The Kangoo Break’up Concept
At the 19th International 4WD and SUV Motor Show in Val d’Isère, France, this month, Renault is displaying the Kangoo break’up, a concept based on Kangoo. This new kind of 4WD is said to explore the concept of open vehicles, putting the accent on outdoor leisure activities.
Born of Renault’s research into open vehicles, the Kangoo break’up is ideally suited to outdoor leisure and adventure activities such as mountain biking, skiing, paragliding and windsurfing.
With its plain, pronounced design – with some length added – the break’up is just as appealing and friendly as Kangoo. It is powered by a 1.6-litre 16V petrol engine developing 81 kW/110 bhp and 17-inch alloy wheels, both of which give more precise, responsive handling and also let drivers explore all kinds of track and terrain. The higher ground clearance and permanent 4WD are further proof of its off-road capability.
The combination of the bodywork colour “Buttercup Yellow”, devised especially for the vehicle, and the “break’up monochrome grey” protective mouldings that go right round the body give a vivid two-tone look as well as practical protection
The roof and body side panels open at the rear to make the vehicle just as versatile as a 106-litre pickup. Transporting large items such as mountain bikes, surfboards and skis is thus easy. The pickup part of the vehicle closes with saloon-type swing doors that can be opened to an angle of 90 degrees in both directions (towards the outside or towards the inside of the pickup), making it possible to load items of all shapes and sizes and even carry those that do not fit inside the vehicle.
A multi-functional fastening system patented by Renault and made up of two clamps on the floorpan and two straps above the rear window makes transporting bicycles simplicity itself. The clamps, which form part of the floorpan, unfold towards the outside of the vehicle to support the rear wheels of two bicycles, while the front wheels are fastened to the straps over the rear window. The system is completed by two side arms located along the inside of the vehicle to the left and right of the rear uprights, and which can be unfolded to hold the bicycle frames in place and keep them stable. They also contain an anti-theft lock.
The Kangoo break’up was developed with a view to its being used for outdoor activities and complements the unveiling of a Renault Sport concept-bike specially created by Renault Design. This has a carbo-titanium fairing that gives it a light, sporty appearance. Before getting to grips with the ground, it looks quite at home in the pickup part of the vehicle.
This bicycle transport system also has the advantage of leaving the rear number plate still visible. The rear uprights are made of steel, hollowed out to preserve the Kangoo shape and incorporate the rear lamps. The hollow shape of the two side rear windows provides several particularly handy stowage zones.
Another practical feature is that the side parts are fitted with more stowage areas. On the right-hand side, the Kangoo break’up even has a small detachable suitcase with a lock for keeping valuables safe.
An electrically operated glass partition separates the cabin from the pickup area and supplies extra light in the vehicle. Beneath the partition, the pickup holds a spare wheel with a protective cover bearing the Renault logo.
A vehicle that belongs to the Kangoo family has to be ‘friendly’. So the Kangoo break’up offers a spacious, welcoming interior which, like the standard Kangoo, still has five real seats and two sliding side doors. But the newcomer stands out with its original peacock-blue upholstery in a new, particularly tough fabric: coated fleece. This is a fabric backed with fleece which provides really comfortable seating and is especially easy to clean because it can be washed with a sponge.
To make the most of the blue skies, countryside and sweeping views drivers will encounter on their escapades away from the tarmac, the break’up has a large glass sunroof. Divided in two by the crossbeam, it covers the full length of the vehicle to offer an extensive glazed surface. Light streams into the cabin to enhance travelling pleasure.
In such a resolutely modern vehicle that nonetheless aims to keep things simple and practical, the latest technology is perfectly at home. With the wide screen of the Carminat navigation screen located on the dashboard, you have to really make an effort to get lost!
The Kangoo break’up concept – and Renault says there are no production plans – demonstrates a subtle and successful blend of sophisticated features and functional details. Its fun side makes it easy to combine these aspects and sparks ideas for leisure activities and practical ploys. Like the Kangoo you can buy from Quasar Carriage, the break’up concept is simple, clever and multi-talented.
