FIRST LOOKS

It couldn’t been a better time for TC Euro Cars to introduce a Renault model as just last weekend, the Renault F1 team’s Fernando Alonso won the 2005 F1 crown. And furthermore, the model they unveiled today was also sporty in flavour – the Renault Kangoo Sportif.

This new version of the Kangoo (which was Autocar Asean’s Small MPV of the Year) takes on a sports-oriented appearance with an exclusive 5-piece bodykit that includes a front airdam, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and also a spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof. It may seem questionable that a model with a shape such as that of the Kangoo would be suitable for such accessories but TC Euro Cars seem to have done a good job because the bodykit looks is so well integrated with the body.

Interestingly, the material for the bodykit is not the usual fibreglass which tends to be brittle but polyurethane (PU) which has better impact resistance due to its flexibility. This material would provide have a longer lifespan as it would also be more tolerant to vibrations and knocks.

Inside the Kangoo Sportif – which has very practical sliding doors on the sides – is the same spacious cabin that impresses people who get in. The boxy body may see boring but it provides generous space inside plus lots of headroom. The high ceiling has made it possible to incorporate a shelf above the sun visors (available in all versions) and for the Kangoo Sportif, there are also specially-designed compartments just above the door openings.

According to a TC Euro Cars manager, the idea for these compartments, which take after those you find in aircraft, came about after observing how customer use their Kangoo. It was noted that many people have a need for storage spaces for items like a tissue box and umbrella but usually have to throw them on the floor. Thus the overhead space is a better idea and it also keeps things clean.

Actually, Renault does have another type of ‘aircraft compartment’ design for the Kangoo which is even more like those you see on the Airbus but as these are imported from France, they cost at least RM6,000 a set. The idea in the Kangoo Sportif is a lower cost concept and just as useful.

The Sportif package, which cost an extra RM4,800 on top of the price of a standard Kangoo, also includes alloy rims, body stripes, a 3rd row seat and reverse sensors. Add another RM3,100 and you can get the Sportif SL package which has extra items such as full leather upholstery, including the steering wheel, and full length carpeting. The Kangoo Sportif SL (for Serie Limited) is available only in Tango Orange, though, while the normal Kangoo Sortif comes in Lemon Yellow.

As an introductory offer, TC Euro Cars is offering a 50% discount on the packages to the first 50 customers who take the Sportif or Sportif SL packages. For those who have forgotten the prices of the standard 1.4-litre Kangoo, they are RM65,558.71 for the manual and RM69,780.00 for the automatic (inclusive of insurance at 100%).

The standard equipment in the model is very comprehensive and includes a CD-player, dual front airbags, ABS and EBD. Brake Assist is also available in the Kangoo Automatic. In terms of maintenance costs, TC Euro Cars lists down the prices for the charges for service at every 10,000 kms and they start from RM226.81 during the first service.

The Kangoo range can be viewed and tested at TC Euro Cars branches and dealers nationwide. To find out where the nearest showroom is, call 03-79563103.

Scenes from the launch of the Kangoo Sportif in Kuala Lumpur