Renault Kangoo (2009 – 2012) At A Glance
Really roomy, with clever, quick, flat folding rear seats that leave a low load floor. Cruise control with speed limiter. 6-speed box.
Harder ride than Berlingo and Partner. UK sales of Kango combi ended January 2012.
The standard length competes directly against the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, offering one thing they currently don’t: a four speed, torque converter automatic. And, if specified with rear seats (either as a panel van for VAT purposes, or as a windowed MPV), these have a simple cantilever that enables them to be folded very quickly and easily. Another advantage over the Berlingo and Partner is that instead of adding the extra length behind the back wheels, Renault adds it to the wheelbase, which makes the Kangoo Maxi both better looking and more stable.
The main engine options for all three are Renault’s well used, belt cam 1.5dCi with outputs of 85PS or 105PS and torque of 200Nm at 1,900rpm or 240Nm at 2,000rpm. EU5 versions with diesel particulate filters and outputs of 90PS and 110PS will be available by the end of 2010.
The version I took out was a windowed Maxi ‘combi’ with 66/33 split folding rear seats. This would be special order in the UK, but you can get a VAT friendly van version with rear seats and a very clever moveable rear load guard that shifts to protect either all five passengers or just the driver and front passenger.
Maximum load length at floor level is 2,210mm to the backs of the two front seats, or 1,328mm to the backs of the rear seats. The two seater version can be ordered with an optional folding passenger seat enabling extremely long loads up to 2,886mm (9 feet) such as ladders and kayaks to be accommodated inside.
Renault Kangoo Express Maxi 2010 Road Test
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Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.
Real MPG average for a Renault Kangoo (2009 – 2012)
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Reviews for Renault Kangoo (2009 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
Ask Honest John
Does the Renault Kangoo 1.5 dCi have a cambelt or chain?
"Has it got a timing chain or belt?"
The Renault 1.5 dCi engine uses a timing belt, and although the recommended interval is 72,000 miles or five years, we would recommend changing it sooner rather than later unless you know the history of the vehicle.
Is the Renault Kangoo reliable?
"Is the Renault Kangoo reliable? Are there any years of manufacture to avoid?"
The Renault Kangoo has a good reputation for reliability. But its MoT pass rates aren't as good as its rivals, as you can see here: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/mot/renault/kangoo
What cars offer removable seats?
"Can you please tell me which cars have completely removable rear seats? This is my chief requirement in picking a car."
The Skoda Karoq has this feature because it was a popular feature of the Yeti. Otherwise, van-based MPVs such as the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner (new ones on the way), Renault Kangoo combi, Mercedes-Benz Citan, Fiat Doblo combi, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life.
I'm looking for a used small car or van to tow my trailer - what do you suggest?
"I'm looking for a used small car or van to tow my small trailer. I was thinking of Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. What do you think?"
The Ford Transit Custom will tow up to 1.2 tonnes when hooked to a braked trailer, although for safety reasons you want to ensure that the trailer and its load is less than 80 per cent of the kerbweight of the van. You can find the vehicle weights on a sticker behind the driver’s door or on the back of the fuel filler cap. Alternatively, it might be on metal plate in the engine bay.
Always make a note of the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Train Weight (GTW). The GVW is the maximum permitted weight of the vehicle (plus any load it is carrying), while the GTW is the maximum permitted weight of the vehicle plus any trailer being towed and its respective load.
For more advice on towing, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-news/comment/do-you-need-a-tachograph-to-tow/
More Questions
Inside of the Renault Kangoo (2009 – 2012)
Maximum load length at floor level is 2,210mm to the backs of the two front seats, or 1,328mm to the backs of the rear seats. The two seater version can be ordered with an optional folding passenger seat enabling extremely long loads up to 2,886mm (9 feet) such as ladders and kayaks to be accommodated inside.
That makes it ideal for surfers, plumbers, cyclists, joiners, decorators or anyone who needs to carry long loads and may occasionally need to transport 3 or 4 people and a long load, or 5 people and a lot of kit.
The rear opening height is 1,190mm, width 1,219mm at floor level and 1,141mm at the top, with 1,149mm between the rear wheel arches. Access to the rear is by twin side hinged doors with stay releases to get them completely out of the way for forklift loading as palette into the back.
Car seat chooser
Child seats that fit a Renault Kangoo (2009 – 2012)
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.
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Driving Renault Kangoo (2009 – 2012)
The long wheelbase gives it surefooted handling. The 6 speed manual gearbox gives you about 28mph per 1,000rmp in sixth. It can be specified with cruise control together with speed limiter. And the 105PS version I drove came in at 146g/km CO2 with a combined economy of 51.4mpg. Performance figures are 0-60 in a respectable 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 105mph.