Renault has updated its popular Kangoo van with improved trim levels and a greater choice of Euro 6 engines across the range.

All Kangoo van models now get a full steel bulkhead, adjustable driver’s seat and DAB radio with USB and Bluetooth. There’s also a choice of two new trim levels, Business and Business+, which correspond with those offered on the larger Trafic and Master vans. Business is now the entry-level specification.

Business specification includes ECO mode, load area lighting, roof bar fixings, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, electric front windows, Titanium upholstery, electric variable power steering, a front 12-volt power socket, grey side protection moulds, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a driver’s airbag a height-adjustable driver’s seat, deadlocks, the Renault anti-intruder device (R.A.I.D.) and remote central locking.

Business+ adds electrically operated folding door mirrors, one-touch descending electric front windows, a centre console with armrest, an overhead parcel shelf, rubber flooring in the load area, manual air conditioning, body-coloured front bumper and rear parking sensors.

There’s also an option to upgrade payload from the standard 650kg to 800kg, which may come in handy.

Engine choices

Ahead of Euro 6 becoming mandatory for LCVs in September 2016, Renault has expanded the choice of EU6 engines available on the Kangoo to include seven versions. These dCi 75, dCi 90 and dCi 110 ENERGY units provide lower NOx emissions achieved by the addition of a NOx trap in the exhaust system, with no requirement for AdBlue.

Electric power

The Kangoo Van Z.E. electric model enjoys the same trim improvements as its diesel sibling but is otherwise unchanged. Renault’s electric Kangoo has an NEDC driving range of up to 106 miles, ot 84 in extreme winter conditions.

Realistically, as the company points out, the Kangoo Van Z.E. can comfortably exceed the average daily mileage of 62 miles driven by 70% of local van drivers each day. Use of cheap overnight electricity can bring running costs as low as 2p/mile, while servicing costs are also lower than with diesel-powered models.

Prices

Kangoo Z.E. customers can choose whether to buy or rent batteries: in either case, the cost is comparable to that of the diesel models once the government’s plug-in grant for electric vehicles is factored in:

• Kangoo Van Z.E. w/ rented batteries: from £12,994 +VAT
• Kangoo dCi: prices from £13,200 +VAT
• Kangoo Van Z.E. with outright purchase of batteries: £16,161.15

All versions of the Renault Kangoo are covered by a four-year vehicle warranty (unlimited for two years, then 100,000 miles) with four years’ roadside assistance. Z.E. versions also have a five-year powertrain warranty (two years unlimited and then 100,000 miles) and an additional battery performance guarantee.