Auto shifter for Renault Kangoo diesel

Renault’s Kangoo van has joined the bulk of its competitors by introducing an automatic transmission option for its 1.5-litre Kangoo Maxi diesel.

Previously only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the diesel-engined Kangoo Maxi now also offers a quick-shifting six-speed dual-clutch (EDC) auto as an option.

This places the small French delivery van on an equal footing with Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo and Volkswagen Caddy, all of which offer an auto-transmission option with diesel models.

A development of the DC4 dual-clutch auto seen in the 84kW/190Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol Kangoo launched locally in January 2017, the dry-clutch gearbox has a quoted shift time of 290 milliseconds.

Renault claims this gives the automated manual diesel a smoothness in operation not always found in dual-clutch transmissions.

The system is also claimed to avoid clunky low-speed operation via a ‘creep mode’, while inadvertent rolling backwards or forwards while stationary on an up or downhill slope is avoided by standard hill-start assist.

The transmission also has an ECO mode to assist with fuel savings.

The Kangoo’s diesel engine produces 81kW/250Nm and is claimed to help the Maxi van accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 12.7 seconds.

Although Renault has previously claimed fuel consumption figures for the EDC diesel would be around 10 per cent better than the manual version, no confirmatory figures have yet been provided.

The EDC diesel Kangoo Maxi van comes with dual sliding side doors and glazed rear barn doors as standard.

It is priced at $29,990 pre on-road costs, or $3000 above the manual-transmission version.

Renault Australia has also committed to releasing an all-electric version of the Maxi, dubbed the Kangoo ZE, to fleet and potentially private buyers.

On current VFACTS sales figures, the Renault Kangoo, although down on 2016 performances, is maintaining second spot in the sub-two-tonne van category behind Volkswagen’s segment-leading Caddy.