Kangoo: Multix tasking

Though it was a dedicated panel van, so car-like was the Kangoo, that we always wondered how long it would take Renault to introduce this vehicle as a practical passenger steed, especially since such a version had already been available overseas for quite some time.

And hence, the Express panel van now has a passenger-orientated sibling in the Kangoo Multix. Although officially classified as a passenger vehicle, Renault claims that the Multix will also be perfectly happy performing a dual role, load hauler for your small business during the week and family vehicle come weekend; providing, of course, that you can live without the covered windows.

During its time with us, we put it to the test in both applications. We experienced its panel van personality when faced with erecting the Cars in Action stand at this year’s Outdoor and Adventure Expo at Kyalami. In fact there was no surprise when this was judged the weapon of choice when it came to transporting many of our display items from our storage room to the stand, even though there were plenty of bakkies around at that time.

The fact that with the rear bench seat folded and tumbled down into the floor, it can swallow a mighty 2600 litres worth of stuff is really something and when it came to loading the hordes of disassembled display items and the toolboxes and boxes of magazines and so forth that we needed for our stand, not only was having a closed body a real novelty, but the ease of loading and unloading with two sliding side doors and a vertically-opening rear tailgate with an especially low 530mm rear sill, was a real pleasure. Small load... big load you won’t find a 535kg payload in any other passenger vehicle at this price.

Great, so the Kangoo hasn’t lost much of its utilitarian appeal in its transition into a family wagon, but how does it perform its new, but arguably more arduous role of moving people? The Multix is a full five-seater, and it seats those five in absolute comfort with the additional benefit of more leg and head room than you’re going to find in any other vehicle at the price.

And, if you think this compromises luggage space, consider that there’s still a mammoth 650 litres worth of storage space even with the rear seats in their rightful place. To keep goods in their place, a rubber load mat is fitted as standard, as is a luggage cover to ward off those prying eyes.

If that’s not enough, a range of optional equipment that includes a boot partition net, roof rails and a 60:40 splitting rear seat is available on request.

In the spirit of modern MPV-ism, the Multix offers a further 110 litres of storage space if you factor in the lockable cubby hole, side door pockets and the storage bins in the front and rear as well as in the roof.

When it comes to comfort items in the Multix, not much has been left to the options list. The standard car comes with power steering as well as air-conditioning, remote central locking, a fully integrated sound system with a front-loading CD player and four speakers. It also includes a multi-function display for the clock, odometer and oil level.

If that’s not enough, the buyer can also opt for front electric windows, 14-inch alloy wheels and heated door mirrors.

Standard safety features include a driver’s airbag and a roof-mounted third brake light, in addition to Isofix attachment points for a child’s seat on the rear centre seat. Further, built in, safety items include a collapsible steering column, strengthened front seats and padding in the doors. But the proof is in the four-star rating for occupant protection, awarded by Euro NCAP and deemed to be an impressive result for a car of its type.

Customers can also buy more protection in the form of a passenger airbag and the latest generation Bosch ABS braking system.

For now, the Multix is only available with a single petrol engine option and this comes in the form of the trusty 1.4-litre eight-valve unit also found in the Kangoo Express. Linked to a five-speed manual tranny, the engine produces an adequate 55kW at 5000rpm and 114Nm at 2800rpm. According to the company’s claims, the car will run from 0-100km/h in 13.7 seconds and top out at 153km/h.

Expectedly, fuel consumption should be a strong point, with a claimed combined consumption figure of 7.5 litres per 100km, dipping down to 6.3 litres per hundred on the open road. Thus, with careful driving, its 50-litre tank should manage a very decent range in the region of 800km.

While definitely more car-like than the traditional commercial vehicle, the Kangoo is not as sophisticated as, say, a Megane II; but for a significantly lower asking price of R135 000 it offers as much space as you could ask for in a family vehicle and, without being extravagant, offers all the comfort features you really need, and none that you really don’t. At the price, it also undercuts its nearest competitor, the Citroen Berlingo Multispace by a good few grand.

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