The Renault’s panel van heritage shows through in the interior fittings, with loads of painted metal where one would normally expect to find plastic panels. Despite this commercial vehicle aura, the Multix Authentique — the only version available in this country — is well equipped, with an immobiliser and central-locking, a driver’s airbag, power steering, aircon, a radio/front loader CD with quad speakers and satellite controls on the steering wheel, height adjustable headlamps, and tinted windows with a heat reflective windscreen. I found out that it wasn’t only heat that failed to penetrate the tinted glass — on a 250km drive through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands I was puzzled because my Garmin GPS battled to pick up the satellite signals it feeds on when I mounted it on the dash, despite the acres of glass in front of it. After reading up on the Renault’s specifications I now know why!
There are loads of optional extras available for the Renault, with the most notable being electric front windows at R1 800, heated electrically adjustable exterior mirrors at R900, a front passenger airbag at R2 000, and ABS brakes at R4 000. As South Africans, and thus notoriously unconcerned about safety levels, we’d probably splash out on fancy wheels and tyres and a better sound system rather than spend money on protecting ourselves and our families.
Magicians and Sikhs could be forgiven for believing that the Kangoo was designed specially for them, because there’s so much headroom that you could easily wear a top-hat or turban with loads of room to spare. There’s also a full-length parcel tray above the driver and front passenger’s heads. The dash is attractively laid out, with a neat centre binnacle and a white-on-black rev counter alongside the speedometer.
The Kangoo offers loads of cargo space. The rear bench seat can be folded flat and tumbled forward to liberate a huge load area — 2032 litres in all. With the seat in position there’s still room for 428 litres of cargo, and a 60/40 split gives a couple of options between the two. Loading is a cinch, thanks to the massive one-piece tailgate, while the dual sliding side doors provide easy access for rear seat passengers or freight.
So what’s it like to drive? Surprisingly good, especially when you consider that the vehicle has the aerodynamics of a breeze-block and is powered by a mere 1,4 litre engine, producing just 55 kW and 114 Nm of torque. Top speed is a shade under 160 km/hr, and the 0-100 km/hr dash takes a little less than 15 seconds. The suspension works well, and the Renault feels surprisingly planted on the road despite its delivery-van roots.
The Renault Kangoo Multix 1,4 is a lovely little vehicle at a very good price. For R135 000 it’s an excellent entry-level MPV, but those who want all the bells and whistles will probably find the Kangoo less of a bargain than the basic vehicle is. We’d take it as it is, with the exception of the R2 000 extra passenger airbag. Highly recommended.