals like the Vauxhall Combo and Citroën Berlingo.
The Kangoo range consists of petrol and diesel engine options, and is topped by an all-electric model (EV). Called the Kangoo E-Tech, this electric van is equipped with a 45kW battery paired with an electric motor, and Renault says this combo produces a maximum battery range of 186 miles (300km) from a full charge.
The amount of load space you get depends on the wheelbase option you go for. The shorter ‘ML19’ versions, which are around 4.5m long in overall length, provide 3.3m3 of load volume. On the other hand, the more expensive ‘LL21’ spec is over 4.9m long, and provides 4.2m3 of cabin load space.
The maximum payload weight differs throughout the range on offer. While the entry-level ML19 diesel can take a maximum of 814kg of cabin load weight, upgrading to the LL21 variant increases this figure to 987kg. If you have your eyes set on the E-Tech EV, maximum payload weight is restricted to 615kg for every electric model, regardless of length.
Each van can take 100kg of roof payload weight, and can tow up to 1,500kg. Opening up the back doors, the height of the cabin from the van floor is just over 1.2m. If you would rather more seats in the rear than storage space, crew cab versions with three additional seats and side panel windows are also included in the range, alongside standard panel van variants.
Once you have selected your wheelbase length option, there are two trim levels to choose from. The lead-in ‘Start’ trim is fairly basic, which is reflected by its entry-level price tag of just over £22k.
The trim includes daytime running lights, roof bar fixings, heated door mirrors, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and cruise control, but LED headlights are not currently available – halogen headlights being the only option.
Opting for an E-Tech version of the ‘Start’ trim also adds automatic air conditioning, heated seats and a heated windscreen, but it must be noted that these all-electric versions of the ‘Start’ are priced at over £33k, which is an £11k price increase over the diesel version.
Key trim level features
Entry-level ‘Start’ (from £22,225)
- Halogen headlights and daytime running lights
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Roof bar fixings
- Heated and electrically-adjustable door mirrors
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- Fabric upholstery
- Rain sensitive front wipers
- Cruise control and a speed limiter
Top-spec ‘Advance’ (from £23,425)
- All ‘Start’ features that are not replaced
- Eight-inch infotainment console compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and wireless smartphone charging
- Electric parking brake
- Passenger bench seat
- LED lighting in the load area
- Chrome detailing on the gear stick
- Rear parking sensors
Opting for the more expensive ‘Advance’ trim grade adds an eight-inch infotainment console compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an electric parking brake, LED lighting in the load area and rear parking sensors for just over £1k more.
While prices for the ‘Advance’ start at £23k for the lead-in diesel, opting for an electric version will cost over £34k.
Renault is now taking pre-orders for its new Kangoo range, before the light van goes on sale at the start of September here in the UK. The first order deliveries are then expected in October.
