The Renault Kangoo II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2013, represented a significant evolution of Renault’s popular light commercial vehicle and passenger car blend. Production of the 1.5 Energy dCi 75 horsepower variant ran from 2015 to 2018. This version occupied the entry-level position within the Kangoo II range, aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and practicality over outright performance. It was primarily marketed in Europe as a versatile vehicle for both commercial and family use, offering a compelling combination of space, affordability, and Renault’s established reliability. The Kangoo II is built on the X0/B0 platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Kangoo |
| Generation | Kangoo II (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Energy dCi (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 112 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.6 kg/Hp, 56.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 51.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 180 Nm @ 1750 rpm (132.76 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt, 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt, 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1950 kg (4299.01 lbs) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 660 l (23.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2600 l (91.82 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal, 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1050 kg (2314.85 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 695 kg (1532.21 lbs) |
| Length | 4282 mm (168.58 in) |
| Width | 1829 mm (72.01 in) |
| Width including mirrors | 2138 mm (84.17 in) |
| Height | 1839 mm (72.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2697 mm (106.18 in) |
| Front track | 1521 mm (59.88 in) |
| Rear track | 1533 mm (60.35 in) |
| Front overhang | 875 mm (34.45 in) |
| Rear overhang | 710 mm (27.95 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 211-158 mm (8.31 – 6.22 in) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 91T |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Kangoo variant is the Renault K9K engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine, part of the ‘Energy’ family, was designed with fuel efficiency as a primary goal. The 75 horsepower output was achieved through a turbocharger with an intercooler, optimizing air intake for improved combustion. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the cylinders at high pressure for enhanced atomization and cleaner burning. The K9K engine features two valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. The 5-speed manual transmission was the sole gearbox option for this trim level, chosen for its simplicity and contribution to fuel economy. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for maximizing torque at lower engine speeds, prioritizing usability over sporty acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 dCi 75 hp Kangoo II offered a practical, if uninspiring, driving experience. Acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time of around 15.5 seconds. The focus was on providing sufficient power for everyday driving, including carrying passengers and cargo. The turbocharger provided a noticeable boost in torque at lower RPMs, making it relatively easy to navigate city streets and maintain highway speeds. However, overtaking maneuvers required careful planning. The 5-speed manual transmission was smooth and easy to operate, but the relatively long gearing emphasized fuel economy over responsiveness. Compared to higher-output versions of the Kangoo II, such as those with the 90 hp or 110 hp engines, this variant felt noticeably slower and less refined.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 75 hp Kangoo II typically came with a basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as the entry-level model. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Safety features such as ABS and driver/passenger airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, a radio/CD player, and rear parking sensors. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and more advanced infotainment systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Kangoo II’s chassis was designed to balance comfort and practicality. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup, providing a reasonable level of ride quality. The rear suspension employed a torsion beam, which was cost-effective and provided adequate stability for typical loads. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for everyday use, the braking performance was not particularly sporty. The Kangoo II’s relatively lightweight construction helped to compensate for the modest braking power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Kangoo II 1.5 dCi 75 hp was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical vehicle. Its fuel efficiency was a major selling point, and its spacious interior made it a popular choice for families and small businesses. However, its lack of power was often criticized, particularly when fully loaded. Compared to other trims in the Kangoo II lineup, this variant offered the lowest price point but also the least amount of performance. It competed with other small vans and MPVs in the European market, such as the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner.
Legacy
The K9K engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. The 1.5 dCi 75 hp version of the Kangoo II has maintained a reasonable reputation for reliability in the used car market. While not known for its blistering performance, it offers a cost-effective and practical transportation solution. Common maintenance issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), particularly on vehicles that have primarily been used for short journeys. Overall, the Kangoo II 1.5 dCi 75 hp remains a viable option for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and versatile vehicle.
