► New LWB Grand Kangoo unveiled
► Seven seats, longer doors, EV option
► Brits denied: it’s not coming in RHD
A new longer Renault Grand Kangoo has bowed in at the 2023 IAA Munich motor show – stretched to accommodate three rows of seats and make room for the biggest Kangoo loadbay ever.
The third generation of Kangoo again adopts the Grand moniker, Renault shorthand for long-wheelbase (LWB) versions of its models as deployed on the Grand Espace and Scenic. Left-hand drive markets have had it before, but it’s never made its way to UK shores.
Sadly, this new model is not destined for right-hand drive production, either. Only mainland Europe will take it, CAR can confirm.
Renault Kangoo: an arch innovator, but sadly not for the UK
We’re now on to the third generation of Kangoo and it’s a quietly successful model that appeals to professional and private motorists who want the versatility of a van in a more car-like package. Renault invented the niche a quarter of a century ago and claims to have launched the first sliding side door on a car with the Mk1. This one has huge 83cm-long doors (+18cm compared to a regular Kangoo’s).
It’s a recipe that seems to have worked: Renault has sold more than 4.4 million Kangoos worldwide. The only model sold in the UK now is the all-electric Kangoo E-Tech panel van, after Renault contracted its UK range to focus on core models.
Renault Grand Kangoo: a stretch for seven seats
It’s a shame we’ll be missing out on this: the Grand Kangoo is a seriously roomy car and all seven seats can be used by adults. The five back chairs can slide, fold and remove, Renault claiming 1024 possible configurations. Legroom in the third row is put at 164mm, so you won’t have your knees wrapped around your ears if you’re sitting in the back.
Even better is a proper boot, even when deployed as a full seven-seater: it’s 500 litres with all the seats in place, and that swells to 3750 if you remove the five back chairs and lean the front passenger seat forwards. That’s gargantuan.
The new 2024 Renault Grand Kangoo is available on the Continent as the E-Tech, with a 45kW lithium-ion battery for a 165-mile range, or as regular 128bhp petrol and 94bhp diesel engines.
European sales start in early 2024.