History and characteristics of Renault Kangoo cars

Renault Kangoo — a series of vehicles for recreational use (minivan) and commercial use (vans), produced from 1997 to the present by the French automaker "Renault". The commercial van is called "Kangoo Express". Replaced the van "Renault Express", produced since 1985. This car appeared a year after its competitors Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, but took into account their shortcomings and made a sliding door at the back for greater convenience. Competitors added the same door in 1999, but Renault was one step ahead and added a second similar door on the other side, meaning the rear of the car could be conveniently accessed from either side. Other close competitors include Dacia Dokker, Fiat Doblo, LADA Largus, Mercedes-Benz Citan, Opel Combo, Skoda Roomster and Volkswagen Caddy.

First generation (1997-2007)

The first generation appeared in October 1997 and the car was classified as a minivan (MPV). Kangoo was positioned as a spacious family car, and then a commercial van was released "Kangoo Express". Nissan sold this car in Latin America and Europe under the name "Kubistar". The engine was located transversely in the front, front-wheel drive, but there were also all-wheel drive versions that appeared in 2002 and were sold under the name "Trekka". The body length was 4035 mm, width 1670 mm, height 1855 mm, wheelbase 2605 mm and the curb weight was 975-1085 kg. In total, more than 2.2 million cars were produced. In Argentina, this generation was produced until 2018, until it was replaced by "Dacia Dokker".

The range of petrol engines consisted of the following models: 1.0 litre (999 cm³, D7D, 59 hp), 1.0 liters (999 cm³, D4D, 68 hp), 1.2 liters (1149 cm³, D7F, 60 hp), 1.2 liters (1149 cm³, D4F, 75 hp), 1.4 liters (1390 cm³, E7J, 75 hp) and 1.6 liters (1598 cm³, K4M, 95 hp). Diesel engines were as follows: 1.5 liters "DCi" (1461 cm³, K9K) 55/60/65/68/80/85/88 hp, 1.9 liter "D" (1870 cm³, F8Q) with a capacity of 55/65 hp and 1.9 liters "DCi" (1870 cm³, F9Q) with a capacity of 80/84 hp. The gearbox was a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

There was also a purely electric Kangoo with a 15-30 kW electric motor, a hybrid model with a 475 cm³ two-cylinder ICE with 22 hp and a 29 kW electric motor, as well as 1.2-liter natural gas engines (1149 cm³, LPG, 60 hp), 1.4 liters (1390 cm³, GNV, 70 hp) and 1.6 liters (1598 cm³, GNV, 82 hp).

In 2003, the first restyling was carried out, which changed the front part, rear lights and interior. In 2006, the second restyling was carried out, improving sound insulation, interior trim and additional equipment.

Second generation (2007-present)

The production of the second generation began in May 2007. Two body styles are offered - a passenger minivan (MPV) and a commercial van. Based on the Renault C platform. The length of the body with a standard wheelbase (2697 mm) is 4213 mm, width 1829 mm and height 1809 mm; with an extended wheelbase (3081 mm) "Maxi" the body length is 4666 mm, width 1829 mm, height 1836 mm; and there was also a body with a shortened wheelbase (2313 mm) "Compact" with a length of 3898 mm, a width of 1829 mm and a height of 1812 mm, which was sold under the name "Be Bop". The curb weight of the car is 1205-1430 kg. On the basis of "Kangoo 2" they began to produce "Mercedes-Benz Citan" with a slightly different appearance and interior, but with the same engines. Since 2019, it has also been sold under the brand "Nissan NV250".

There are two versions of 1.6-liter gasoline engines (1598 cm³, K4M, 105 hp), which was replaced by 1.2 liters in 2016 (1197 cm³, H5Ft, 112 hp)the diesel engine was one model with a capacity of 1.5 liters (1461 cm³, K9K, 109 hp). The gearbox is installed five- or six-speed manual, as well as four-speed automatic. In addition to classic internal combustion engines, the electric car "Kangoo ZE" is produced with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 22 kW h, a power of 59 hp and a range of 170 km. In 2012, it became the "International Van of the Year", in 2012 and 2013 it was recognized as the electric car of the year according to "GreenFleet".

Kangu 2 Be Bop, 2008 year

Kangu 2, 2014 year, restyling

Kangu Express 2, 2014 year

Safety according to Euro NCAP