Kangoo Automatic Now Available
The arrival of the Kangoo in Malaysia last year generated a fair amount of interest because of its unusual styling. The boxy shape was something new to Malaysians, though it’s a pretty common sight on French roads. One reason suggested for the evolution of this bodystyle in France is due to the bread they have… have you seen just how long it is? You need a lot of headroom when you carry it!
Were it not for the nasty economic crisis, the Renault Kangoo would have been more established in the Malaysian market by now. Though launched in 1997 in France, it only appeared in Malaysia 18 months ago and some 350 units have been sold so far. Those who have driven it have found it to be a practical car and a spritely performer even though its engine is only a 1.4-litre unit.
However, with the Malaysian preference for automatics, the absence of an automatic transmission for the Kangoo was a negative point. According to a Quasar Carriage source, there were many customers who really liked the Kangoo but didn’t buy it because it had not automatic.
Well, after a year of ‘discussions’ with its principal, Quasar Carriage has finally gotten a Kangoo Automatic for the Malaysian market. The Proactive transmission is a new-generation adaptive unit with fuzzy logic and nine shift maps for smoother and more efficient performance. Renault says that the development of this transmission uses experience from 30 years of making such units.
In comparison with previous automatic transmissions, the Proactive unit is said to optimize efficiency with a better control strategy using the converter lock-up. It also has significant reductions in friction as well as losses due to the hydraulic drive.
Also notable in the latest Kangoo is the upgraded engine with a number of changes. Including a new multipoint EFI. The power output of the 1390 cc 8-valve engine is still 55 kW (75 ps) but the peak torque is 9% more at 114 Nm, peaking at 2800 rpm.
Though visually similar to the one that has been sold in the past year, the 2002 model actually has some upgrades and for the automatic, there are some extra features, new ‘Nutmeg’ upholstery and ABS. The rear track has also been widened by 9 mm, a move which should enhance stability and handling.
Those who drive the latest Kangoo will notice a difference because Renault claims that there is better soundproofing in several areas of the car, especially in the engine bay and cabin. Airflow noise has also been reduced by the new design of the door mirrors while road noise is reduced by new, larger tyres (175/65×14 instead of 165/70×14) and new trim at the rear wheel arches. A 22% increase in the glass thickness for the front windows is said to reduce noise by 4dB at a steady speed of 130 km/h.
Safety levels are higher in the Kangoo Automatic which, unlike the manual, gets ABS with emergency brake assistance (EBA). The addition to ABS comes into operation during sudden braking and boosts the pressure to maximum, exploiting all the braking capability available in the disc/drum system. The concept is used because a lot of studies have found that most drivers do not press hard enough to make full use of the braking capability in a car.
Passive safety is also high and this is important considering the cabin design. New reinforcements have been installed in the door structures and there are front airbags. Renault has been very active in restraint development and the Kangoo has special load-limiters in the seatbelts to reduce secondary injuries. There is also auto door locking and a warning light to indicate when any door is not closed properly.
At this time, Malaysian motorists are, unfortunately, not too diligent about restraint systems for children with only a small percentage investing in childseats. Nevertheless, as part of a global safety initiative, Renault installs childseat attachments in most of its cars and this is in accordance with the ISO standard. The ISOFIX attachment is located in the centre seat and allows two types of attachment, depending on the seat design.
The cabin layout, with its high ceiling, is unchanged but new for the Kangoo Automatic are aircraft-style storage bins on either side of the ceiling. They stretch from the centre pillar to the rear pillar and can take items that are about 150 mm tall. The feature may be offered as an option for the manual later one. As before, there is also the shelf over the front part of the ceiling, above the mirror.
The new Kangoo Automatic is about RM7,000 more than the manual at RM69,678 without insurance. This price, we understand, is applicable only to the first 50 units and the car will cost another RM500 more from the 21st unit. The price is still pretty attractive and for those wanting to move up from cars like the Perodua Kembara, this Renault may be a good one to consider.
Now if Quasar Carriage will be a pest again and ask its principal for the 4WD Kangoo…
