Self tests. Renault Kangoo 1.3 TCe 130 EDC: a ride in the box…automatic

Renault’s famous Kangoo now runs all-electric, but that’s not all! Those (still many…) who have not yet put their fingers in the socket (see our test “Kangoo E-Tech, music ahead”) can always opt for the diesel version (reinforced last year with a Blue more powerful dCi 115) and petrol units.

We couldn’t resist checking out how daily life was going at the wheel of the TCe 130 (powered by the four-cylinder engine born out of a collaboration with…Mercedes) fitted with the 7-speed EDC automatic transmission offered only with the very attractive high-end Techno finish. After years of hesitation, even opposition, the automatic gearbox continues to convince more and more customers, even in France, and since “Kangoo” has not only been reminiscent of a van for ages, its users require all the qualities of a traditional saloon. For this real family vehicle (or leisure…) of the diamond brand, we are not far from the mark.

Superbly endowed

Outside, it has lost its curves, inside, not its strengths. Spacious, even at the level of the legs of the rear passengers (arranged on the bench seat with three seats of the same size), it is always important to specify, bright, modern in appearance, the passenger compartment is more than welcoming. It would take dozens of pages to describe in depth the storage solutions that…More

Let’s just note that it would be very surprising if you did not find on board the solution that suits you best to accommodate your favorite objects. Be careful not to lose your keys in the heart of the monumental drawer in front of the front passenger! On the staffing side, do not throw any more, the list is full. 360° parking assistance with reversing camera, automatic reading of road signs, LED lights, GPS via 8” touch screen, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, dual-zone auto air conditioning, hands-free, auto high beams, etc. You just have to go through the options window for the folding front seat, not essential but practical (€250) or the autonomous driving pack with adaptive cruise control (€1,200).

Smooth report management

In town, the automated double-clutch automatic gearbox allows smooth and pleasant use. On the road, the power is more than sufficient and the torque (we climbed from 190 Nm at 2000 rpm on the previous version to 230 Nm at 1500 rpm, it does not go unnoticed!) allows effective restarts without “ panic” the management of the EDC. Upshifts and downshifts are smooth, no jerks, no hesitations except, all the same, when you mistake the Kangoo for a rally beast. Consumption is above Renault’s promises, but reasonable, never exceeding 8 liters on the highway. The results are less favorable in town where you can quite easily go beyond 9 litres.

The chassis does its job, the damping may seem a little firm in urban use, less so when going to the countryside even on damaged surfaces. Finally, if you’ve forgotten the shape of your “ludospace” (nowadays we prefer to speak of “combispace”), the gusts will eventually remind you of it, and sometimes unceremoniously. He does not like, but then not at all on windy days.