The Renault Kangoo III Rapid 1.5 Blue dCi (95 hp) ECO-Leader is a commercial and leisure activity vehicle produced by Renault since 2021. Part of the third generation of the Kangoo, this variant focuses on providing an economical and practical solution for businesses and individuals needing a versatile van. It’s positioned as an entry-level offering within the Kangoo Rapid range, prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. The Kangoo III Rapid utilizes the Dacia Dokker platform, offering a cost-effective alternative to more premium light commercial vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Kangoo |
| Generation | Kangoo III Rapid |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Blue dCi (95 Hp) ECO-Leader |
| Start of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.3-4.4 l/100 km (54.7 – 53.5 US mpg, 65.7 – 64.2 UK mpg, 23.3 – 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 128-129 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 110 km/h (68.35 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d Full |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.8 kg/Hp, 67.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 184.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 3000-3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1750 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K 876 |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1408 kg (3104.11 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 612 kg (1349.23 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 3300 l (116.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3900 l (137.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l (14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 18.6 l (4.91 US gal | 4.09 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 740 kg (1631.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4486 mm (176.61 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2159 mm (85 in.) |
| Height | 1864 mm (73.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2716 mm (106.93 in.) |
| Front track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1596 mm (62.83 in.) |
| Front overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 810 mm (31.89 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 169 mm (6.65 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.3 m (37.07 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| 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; 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
INTRODUCTION
The Renault Kangoo III Rapid 1.5 Blue dCi (95 hp) ECO-Leader, launched in 2021, represents Renault’s commitment to providing a practical and fuel-efficient light commercial vehicle. Built on the shared platform with the Dacia Dokker, the Kangoo Rapid is designed to offer a cost-effective alternative to more expensive vans while still providing a substantial cargo capacity. This particular variant, equipped with the 1.5 Blue dCi engine producing 95 horsepower, is aimed at businesses and individuals prioritizing economy and reliability. It serves as the entry point into the Kangoo Rapid range, offering a balance between functionality and affordability.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Kangoo III Rapid 1.5 Blue dCi (95 hp) is the K9K 876 engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of Renault’s Blue dCi family, known for its efficiency and reduced emissions. It utilizes a common rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine also features a turbocharger with an intercooler, which increases power output by forcing more air into the cylinders. The 95 horsepower output is achieved at 3000-3750 rpm, with a torque figure of 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) available from 1750 rpm. This provides a usable amount of torque for carrying loads. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The engine also incorporates a Start & Stop system to further improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, as well as a particulate filter to minimize harmful exhaust particles.
Driving Characteristics
The 95 hp 1.5 Blue dCi engine, coupled with the six-speed manual transmission, delivers adequate performance for typical commercial van duties. Acceleration is not its strong suit, with a 0-60 mph time of around 12.9 seconds, but it’s sufficient for urban and highway driving when unladen or lightly loaded. The engine’s torque peak at 1750 rpm provides good low-end grunt, making it easy to get moving from a standstill, even with a load. The gear ratios are well-chosen to maximize fuel efficiency, with higher gears designed for comfortable cruising. Compared to higher-powered Kangoo variants, this version feels less responsive, particularly when fully loaded or climbing hills. However, the trade-off is significantly improved fuel economy. The driving experience is generally comfortable, with the suspension tuned to prioritize ride quality over sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Kangoo III Rapid 1.5 Blue dCi (95 hp) ECO-Leader is typically equipped with a functional, rather than luxurious, interior. Standard features generally include a driver’s airbag, ABS brakes, power steering, and a basic audio system. The interior is designed for durability and ease of cleaning, with hard-wearing plastics and vinyl upholstery. The ECO-Leader trim level focuses on practicality, so features like air conditioning, electric windows, and central locking may be optional extras. The dashboard layout is straightforward and functional, with clearly labeled controls. The van’s primary focus is on cargo space, with a minimum of 3300 liters (116.54 cu. ft.) available behind the front seats, expanding to 3900 liters (137.73 cu. ft.) with the seats folded or removed.
Chassis & Braking
The Kangoo III Rapid utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The rear suspension employs a torsion beam, which is a simpler and more cost-effective design. The braking system features ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance, providing light and precise steering feel. Tire sizes typically range from 195/65 R15 to 205/60 R16, depending on the trim level and optional equipment.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Kangoo III Rapid 1.5 Blue dCi (95 hp) ECO-Leader has been well-received in the market as a practical and affordable light commercial vehicle. Critics have praised its fuel efficiency and spacious cargo area. Compared to other trims in the Kangoo Rapid lineup, such as those with more powerful engines, this variant offers a lower purchase price and better fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. Compared to competitors like the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, the Kangoo Rapid offers a competitive package in terms of price, practicality, and running costs. Its diesel engine provides good fuel economy, but it may not be as refined or powerful as some of the gasoline or electric alternatives available in the market.
Legacy
The K9K engine family, including the K9K 876 found in the Kangoo III Rapid, has a reputation for being relatively reliable and durable. While diesel engines can be more expensive to maintain than gasoline engines due to the complexity of the fuel injection system and particulate filter, the K9K engine has proven to be generally robust. On the used car market, the Kangoo III Rapid 1.5 Blue dCi (95 hp) ECO-Leader represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and economical van. Its fuel efficiency and spacious cargo area make it a popular choice for small businesses and individuals needing a versatile vehicle. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements, is crucial to ensure the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
