Renault Kangoo is the Best Small Trades Van Award winner

Last year’s upgrade has turned the Renault Kangoo into an even more attractive package – plus there’s that 100,000 mile/4 year warranty

WHEN looking at the needs of trade users, the Renault Kangoo has an awful lot to offer.

Its win was even more impressive as the judges all said this sector was the hardest of all to decide in the entire Business Van of the Year awards 2014.

For starters there are two load lengths to choose from, a clever fold-down passenger seat that cranks up the load volume and a crew van option with a movable bulkhead that allows users to alternate between people mover and load carrier.

For those who want an alternative fuel solution for city use, the Kangoo is also available as a full electric van, with the batteries being leased to overcome any concerns about how long they will last before needing replacing.

The current Kangoo was launched in 2008 but was upgraded late last year to include a smart new front end swathed in plastic to help alleviate any annoying knocks and scrapes.

There’s also an improved cab and an R-Link system which brings together all the van’s multi-media functions such as sat nav, radio, Bluetooth technology and audio streaming and allows users to download a catalogue of apps direct to the van via a seven-inch touchscreen.

There have also been some hi-tech tweaks and twiddles underneath to improve ride and handling.

The model considered by the judges offers extraordinarily low running costs, thanks to its advanced ENERGY engine which has an ECO mode to further improve fuel economy and extended service intervals of 24,000 miles.

Renault has further boosted its attractiveness to trade customers by offering a four-year 100,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance, a van-for-van replacement if a vehicle is off the road and free fitment of wiper blades, exterior bulbs and screen wash during a service.