New Renault Kangoo lauded
Incoming third-gen Renault Kangoo snares International Van of the Year award in EuropeThe latest Renault Kangoo has received a warm welcome in Europe, with the third-generation model named joint winner of the 2022 International Van of the Year.
The compact French light commercial vehicle is sharing the accolade with the Mercedes-Benz Citan, which isn’t available in Australia.
The 2022 Renault Kangoo isn’t expected to launch Down Under until late next year, but the platform has come out swinging in Europe, where it swayed a jury of 24 transport journalists to share the top step in the 30th year of the prestigious European awards.
The Kangoo and Citan emerged triumphant from a field of 14 light commercials released over the past year to share in the honours.
Built in Renault’s Maubeuge factory, the new-generation Kangoo wraps a new exterior around step changes in both technology and load-carrying ability.
Available in both commercial and passenger versions, among many notable new features is the model’s ‘Open Sesame by Renault’ side door which dispenses with the B-pillar to give a generous side aperture width of 1450mm.
There’s also an Easy Inside Rack to store items higher up in the load bay, maximising use of the main storage space, and a total capacity of up to 3.9 cubic metres.
Payload is 600kg (although this can be optionally increased to 800kg), while the braked towing capacity is 1500kg.
The refined cockpit is said to offer better thermal and acoustic insulation, and features wireless smartphone charging, Renault’s EASY LINK multimedia system with 8.0-inch display, and seating for up to three.
Safety has taken a stride forward with a suite of recent advances, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, trailer sway control and more.
In Europe, the new Kangoo is powered by a range of 1.3-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines, mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.
An all-electric version will also be offered in Europe next year.
Australian Renault importer and distributor Ateco Automotive says it’s hoping to see the new Kangoo reach our shores in the final quarter of 2022, with pricing and full details to be announced closer to its local release.
Related: Electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech gets 300km range
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