Car Statistics: Renault - Kangoo Series (2 stars)

Styling (2 stars)

Anyone considering buying a Kangoo had best get ready to start fielding Postman Pat jokes. It's a van: pure and simple.

Handling (3 stars)

Easy to drive thanks to light controls and good visibility. Respectable grip levels and safe at the limit, too.

Comfort (3 stars)

Ride quality is reasonable, especially carrying some weight, but refinement levels are poor.

Quality (2 stars)

Tough, but nowhere near the standards of modern cars in terms of trim or perceived quality.

Performance (2 stars)

Base 1.2 litre petrol engine really lacks urge. 1.6 is better but it's the diesels that make most sense - although the more powerful 86 bhp

Roominess (4 stars)

It's hard to fault the Kangoo on usefulness - lots of space for passengers and luggage, and absolutely vast with the rear seats folded down.

Costs (3 stars)

Servicing costs are broadly similar to a Clio and the diesels return good fuel economy. Cheap to insure too - but residual values are poor.

Value (2 stars)

The entry-level 1.2 litre version is as close as the range gets to offering good value for money, although very basic specification removes most of the appeal. Overlaps with the cheaper end of the mainstream MPV market - not a place it can really justify being.

Stereo (2 stars)

Standard audio system struggles to make itself heard over road and wind noise at speed. Satnav unavailable.