On its launch in 1997 Kangoo's affable, expressive style revolutionised the leisure utility vehicle sector. Roomy and versatile Kangoo has been a success, selling over 2,200,000 units since it was launched. The New Renault Kangoo Be Bop matches family expectations more closely. Buyers were reluctant to embrace the cars in this sector initially but have warmed up to them considerably in recent years. The Kangoo's style is fresh and modern.

Ideal for escaping the crowd, Kangoo Be Bop offers open-top motoring at the rear thanks to its glazed sliding roof and rear tailgate window which slides down out of sight. There are two tilting glass panels at the front, plus a fixed central glass panel. Easy to control with great visibility, the new Renault Kangoo is extremely practical, plenty of room for passengers, or if need be, drop the seats and the Kangoo has all the space of a van.

All four passengers benefit from individual seats which enable them to profit fully from the ride experience. The front seats are as spacious as those of Renault Kangoo and benefit from 1,510mm of elbow room, as wide as anything on the market. The Car-like ride and comfort levels are due to production of the Kangoo from a Scenic platform.

Renault's decision to place durability first in cabin design was a very family-friendly choice. The car's large boot makes storing both shopping and pushchairs easy. Cargo space ranges from 660 liters to 2.8 cm3 with the seats folded down. Renault has aimed to bring elements of its Scenic MPV to the interior, creating what it likes to refer to as a 'mobile office' There's certainly a good quota of storage options provided in both models with large door pockets, an A4-sized compartment in the dashboard complete with pen holders and a 13-litre overhead shelf. Of course lots of storage space is great for families to store all the essentials.

Renault Kangoo Standard safety provisions include twin front airbags and anti-lock brakes. More airbags can be fitted on request. It has front headrests with increased protection and 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, making the Kangoo a very safe car to drive.

Kangoo has a 10.4-metre turning circle - so parking shouldn't cause too many problems.

Renault is also committed to the environment, recently introducing Eco2 - models which are affordable, environmentally friendly and economical in terms of fuel consumption. Fuel consumption is low (53.3 - 55.3 combined MPG depending on model) and the oil change interval is long - 18,000 miles (or every year) for petrol engines and the 105hp 1.5dCi diesel version and 12,000 miles (or every year) for the 70hp and 85hp 1.5 dCi versions. Low repair and servicing costs were part of the initial design brief for these reliable, economical vehicles.

Buyers can get their hands of the 1.5-litre dCi in 60, 70 or 84bhp form. All are quiet and economical with good response at low engine speeds to negate the need for constant gear changing. Renault Kangoo insurance groups start at group 4 and rise to group 5. All models are fairly cheap to insure.

Air con is a desirable extra. Equipment and trim are adequate rather than generous; RXE is best on early cars, Expression on current models. Air con is a desirable extra.

Renault are dedicated to giving customers what they want - every new car offers that extra 'Va Va Voom' - in terms of design, style, technology and safety. Unlike their more up market counterparts, these cars allow buyers to purchase more affordable people carriers with van-like functionality. The Kangoo drives like a family car but offers all of the practicality of a small van.