07 Oct 08 16:42
Renault is calling its three-door Kangoo 'Be Bop'. A four-seater mini-MPV-cum-supermini, it supplements the recently-launched new-generation five-door and van in the Kangoo line-up.
Just 3.87m long, the high-roofed Kangoo Be Bop has a sliding glass roof with two tilting panels, giving a near-convertible experience. The tailgate glass also slides right down into the rear door. The two individual rear seats can be removed, reclined or slid back and forth, and each have armrests with stowage bins.
Inspired by the 2007 Kangoo Compact Concept show car, the Be Bop will come in a two-tone colour scheme: choose from black, orange or white with grey for the bonnet, grille, door mirrors, front bumper and tailgate panel. Its black headlamp surrounds, bumpers and 16" wheels are different to the five-door's, and it rides 20mm higher.
The Be Bop's interior has red or black upholstery (with black or white paint), or silver, blue and orange with the orange paint. Optional equipment will include sat nav and Bluetooth phone kit. A wide range of accessories will be offered, including a rear roof rail, a USB/MP3-compatible audio system with hard-drive and steering wheel-mounted controls, and a range of decals and stickers.
This car promises to be nippy around town: not only does it have a tight 9.7m turning circle and short wheelbase, it will be offered with Renault's strong 1.5 dCi 85 and 105 diesel engines, or the 1.6 105 petrol.
The dCi 85 emits 140g/km of carbon dioxide and returns 53.3mpg; the more powerful diesel engine - which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox - gives 52.3mpg and 142g/km, and the 1.6 petrol does 35.8mpg.
Final specification and pricing will be announced nearer to the UK launch next spring.
Check out the rest of our Paris Motor Show coverage.
