Renault Kangoo I Express (FC) 1.9 D (55 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Renault Kangoo:

The Renault Kangoo is a family of vans built by Renault since 1997 across three generations. It is sold as a passenger multi-purpose vehicle or as a light commercial vehicle. For the European market, the Kangoo is manufactured at the MCA plant in Maubeuge, France.
The Kangoo was also marketed as a rebadged variant by Nissan in Europe as the Nissan Kubistar , Nissan NV250 and Nissan Townstar. In September 2012, Mercedes-Benz began marketing a rebadged variant of the second generation Kangoo as the Mercedes-Benz Citan, which is also marketed as Mercedes EQT and Mercedes T-Class for the current generation....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Express (FC) Overview:

Renault Kangoo (I Express (FC)). With 120 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.1 l/100km). Weighing only 1135 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 20.6 s). The top speed reaches 134 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.9 D (55 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Extremely slow, this engine is severely underpowered for anything beyond basic city tasks.

Fuel Economy

The most economical of the naturally aspirated diesels, prioritizing low running costs over performance.

Best Use Case: Strictly city driving, minimal loads, very short distances.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent practicality and cargo space for its class.
  • • Wide range of economical diesel engines available.
  • • Versatile interior configurations, including 4x4 options.
  • • Good visibility and easy to maneuver in urban environments.
  • • Strong value proposition for commercial and family use.

Cons:

  • • Basic interior quality and limited creature comforts.
  • • Some entry-level engines are significantly underpowered.
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds.
  • • Older models may suffer from typical French car electrical gremlins.
  • • Ride quality can be firm, especially when unladen.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Express (FC): 1997 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:Kangoo
Generation:I Express (FC)
Modification (Engine):1.9 D (55 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:2
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:55 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:29.4 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:120 Nm @ 2250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:F8Q More details about the engine F8Q
Engine displacement:1870
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:5.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:93 mm mm
Compression ratio:21.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:20.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:20.6 sec
Maximum speed:134 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:20.6 kg/Hp, 48.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.5 kg/Nm, 105.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:19.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1135
Max. weight:1680
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2750 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):820 kg
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:530 kg
Permitted towbar download:75 kg
Size:
Length:3995 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1663 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1827 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2600 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2015 mm
Front track:1405 mm
Rear (Back) track:1415 mm
Front overhang:692 mm
Rear overhang:703 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.95 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/70 R14 T
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Behind the wheel of the Renault Kangoo. How does it handle on the road?