Road Tests: Renault Kangoo 4x4

Believe it or not a vehicle transmission system has become a symbol of one of the bitterest wars in the history of the motor vehicle. In some parts of society “4x4” is a watchword for evil as a growing number of road users pick the “Chelsea Tractor”, the large luxury “toff-roader”, as their weapon of choice for the urban battlefield. On the other side are the lentil eaters, who view these vehicles as a symbol of all they believe to be wrong with modern society. They often choose to ignore information such as the fact that most modern 4x4s occupy less road space and are more fuel efficient than the old Volvo Estates that they have replaced. Whatever the outcome of this war of stereotypes, there is at least one 4x4 that would struggle to produce hostility in anyone. With its cheeky looks and inoffensive demeanour, few observers would even realise that all the wheels of this Renault Kangoo are driven.

Operators who need a small vehicle to carry one or two people and a modest payload in adverse conditions face a limited choice. There are commercial versions of some 4x4s, such as the Nissan Terrano and assorted Mitsubishis, and, of course, there’s always the short-wheelbase Land Rover. But none of them could be truly described as small – and they still look like off-roaders. In any case, drop down a size and there’s only one choice. Following a tradition that dates back at least as far as converted Renault 4s, the French maker once again offers a small van that can go, if not anywhere, at least where other vans cannot. And this time it’s a fully supported member of the factory line-up rather than a third-party conversion. The Kangoo range comprises a dozen or so variants, but there are only two 4x4s that can be ordered, with or without the ‘SL+ Pack’. This option is good value at £440, comprising a useful raft of features including a generously sized nearside sliding door, over-screen shelf, electric windows, adjustable head restraints and uprated trim in the back.

Although the Kangoo only drives the rear wheels when needed, it still has to shift all the rotating mass of the rear driveline and churn the oil in the second differential unit. This is not good news for fuel consumption; nor are the semi-off-road tyres and raised bodyshell. While empty and laden figures are 39.4 and 36.4mpg respectively are some 7mpg shy of the sector average, it’s a relatively small price to pay if you need the off-road capability. The 4x4 Kangoo’s GVW is similar to its 4x2 ‘enhanced payload’ stablemate, but the extra driveline weight means that at 525kg its net payload is 20kg lower than the standard 4x2’s. This is more hatchvan than high-cube, but once again, you pays your money. The load space has six tie-down points: four on the floor and two at the sides. One downside of the 4x4 layout is the internal spare wheel, although this at least makes it harder to steal. Access via the asymmetrical rear doors and the single side door means you don’t have to stretch too far to reach any part of the load space. The three-year warranty has a 60,000 mile limit, although the first two years are unlimited. Servicing requirements are modest at intervals of 18,000 miles or two years.