- Economical 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engines
- Comfortable ride
- 1.6-litre petrol engine struggles when laden
- Cabin lacks sound insulation, permitting diesel engine idle noise
- For Kangoo Maxi Crew, no rear airbags and rear seats lack support
Review: Renault X61.I Kangoo (2010-13)
Overview
Released in October 2010, the Renault X61 Phase I (X61.I) Kangoo was a compact, two-seat van. Manufactured in Maubeuge, France, the front-wheel drive X61 Kangoo was available with either a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (dCi) unit. In March 2013, however, the range was revised as the short wheelbase (SWB) 1.5 dCi variant was effectively replaced by a long wheelbase (or ‘Maxi’) model.
| Variant | W/base | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i | SWB | 1.6-litre petrol I4 |
4sp auto | 2010-13 | 78 kW at 5750 rpm |
148 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| 5sp man. | 2013 | |||||
| 1.5 dCi | SWB | 1.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 2010-13 | 63 kW at 3750 rpm |
200 Nm at 1900 rpm |
| 1.5 dCi Maxi | LWB | 1.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 2013 | 85 kW | 240 Nm |
| SWB | LWB (Maxi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2697 mm | 3081 mm |
| Interior width between wheel arches | 1218 mm | 1218 mm |
| Maximum interior width | 1462 mm | 1462 mm |
| Cargo space | 3.0 m3 | 4.0 m3 |
| Cargo bay height | 1251 mm | 1251 mm |
| Cargo bay length | 1476 mm | 1862 mm |
| Towing weight (braked) | 1050 kg | 1050 kg |
| Payload | 650 kg (1.6i)/ 800 kg (1.5 dCi) |
800 kg (1.5 dCi only) |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the Renault X76 Kangoo which preceded it, the X61 Kangoo SWB was 178 mm longer (at 4213 mm), 157 mm wider (1829 mm), 30 mm lower (1805 mm) and had a 92 mm longer wheelbase (2697 mm). The long wheelbase base, or Maxi, models had a 384 mm longer wheelbase and overall length at 3081 mm and 4597 mm, respectively.
The X61 Kangoo SWB had a left-hand sliding door fitted as standard, while a right-hand sliding door was optional for SWB models but standard for LWB models; 180-degree opening rear doors, however, were standard across the range.
Suspension
The X61 Kangoo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Renault X61.I Kangoo included a driver’s airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; electronic stability control, a passenger airbag and front side airbags were optional.
In January 2013, standard features were extended to include a front passenger airbag, electronic stability control and traction control.
Brakes
The Renault X61 Kangoo had 280 mm by 26 mm front disc brakes and 274 mm by 11 mm rear disc brakes.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , a 2008 Renault X61 Kangoo with a 1.5-litre dCi engine – and equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.73. In the frontal offset impact test, the steering column presented a risk of injury to the driver’s femurs and chest protection for front occupants was marginal. In the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
Features
Standard features for the Renault Kangoo included a two speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and iPod jack, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors with heating and folding functions, a height adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Brochures
Review: Renault X61.II Kangoo (2013-on)
Overview
Released in Australia in late 2013, the Renault X61 Phase 2 (X61.II) Kangoo range was expanded to include five-seat 1.5 dCi Crew vans (see table below). Visually, the X61.II Kangoo could be identified by its larger grille, sleeker headlights, slimmer door mirrors and vertical tail-lights. Inside, there was a new center console, steering wheel and gloss-black instrument panel.
As part of the update, the 1.5 dCi variants had an ‘ECO Mode’ which could improved fuel economy by 10 per cent in city driving by reducing engine torque and altering the accelerator pedal mapping for less throttle response, while a gearshift indicator prompted the driver to change up or down.
Other changes for the X61.II Kangoo included enhanced soundproofing, reduced wind noise (through the fitment of an ‘acoustic’ windscreen and redesigned door mirror housings) and new engine mounts. Gearshift quality for the four-speed automatic transmission was also improved.
July 2016 and 2017 updates
In July 2016, the Renault X61.II Kangoo range was revised as the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine was replaced by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which also had a ‘Stop/Start’ system that enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. The Kangoo 1.2T was available with six-speed manual or ‘Efficient Dual Clutch’ transmissions.
From late 2017, the Kangoo 1.5 dCi was available with a six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (Renault’s ‘EDC’).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | W/b | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i | 1.6-litre petrol I4 |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
2013-16 | L1 | 79 kW at 6000 rpm |
148 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| 1.2T S&S | 1.2-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp EDC |
2016-on | L1 | 84 kW at 4500 rpm | 190 Nm at 2000-4000 rpm |
| 1.5 dCi Maxi | 1.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 2013-on | L2 | 82 kW at 4000 rpm | 240 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| 6sp EDC | 2017-on | |||||
| 1.5 dCi Crew | 1.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 2013-on | L2 | 82 kW at 4000 rpm | 240 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| 6sp EDC | 2017-on |
| 1.6i | 1.5 dCi Maxi | 1.5 dCi Crew | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2697 mm | 3081 mm | 3081 mm |
| Interior width between wheel arches | 1219 mm | 1219 mm | 1219 mm |
| Maximum interior width | 1464 mm | 1464 mm | 1464 mm |
| Cargo space | 3.0 m3 | 4.0 m3 | 1.3 m3 |
| Cargo bay height | 1251 mm | 1251 mm | 1251 mm |
| Cargo bay length | 1476 mm | 1862 mm | 1862 mm |
| Towing weight (braked) | 1050 kg | 1050 kg | 1050 kg |
| Payload | 611/608 kg (man/auto) | 831 kg | 740 kg |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Renault X61.II Kangoo included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 1.5 dCi Maxi variants were also fitted with Hill Start Assist with Extended Grip Mode.
From January 2016 production, standard safety equipment for the Kangoo 1.5 dCi Maxi L2 and 1.5 dCi Crew L2 was extended to include front seat-mounted airbags which provided chest and head protection.
From June 2016 production, all Renault X61.II Kangoo vehicles were fitted with front seat-mounted side airbags as standard.
Brakes
All Renault X61.II Kangoo models had 280 mm by 26 mm front disc brakes and 274 mm by 11 mm rear discs brakes.
Features
Standard features for the Renault Kangoo 1.6i SWB included 15-inch steel wheels with 195/65 R15 91T tyres, a two speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compaibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, cloth seat upholstery, air conditioning, remote central locking, power front windows, a height adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer, full-size spare wheel and an immobiliser.
The 1.5 dCi Kangoo Maxi was further equipped with cruise control and a speed limiter.
The 1.5 dCi Kangoo Crew was distinguished by its 15-inch ‘Aria’ alloy wheels with 195/65 R15 95T tyres, climate control air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 60:40 split and flat folding rear seats and power mirrors.
For the Renault Kangoo 1.2T, rear parking sensors were fitted as standard.
January and October 2016 updates
From January 2016 production,
- The Kangoo 1.5 dCi Maxi L2 and 1.5 dCi Crew L2 were fitted with rear parking sensors; and,
- The Kangoo 1.6i L1 had a tailgate as standard, though rear barn doors were available as an option.
From October 2016, rear parking sensors were fitted as standard for all Renault X61.II Kangoo vehicles.
Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew: Lifestyle Pack
From October 2016, the Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew could be specified with a ‘Lifestyle Pack’ which had a retail price of $1290. The Lifestyle Pack included Renault’s ‘R-Link’ audio and navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen, digital radio tuner, leather-wrapped steering wheel and rear ventilation outlets for second row passengers. Visual cues for the Lifestyle Pack included a unique body-coloured front bumper, painted rear bumper, gloss black door mirrors and rear privacy glass.
Furthermore, rear side windows were available as a dealer fit option at a cost of $290 plus dealer fitting.
Brochure
Related links
- Specifications: Renault X61.II Kangoo (May 2014)
- Specifications: Renault X61.II Kangoo (February 2017)
- Press kit: Renault X61.II Kangoo (May 2014)
- Renault Australia: Renault Kangoo
- Wikipedia.org: Renault X61 Kangoo
