It’s strange to think that the Renault Kangoo had been around since 1997 when it took on and beat the then new Citroen Berlingo at its own game. It lasted a full decade, with its replacement racking up some 13 years, gaining only a mild facelift and losing ground to the opposition before the 2020 Mk3 appeared. This new platform suited the inevitable electrification and ushered in badly needed updates. Although relatively new for our Used Van appraisal, its step change means that Mk2s don’t get a second glance in the market now.
The Kangoo’s party trick was always its Tardis-like capabilities and the latest version is no different – although some clever touches are limited to LHD versions. Two lengths are available, known as ML and LL. The former, on a 2.7m wheelbase, is 4.5m long, 2.15m in the beam and stands 1.86m tall. The longer LL version boasts a 3.1m wheelbase and 4.9m overall length, still quite wieldy, with all the other dimensions being the same as the ML. Inside that equates to a load width of 1.56m at best with 1.25m between the wheelarches, a load height of 1.25m and load lengths of 1.8 or 2.23m in either version. That gives volumes of 3.3 or 4.2m3. The Kangoo cannot quite carry the magic 1.0t of some competitors, the ML having 850kg of payload and the LL some 985kg. However, it can tow a braked trailer of 1,000kg.
Engine-wise it’s Renault’s excellent dCi common-rail unit in 1.5-litre guise. Available with 95hp or 110hp (the latter with automatic gearbox) it’s a fuel-efficient engine with a decent low and mid-range torque rise – witness the towing capacity. The standard six-speed manual transmission’s change is firm but slick, and the steering is light with good visibility and mirrors – notwithstanding the front left corner being a little difficult to place. Overall, this third-generation model renews the original’s driving pleasure that was lost in the Mk2. A 1.3-litre petrol engine was offered too, but is very rare, its short-run low-mileage operating profile being more readily embraced by the all-electric Kangoo ZE, for most operators.
Standard levels of kit are good. Start models boast DAB digital radio and Bluetooth, with USB and aux inputs, auto lights and wipers, manual air-conditioning, cruise control and electric windows with heated and powered door mirrors. The load bay has a full bulkhead, 10 lashing points and twin sliding side doors. Advance models add an 8in colour touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, dual passenger seat, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels. However, the Advance version is less widespread on the used market, likewise the longer LL model. A pity as this offers more space and (unusually) a greater payload too, although it makes the 95hp engine feel a bit short-staffed in places.
Overall, the Kangoo makes for a good used buy. The longer version is well worth the extra cash in like-for-like condition and mileage and although the Advance versions offer more kit, the entry level offers a decent mix anyhow. A low-mileage long-wheelbase Start model is the best of the bunch.
Plus points
1) Fine productivity for LL
2) Good standard kit
3) Good driving position
Minus points
ML model’s payload
Limited choice used
Advance model not common
Second-hand buys
| Version | Plate | Year | Mileage | Price ex.VAT |
| 1.5dCi 95bhp Business ML | 19 | 2019 | 42,300 | £14,595 |
| 1.5dCi 95bhp Business ML | 20 | 2020 | 30,200 | £15,195 |
| 1.5dCi 95bhp Business ML | 21 | 2021 | 33,100 | £15,595 |
| 1.5dCi 95bhp Start ML | 22 | 2022 | 27,000 | £17,495 |
| 1.5dCi 95bhp Advance ML | 23 | 2023 | 15,500 | £19,995 |
