Compact on the outside, yet cavernous on the inside, Renault Kangoo turns small-van convention on its head. You see, Kangoo has been built from the driver's needs up. So you'll find plenty of fresh thinking from intelligently-configured load capacities, ergonomic cabin design and an optional automatic gearbox with the feel and economy of a manual.

Because it's compact the Kangoo doesn't drive like a van; indeed, driving the 1.6 litre 16 valve engine will have you whistling while you work. As will the optional Proactive 4-speed Automatic Gearbox that assesses engine speed, driving style and driving conditions and adapts gear change points to match. Together they not only provide the muscle to move, but also some pretty handy fuel economy.

The Kangoo is also designed with safety in mind, earning a four-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. Dual airbags are standard, as are ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), which work together to help you stop quickly and safely. And all this compressed into a smart little package that makes city driving (and parking) a breeze.

The new Kangoo also now comes with highly practical roof bars and optional fog lights to ensure that your every driving need is covered.

While the Kangoo looks smart on the outside, you’ll find the really clever ideas on the inside. Every possible cubic centimetre has been wrung from the design. So while the Renault Kangoo is about the length of an average hatchback, it has a capacity of almost 2.75 cubic metres, a floor length of 1.4 metres and carries a payload of up to 560 kilograms. Rear barn doors are designed for practical access in tight spaces and both can open to 180 degrees. You’ll also find dual sliding side-doors standard.

A comfortable driver is a productive driver. So dashboards are clean and instrumentation clearly visible. Controls are close to hand, and creature comforts are plentiful without being extravagant; CD player and air conditioning is standard.

You can see the Kangoo at our Ringwood showroom.