2010 Renault Kangoo Review
Price
from: RM67,803
to: RM82,941
Installment
from: RM647/mth
to: RM791/mth
2010 Renault Kangoo at a glance
Quite convincing as an MPV, the 2010 Renault Kangoo is easy to drive around city and provides plenty of space and practicality. But can the commercial vehicle-imaged Renault Kangoo truly survive in image-conscious Malaysia?
2010 Renault Kangoo quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Renault Kangoo ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Let's face it: the Kangoo is a van and Renault has done nothing to hide that fact. Except for some finer exterior detailing, the boxy proportion means the 2010 Renault Kangoo is not that much unlike commercial vans. Can image-conscious Malaysians handle the Renault Kangoo's image, or the lack of one?
Handling
The 2010 Renault Kangoo is actually reasonable to drive. Grip levels are respectable, and the Renault Kangoo remains safe and predictable when approaching its limit. However, body roll is prevalent, and modern MPV rivals offer significantly improved dynamics. City driving is a breeze, thanks to the 2010 Renault Kangoo's excellent all-round visibility and light controls.
Comfort
With long-travel soft suspension, the 2010 Renault Kangoo absorbs most impact over ruts and bumps. The ride quality improves with more weight on board. While noise insulation has been improved, the cabin still suffers from a fair amount of wind and road noise intrusion. Despite a fixed steering column and absence of seat height adjustments, most should be able to find a comfortable driving position. The seats are quite supportive, and all controls are clearly laid out.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin imparts a solid feel. Build quality is good with well put together cabin items. Cabin materials used seem durable and tough, but not of the quality seen in modern MPV rivals. The 2010 Renault Kangoo's underlying mechanicals have been in used for some time, and should prove reliable.
Performance
Two engines are available: 1.4-litre petrol with 75 bhp and 114 Nm, and 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 70 bhp and 160 Nm. Between the two, the petrol offers a reasonable performance and is faster to complete the century sprint. But the diesel suits the 2010 Renault Kangoo better, performing briskly around city and cruising in a relaxed manner, yet remaining economical. A five-speed manual gearbox comes with both engines.
Roominess
The boxy proportion that gives the 2010 Renault Kangoo its van-like looks also provides front and rear occupants with plenty of head- and leg-room. Passengers have good access to the rear via the sliding rear doors. The boot is capacious and the rear seats can be folded for additional cargo space up to 3000 litres. 60:40 split-fold rear seats are an option.
Running Costs
The 1.5-litre turbodiesel is extremely economical, returning 18.2 km/litre. The 1.4-litre petrol is much less frugal, returning 13.3 km/litre. Servicing and repair costs should be affordable, but depreciation could be more of a concern, as neither the Renault brand nor the Kangoo's desirability (or lack of it) will help in staving off depreciation.
Value for Money
The Toyota Avanza, about the closest competitor to the 2010 Renault Kangoo, wears the ever-reliable Toyota badge, costs less than the Renault, and comes with two more seats. Even without such a formidable competitor (as the Avanza's sales have proved), the 2010 Renault Kangoo has its own problems, suffering from a poor commercial vehicle-image and lacking the refinement found in rivals.
Equipment
The 2010 Renault Kangoo has only one trim level, including as standard an air-conditioner, radio & CD player, four speakers, two front and two rear height adjustable head-rests, height adjustable front seatbelts, folding rear seats, luggage cover, remote central locking, and 14-inch wheels with styled covers. Safety and security equipments include driver's airbag, engine immobiliser and Renault Anit-Intrusion Device (RAID). But Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are not available.
Environment
Consuming less fuel and emitting less carbon dioxide, the 1.5-litre turbodiesel is easily the “greener” choice compared to the 1.4-litre petrol. When put aside modern MPV rivals, the 2010 Renault Kangoo stands out with its “greenness” too.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Easy to drive around city
Spacious and practical
Excellent fuel economy (diesel)
Poor commercial vehicle-image
Wind and road noise intrusion
Toyota Avanza as competitor
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