So the nice people at Renault touched base with me and offered to provide four “ cars” for me to review. The Kadjar and Koleos are both SUV’s so I was aware. The Renault Kangoo on the other hand – a small commercial van but running an electric-only drivetrain
Hi, Bob Aldons The Car Guy with my opinion on said Renault Kangoo. I write for car buyers rather than the typical motoring journalist. I’m not really interested in how much power torque or handling at high speeds. I’m more interested in letting you know how a particular vehicle will suit your needs.
What is it?
Renault Kangoo has been in the market for a long while. When I had my Renault franchise in 2004 Kangoo hadn’t hit the market here. Holden Combo, VW Caddy, Citroen .. were just starting to claw market share away from the likes of Toyota Hiace, Mitsubishi express and Hyundai’s Iload
How much? Renault Kangoo in a diesel automatic configuration starts off at $31,990 drive away. The All-electric ZE is $53,688 drive away so that’s a gulp) $21,700 premium to the same vehicle with a diesel engine, while the SWB Petrol Manual version starts from $28,990
Competition. VW Caddy is the market leader in this category. Others in this category are Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo, Citroen Berlingo along with Peugeot Partner. In Queensland, Caddy has 67% of the market with Renault at 20%. The others have only 7.6% between them.
On the road. I was quite surprised at how well the little van performed in the week that I had it. Driver’s seat was comfortable. Plenty of power from the EV engine and the transmission was faultless. I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the hard plastic dashboard – seemed to have a lot of ‘built-in’ small scratches which tells me that the van was built to a price rather than a standard.
The steel cargo barrier was a bit of an issue. I’m very used to looking in the interior rear vision mirror, but with that barrier installed there was little chance of that. A small reversing camera is built into the rear vision mirror so perhaps there’s that. And the cargo barrier also limited exterior vision to following traffic both left and right.
I head check whenever I change lanes, so I had to get used to not being able to do that. My suggestion would be for Renault to install lane change assist sensors and that would take some of my anxiety away.
The load area of the Renault Kangoo ZE is cavernous – whether as a parcel delivery van or simple commercial vehicle for a plumber, electrician or any tradesman in fact – it’s a winner.
Safety – Renault hasn’t chosen to ANCAP crash test the Kangoo since 2011. At the time, it scored 4 stars in the crash test. Now? I couldn’t be sure so I’d suggest that it’s like the Ford Mustang and Jeep Wrangler – you’re buying the vehicle to do a specific job and if safety’s a worry for you, don’t buy one
Fuel Consumption – According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the annual cost of fuel for the Kangoo is $651 and that it’s range is 170klm. My experience with the Renault Kangoo ZE is that it achieves 200km in range. Range anxiety? Not for me. As I’ve driven more Hybrid and Electric vehicles, my range anxiety has diminished. For the Kangoo ZE, I found that I was charging it every 2nd night and trundling along with confidence during the day.
If you’re a delivery driver, you may need to use a quick charge facility when you’re having your lunch and that’s probbably all there is to worry about.
Insurance – So this quote is through RACQ Insurance for business use as a delivery vehicle Using my own personal criteria, RACQ is quoting $1,468 with a $750 excess. That’s pretty competitive with other vehicles I’ve had them quote on for business use. Remember that that premium is really reduced by claiming GST and a 30% business use deductible, so netting out at around $934. Be sure to check with RACQ and your accountant for a specific quote for your use
Where to Buy? Renault Australia provided the Kangoo ZE for my test. There are a number of Renault dealers in Soth East Queensland and I’ll allow Google My Business to give you a star rating for each dealer
Metro Renault – Windsor – 3.9 Stars
Village Renault – North Lakes – 4.0 Stars
Cricks Renault – Springwood – 4.0 Stars
Blue Ribbon Renault – Ipswich – 4.0 Stars
Sunshine Renault – Southport – 4.0 Stars
Cricks Renault – Maroochydore – 4.1 Stars
Armstrong Renault – Toowoomba – 4.1 Stars
Frankly, there’s little difference between 1 dealer and another. If you’re in the market for a new Renault Kangoo ZE or any other brand or model, give me a call at Car Business on 0418 748 498. Sure, go and visit as many dealers as you’re able but I know you’ll find my process very easy to handle without any stress and nonsense from dealers and their salespeople.
