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KANGOO 4x4
Page 14
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Renault also gave us a preview of the Kangoo 4x4 van, which will become available in the UK during the first quarter of next year. It is designed to bridge the gap between conventional front-wheel-drive vans and all-out off-readers like the Land Rover Discovery Commercial.
The four-wheel drive system is pretty simple, with no low-range transfer box, lockable differentials or switchable 4x2/4x4 option. A torque-sensing coupling connects the propshaft to the rear drive axle—coupling and axle are Nissan-designed components also used in the Renault Megane Scenic RX4—and varies the front/rear torque split according to the conditions. In ideal conditions (for example
on a dry road) the van will operate with conventional front-wheel drive; when the coupling senses a differ ence between the speeds of front and rear wheels it transfers drive towards the rear.
The front wheels also get a brakeoperated traction control system.
. The suspension has been
revised, with longer-travel MacPherson struts at the front and a new trailing-arm setup (mounted to a subframe) at the rear. Brakes are now discs all round, with larger ventilated discs at the front. The Kangoo rides on 15in wheels with 1B5/65R15 tyres; ground clearance is increased to 200mm unladen (180mm laden): the van will cope with an approach angle of 27°.
The 1.9dCi turbo-diesel has been revised, too, with a slightly lower power rating and peak torque but 'softer' torque characteristics—this is not the same engine offered in the Master.
Our drive of the Kangoo 4x4 was limited to an off-road track and a short section of tarmac, but it was enough to convince us that this will become a popular option if the price is right.
The Kangoo took rutted, muddy tracks with ease and coped well with extreme axle articulation. It even tackled a stretch of soft sand--a nasty test for any 4x4--and only the lack of an extra-low bottom gear limited its ability to dig itself out of a hole. Nevertheless, the flexible engine made up for a lot, and it was easy to trundle along a forest track in first gear without touching the accelerator.
Overall gearing is the same as for the conventional Kangoo, so the 4x4 will happily cruise on the motorway.
The ease of driving this 4x4, on and off the road, should make it a good choice as a site vehicle, and for anybody who thinks they might need to go off the beaten track.