Renault release Kangoo 'Maxi'

In addition to the larger model, Renault Australia have also announced the release of a new short wheelbase manual transmission petrol model Kangoo, with a new entry price of $20,990. At the same time, the specification of the petrol automatic model has been revised to reflect a new, lower, starting price of $22,990.

"The arrival of the new Renault Kangoo Maxi opens up many additional possibilities for us in the light commercial market," said Lyndon Healey, LCV Brand Manager at Renault Australia.

"Plus, the repositioning of the automatic transmission petrol model and a new entry manual transmission petrol model mean that we are able to deliver what our market has told us it wants."

Renault Kangoo Maxi
The new Renault Kangoo Maxi turbo-diesel model is powered by a 25% more powerful version of the proven and frugal four-cylinder previously employed, now developing 82kW and 240Nm of torque. The Kangoo Maxi also delivers 33% more cargo capacity at 4.0 cubic metres, and 25% more carrying capacity (800kg vs 650kg).

The Kangoo Maxi is 384mm longer than the short wheelbase turbo-diesel model it replaces, and shifts up a gear to offer six manually selected speeds.

Fuel economy is quoted as 5.5-litres per 100km (combined fuel use figure). Sliding doors on either side are standard, with twin barn doors on the rear, though a tailgate is available as an option.

The Renault Kangoo Maxi starts at a manufacturer's RRP of $24,990, (excluding stamp duty and other on road costs).

Renault Kangoo SWB upgrades
Joining the new Renault Kangoo Maxi in the 2013 Kangoo family is a light and smooth shifting five-speed manual gearbox for the new 1.6-litre petrol short wheelbase entry model. Fuel consumption is a meagre 7.7-litres per 100km.

This new short wheelbase petrol manual Kangoo also comes with a highly competitive manufacturer's recommended retail price of $20,990 plus on road and statutory charges. This makes it one of the most affordable light vans on the market. It offers the same 3.0-cubic metre carrying capacity and a 650kg payload as the existing automatic transmission petrol-powered version. Dual side sliding doors are now standard fit on all new Kangoos.

In addition to the productivity and convenience enhancing dual side sliding doors, the Kangoo range is now supplied with unpainted bumpers front and rear, to better cope with the bump and grind of urban delivery duties. Small plastic wheel centre caps, and unpainted, manual door mirrors, are also fitted in order to meet market expectations for affordable replacement parts.

Bumpers, wheels and door mirrors are the most often damaged components, so by reverting to unpainted bumpers, deleting wheel covers and painted mirror backs, Renault is able to replace damaged components quickly and very affordably, reducing downtime for operators.
Renault has also developed two option packs to give customers plenty of choice in their vehicle's specification.

The new Pro Pack costs $2,000 and adds integrated satellite navigation, rear park assist, AS4034 compliant cargo barrier and cargo area plastic lining (for wall and floor). The Premium Pack has an RRP of $3,000 and features integrated satellite navigation, rear park assist, side airbags, body colour bumpers, fog lamps, height-adjustable driver's seat, electric door mirrors and a non-slip timber floor. Petrol models add 15-inch light alloy wheels with the Premium Pack, while the turbo-diesel Maxi has full wheel covers on steel rims.

Many of these features remain available as individual options. The unique 'Girafon' sliding roof flap, a glazed tailgate, glazed sliding doors or delete sliding doors are also available as individual customer-order options.

"We enjoyed a very successful year in 2012, with LCV sales up more than 98%. The arrival of the Maxi and the new manual petrol short wheelbase version with its appealing starting price, allow us to expand the appeal of the Kangoo far more than before," said Lyndon Healey, LCV Brand Manager at Renault Australia.

"By creating two option packs we are giving customers a very affordable way to equip these vehicles to ideally match their needs. We took on board comments from customers and prospects when we created the specification of these new vehicles, and so we are confident these newcomers will continue the success of the Kangoo in Australia.

"The Kangoo offers very high levels of driver comfort because it is built on a passenger car chassis, and with its frugal and efficient engines, it keeps customer satisfaction high, and running costs low."