The updated 2013 Renault Kangoo has been revealed ahead of its European launch in April and arrival in Australian showrooms towards the end of the year.
The revised Renault Kangoo embraces the French manufacturer’s new design language, with the facelift introducing a remodelled grille with a prominent badge and restyled headlights, as well as new door mirrors, tail-light lenses and wheel covers.
The cabin features a revamped gloss black centre console similar to the new Clio and Captur models and a redesigned steering wheel, with Renault targeting a heightened impression of quality with the updated model.
Renault says it spent several months working to enhance the Kangoo’s quality, and insists this effort is most evident in the quality of the spot-weld finishes, door panel crimping, body sealant application precision, and enhanced acoustics through improvements in sound proofing, aerodynamics and engine refinement.
USB and Bluetooth connectivity become standard across all variants, while high-grade models in Europe will also benefit from the brand’s R-Link infotainment system with TomTom satellite navigation and downloadable applications.
The new Renault Kangoo is also offered with the brand’s upgraded electronic stability control system that integrates hill start assist and ‘Grip Xtend’ functions.
The Kangoo will continue to be sold locally with the option of a 63kW/200Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine or a 78kW/148Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol. Renault will offer its dCi 75 and dCi 90 diesel engines with stop-start technology in Europe, which reduces combined cycle fuel consumption of both to 4.3 litres per 100km.
The Renault Kangoo will continue to be produced exclusively at the car maker’s MCA de Maubeuge plant in France.
Renault sold 357 Kangoo vans across Australia last year, up 21 per cent over the previous year, giving it a 10.8 per cent share of the sub-2.5-tonne van segment that is dominated by the Volkswagen Caddy van (1852 sales, 56 per cent share).
