Renault Kangoo (Part 2): For Those Whose Everyday is Already Fulfilling

RENAULT KANGOO | Renault Kangoo (Part 2)

For Those Whose Everyday is Already Fulfilling

The Renault Kangoo, Renault's best-selling model in Japan, has undergone a full model change and has been released by Renault Japon. Automotive journalist Fumio Ogawa investigates its true value.

Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Renault Japon

Brake Durability Approaching That of the Porsche Cayman

The new Renault Kangoo is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and features front-wheel drive. The Japanese specifications offer a choice of a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, the four-speed automatic is quite pleasant, with well-timed shifts that effectively utilize the engine's torque characteristics. It's unlikely that further gear advancements in automatic transmissions will be seen in the future; a dual-clutch system or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) will likely be adopted.

For car enthusiasts, the importance of brakes is a well-known fact, and the Kangoo boasts impressive brake durability. European media tests, which involved repeating ten full braking maneuvers from 100 km/h and measuring the shortest stopping distance, recorded 39 meters, a figure close to the Porsche Cayman's 35 meters. This is an improvement of 11 meters from the previous generation.

A Manufacturer Passionate About F1, Naturally

Although the vehicle weight has increased compared to the previous model, it is kept at a relatively light 1.4-ton range. With its 105 horsepower 1.6-liter engine, it can surprisingly agile. Cornering stability is also high, providing a sense of security that belies its height of over 1.8 meters. While one might consider other options for spirited driving, the fact that the joy of driving remains is a testament to a manufacturer's passion for F1.

The new Renault Kangoo can be considered a "high-performance" car in a sense for those whose daily lives are already fulfilling. It holds the potential to make every day more enjoyable.