Operators need small, efficient vehicles to service the 'last mile' market. They might find a helping hand with the Kangoo
By Gary Worrall | December 13, 2010
With inner city roads becoming increasingly congested and authorities actively discouraging large trucks from metropolitan and CBD areas, ‘last mile’ distribution operators need small, efficient vehicles to service this market.
The latest manufacturer to upgrade the offering in this market is Renault, which has unveiled a new version of its popular Kangoo mini van, featuring new engines and an improved cargo rating.
Offering a choice of miserly petrol and diesel engines, as well as a fully automatic model along with manual transmission choices, the Kangoo is making a serious play for the distribution dollar.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine provides 78 kilowatts of power and 148 Newton-metres of torque, going to ground through a 4-speed automatic gearbox, while the 1.6-litre diesel uses the 5-speed manual to handle its outputs of 63 kilowatts and 200 Newton-metres.
Although Renault does not have a big history of selling commercial vehicles in Australia, the Kangoo offers the pedigree of 12 years of market leadership in the European market.
The Kangoo is built on the same platform as the Scenic people mover, with engineers aiming for similar levels of handling and roadholding in the delivery version, as well as the slightly elevated driving position used in the Scenic for better vision.
While European models have a standard tailgate, for Australia a set of asymmetrical barn doors folding back 180 degrees is the default fitment, although operators can specify a tailgate as a no-cost option.
Also standard is a single sliding door on the left-hand side, although Renault offers a right-hand door as well as the option of windows in the sliding doors.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Kangoo’s wheelbase is almost 100mm longer, offering greater cargo space. This is matched by an increase in track both front and rear for enhanced stability while the load area between the rear wheel arches is now 1218mm wide.
Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar says the new model is “bigger, better and smarter than before” and he is confident it will build on the success of its predecessor.
“The new model offers a choice of efficient petrol or diesel engines, with significantly increased payload and a larger carrying capacity,” Hocevar says.
Look for a report on the press launch of the new Kangoo in ATN in early 2011, followed by a full drive test.