Renault Kangoo Mk1
The quirky, sliding-door pioneer that defined the 'leisurespace' segment.
- Power
- 68 bhp
- Top speed
- 92 mph
About the Renault Kangoo Mk1
Launched in 1997 as a successor to the Renault Express, the Kangoo Mk1 revolutionised the small van market by prioritising passenger comfort and accessibility. Its distinctive 'smiling' front end and standard sliding side doors made it a hit with families, effectively creating the 'leisurespace' or ludospace category. The 2005 facelift introduced more refined 'tear-drop' headlights and improved interior materials to distance it from its commercial roots. While the 1.5 dCi engine offers modest performance, its exceptional fuel economy and vast, boxy interior remain highly practical for budget-conscious collectors of utilitarian classics.
Renault Kangoo Mk1 specs
The Renault Kangoo Mk1 produces 68 bhp (51 kW) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h).
| Make | Renault |
|---|---|
| Model | Kangoo |
| Generation | Mk1 |
| Trim | 1.5 dCi |
| Years | 1997–2008 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | MPV |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-4 diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,461 cc (1.5 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 68 bhp (51 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| Top speed | 92 mph (148 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,060 kg (2,337 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 64 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Renault Kangoo Mk1 rarity in CarSpot
The Renault Kangoo Mk1 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Renault Kangoo Mk1 fun facts
- The Kangoo was the first small van to feature a sliding side door as standard, a feature that quickly became an industry requirement.
- In the UK, the passenger version was often marketed with a large 'sun canvas' roof option, turning the cavernous interior into a semi-convertible.
- The first-generation Kangoo was so successful in South America that production continued in Argentina until 2018, ten years after it ended in Europe.




