PetrolBlogPetrolBlogPetrolBlogPetrolBlog
  • Home
  • 70s cars
  • 80s cars
  • 90s cars
  • 00s cars
  • Manufacturers
    • CITROËN
    • PEUGEOT
    • RENAULT
    • Alfa Romeo
    • Audi
    • Dacia
    • Daihatsu
    • Fiat
    • Ford
    • Honda
    • Hyundai
    • Lancia
    • Matra
    • Mazda
    • Mercedes-Benz
    • Mitsubishi
    • Nissan
    • Opel
    • Proton
    • Saab
    • Seat
    • Skoda
    • Suzuki
    • Talbot
    • Toyota
    • Vauxhall
    • Volkswagen
    • Volvo
  • Features
    • 10 of the best
    • CarTunes
    • General Bunk
    • It’s time to appreciate
    • Major Waffle
    • New cars
    • Regrets
    • Reviews
    • Save Our Scrap
    • Shatchbacks
    • Shednesday
    • The Barn
    • Whatever happened to?
  • Garage
  • Shop
0

Renault Kangoo: Van Extraordinaire

Published by Gavin Big-Surname at 27th August 2012
Renault_Kangoo_front

Dave Bicker is back on PetrolBlog and is once again singing the praises of a practical French car. Last time around it was the Citroën 2CV, this time it’s the turn of the Renault Kangoo. Over to you, Dave.

Each country tends to produce a car that is often a fair reflection of itself. He said, with the hounds of political correctness baying in pursuit.

The Germans tend to offer solid engineering in an understated discrete vehicle, unquestioningly reliable and swift, fine examples of teutonic skill, but often wilfully bland. In contrast, the Italians offer eye wateringly beautiful cars that look and sound exquisite, the car appearing to accelerate away even when at rest. Set against this is the nightmare that is Italian electronics.

The good old U.S of Etcetera gives us tennis court sized motor ve-hi-cles with the ability to traverse vast swathes of their land in air conditioned luxury, the only drawback being their ability to manage changes of direction and a reliance in technology familiar to Henry Ford.

Our comrades in the Soviet Bloc favoured the agricultural tractor as their template, with a total indifference to fuel and build quality something unthinkable to their Scandinavian neighbours who wouldn’t release a model that didn’t include the obligatory sixteen airbags and ‘Your Trouser Zip Is Open’ warning light.

The United Kingdom, in the day when it possessed a flourishing motor industry, would offer their products on a class based system. The affluent old money would drive the balloon-of-brandy Jaguar or Vanden Plas item, whereas the Proles would be obliged to content themselves with an Austin 1100 or a half-timbered Morris Minor. Both classes of vehicle would display the same woeful lack of investment and incipient rust.

One motor vehicle that none of the above ever considered producing, which was left to the wonderful French nation – step forward The Van With Windows And Seats.

Here in the UK we had an indifferent stab at it with the Austin Countryman and the Bedford Beagle, but it was clear our Anglo-Saxon heart wasn’t really in it, whereas the egalitarian French looked at their range of sturdy vans and thought, ‘We will have the tin opener to this, windows will go in and Madame will fabricate the rear seat et voila! Le Van Extraordinaire’.

The nation that gave us the Renault Espace were clearly capable of producing fine innovative people carriers, equally they were content to fit out their light commercials pour la famille. French vans always had character in spades whether it be the wheeled shed that was the Citroen H van, or its younger sibling the Visa based C15 – a vehicle that appears to be constantly performing an emergency stop.

However, my favourite of the genre is the Renault Kangoo, not the bloated present incarnation but its sylph like predecessor. These cars were the personification of functionality, the commercial DNA not hidden away but relished, from the rubber mats on the floor to the lashing points in the cavernous boot. The interior was vast. So much so that Jeremy Clarkson’s bromantic interest, Isambard Kingdom Brunel could have stepped in whilst wearing his hat; the fawning Richard Hammond could easily stroll around in one. The headroom in these things is phenomenal. Absurd levels of shoulder and leg room in the front and rear, along with the parcel shelf above the windscreen – what’s not to love?

Renault Kangoo - Van Extraordinaire

Pull the seats down, fill it with rubbish, put them back up and fill them with family, that in essence was the raison d’être of these things. The simple 1.9 indirect injection diesel engine was an unrefined joy that had performed well in the earlier Clio and Mégane models. This was followed by the 1.5Di unit and the 1.6 and wheezy 1.2 petrol alternatives. A 4×4 Trekka model was available for the testosterone challenged, a fine motor it was too.

If the DNA was light commercial vehicle then the soul of the thing was pure Renault 4, the wonderful gem that appeared in the early ‘60s to challenge the 2CV sector of the market. The gentle curves and upright stance of the Kangoo echoed that of the 4 along with its practical utilitarian nature. And I think there was a dollop of its Gallic charm there too. Sadly the loping gait and silly gearstick had been bred out way back in the seventies.

Citroën tried their very best with their ‘Bellendo’ but it was an indifferent drive, and for a while didn’t have the glorious slidy back doors of the Kangoo. Likewise Fiat had a go with the Doblo, but neither had the rustic qualities of the Renault.

Renault Kangoo - Van Extraordinaire on PetrolBlog

The French persist with the van thing with the jolly Nemo and Bipper, both bursting with practical fun, so there’s hope for the future. The deluxe plush people carrier with the 58 variations of seat arrangement and three litres of boot space, or the cheap-as-frites Van Extraordinaire?

I’ll go for the Renault every time.

Read more from Dave Bicker here.

Yellow Kangoo images courtesy of Randy43. Thanks to @keithwrjones for tracking down the UK pic.

Share
0


Related Waffle


Club PetrolBlog most beautiful

Club PetrolBlog members at their most beautiful

Aug 20, 2021
Renault Avantime in Geneva

You won’t believe these facts about French cars

Aug 19, 2021
Renault 14 Safrane

The Renault 14 Safrane was a hatchback for the aristocracy

Jun 15, 2021
1993 Clio Baccara for sale

Buy this Renault Clio Baccara and be like PetrolBlog

May 14, 2021

8 Comments

  1. Simon Hingston says:
    27th August 2012 at 12:22 pm

    Aah had a Kangoo for three years from new in 03, the 1.5dCI, mine even had blue lights 😉 Loved it and did about 100k in it. Always reliable with not even a squeak in that time from the ‘rustic’ trim and surprisingly comfy for very long journeys. Once past two thousand miles it did 55mpg however you drove it too. Later on had a NA Bellendo van and that was a hateful little thing.

    Reply
  2. Ian says:
    27th August 2012 at 3:21 pm

    I had a 1.5Dci version, awesome van, rubbish engine. Noisy, slow and unreliable. Renault couldn’t sort the problems as most were intermittent. I think the injectors were at fault but Renault wouldn’t do anything about it.

    I should have gone for the simpler 1.6 petrol, and so should you if you choose to buy one of the best vehicles on the planet!

    Reply
  3. Bruton Auto says:
    27th August 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Reblogged this on Bruton Auto.

    Reply
  4. Rafael says:
    27th August 2012 at 5:59 pm

    Although secretly, Spanish people admire the french and their (mostly) practical sense about cars. In rural zones they love Kangoos, Berlingos and Partners. They are everywhere. Old, battered, creaky and running on diesel normally used for agricultural machines, they seem to last forever. Well, Citroen C15s don´t seem, they last forever.

    They say that if a World War III happens, only cockroachs and Mercs W123 will survive. I think that Kangoos and C15s will, too.

    Reply
  5. Antony Ingram (@antonyingram) says:
    27th August 2012 at 6:42 pm

    Yet again find myself in agreement with the sentiment. Not sure I’d buy one, but I like to think I’m the sort of person who *would* buy one. Non-turbo 1.9D or bog-standard 1.6 petrol. Something down-to-earth and van-like. For some reason, I also have thoughts about getting one in French Blue and dropping it on banded steels, though that would no doubt remove some of the utility and the famed French ride quality.

    But you had me with Citroen C15 – always thought those were cool. In fact, off to eBay I go…

    Reply
  6. LobsterDiecast says:
    29th August 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Got a ’04 1.5 DCi as family hack / little van and its great! Not the most refined thing on the road and a bit hard work on motorways but show it some A and B roads and its surprisingly capable. Don’t know why more people don’t buy them here as they are incredible for family wheels.

    Reply
  7. Jon Reay (@JonReay) says:
    29th August 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Must agree, though always preferred the Berlingo me’self, even if it the author insists on being mean to it. 😉 Though he is right about the C15 and its funny stance.

    Reply
  8. laijoonfoh says:
    7th April 2017 at 10:54 pm

    hi,i own a Renault kangoo 1.4 and now having transmission gear,always stack at 3rd gear,the mechanic confirmed solenoid problem.there are two type of solenoid and total of 8 pcs fit to this car.lneed to replace all pack or not?someone advice, please.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest PetrolBlog Videos:

https://youtu.be/fXRLAHLNX7M
https://youtu.be/0vnsNaXh7KM

PetrolBlog in print!

Classic.Retro.Modern

Support PetrolBlog – Buy Stickers

  • Waffle & Bunk laptop sticker Waffle & Bunk laptop sticker £3.00 £2.50
  • Tollfoolery sticker Tollfoolery car window sticker £4.00
  • French Tat bumper sticker #FrenchTat bumper sticker £3.50
  • Tollfoolery sticker Tollfoolery car bumper sticker £3.50
  • PETROLBLOG laptop sticker PetrolBlog laptop sticker £3.00 £2.50
  • PetrolBlog sticker PetrolBlog car sticker £4.00
  • Too Good to Scrap TOO GOOD TO SCRAP window sticker £3.00
  • My car is the goat bumper sticker My car is the G.O.A.T bumper sticker £3.00
  • Too good to scrap bumper sticker TOO GOOD TO SCRAP bumper sticker/plaster £3.00
  • GOAT My car is the G.O.A.T window sticker £3.00

What you’re saying

  • 1st August 2022

    Gavin Southwest commented on Buy this Renault Clio Baccara and be like PetrolBlog

  • 26th July 2022

    Volker commented on AMC Eagle: the original crossover?

  • 25th July 2022

    Alun Morris commented on The Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica was a shooting brake for ladies

  • 22nd June 2022

    David Cooper commented on Whatever happened to the Talbot Matra Rancho?

  • 8th June 2022

    Astra commented on Has Top Gear wrecked a Matra Bagheera?

Fresh waffle

  • Citroen 2CV resting on the back of a truck1
    PetrolBlog: the chump is coming back
    13th May 2022
  • 2022 Dacia Jogger in Terracotta1
    The Dacia Jogger is a practical remix of the Matra Rancho
    14th December 2021
  • Toyota Land Cruiser No Time To Die2
    No Time To Die in a Toyota Land Cruiser
    13th December 2021
  • Fahnome Knight Rider build your own KITT0
    Sponsored: K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider is now available as a kit
    17th November 2021
  • Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur rear light7
    The Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur is the future we want
    12th November 2021
  • Club PetrolBlog most beautiful1
    Club PetrolBlog members at their most beautiful
    20th August 2021
  • Renault Avantime in Geneva0
    You won’t believe these facts about French cars
    19th August 2021
  • 2008 Citroen C51
    Berlin or bust: the Unmistakeably German ad campaign
    12th August 2021
  • Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres1
    PetrolBlog looks at Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres
    11th August 2021
  • Toyota Camry V6 and Porsche 9243
    An unexceptional day out in the Toyota Camry V6
    2nd August 2021

Newsletters

PetrolBlog
ABOUT | ADVERTISING / SPONSORSHIP | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US

The world’s least influential car blog since 2010.

Copyright © PetrolBlog.

0
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and analyse site traffic. We also share information about how you browse our site with our advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you have provided to them or that they have collected for your use of their services.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT