Renault Kangoo WAV 1.6 (A) Review
03 Dec 2010|20,843 views
A healthy, carefree youngish person like you and I wouldn't appreciate the difficulty involved in bringing an aged parent or disabled family member around. The act of folding the wheelchair, lifting the person in and out of the vehicle and repeating the same process at the destination can be tiring. What's worse is that it is neigh impossible for a single individual to carry out these tasks. Renault seems to have a solution here with the ramp equipped Kangoo WAV.
Renault understanding all these difficulties faced by families set up their TECH division to tackle these problems.
The division specialises in coordinating the design, development and manufacturing of altered Renault passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Exterior
Externally, the WAV version of the Kangoo looks nearly identical to the less illustrious cargo version.
Renault understanding all these difficulties faced by families set up their TECH division to tackle these problems.
The division specialises in coordinating the design, development and manufacturing of altered Renault passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Exterior
Externally, the WAV version of the Kangoo looks nearly identical to the less illustrious cargo version.
![]() |
The people carrying version here sports a painted lower bumper in the front as opposed to the grey plastic used on the cargo version.
Along the sides, the people carrier gains some additional glass area to relieve the occupants of claustrophobia.
Unlike the cargo variant, the Kangoo WAV is fitted with 15 inch alloys here.
![]() |
Interior
On the inside, things are a little more civilised compared to the cargo variant as Renault attempted to liven up the interior mood by using brown leather seats here. They contrast nicely with the grey of the dashboard. The dashboard materials and design is shared with the cargo version. The WAV comes with a digital climate control in place of the analog version in the base model.
The driving seat is pretty comfortable though you're seated a little higher than in a normal sedan. (some might like that). Controls like the steering are adjustable and even though it is only rake adjustable, it gave a rather comfortable driving position.
Along with the digital climate control, the surround has also been changed to brushed aluminium in order to tone down on the drab grey plastic. The audio fitted here is also slightly different as it looks like a factory fitted system.
Remote controls for the audio system is reproduced on a stalk just below the wiper stalk on the right side like on the van. Thankfully, the controls like in the van are intuitive to use.
Seating in the rear passenger compartment is reasonably spacious with adequate legroom. Unlike a car, the rear bench has been split with the centre portion cut out to accommodate the wheelchair when it is loaded. This allows the occupant in the wheelchair to easily converse with the rear passengers on either side.
On the inside, things are a little more civilised compared to the cargo variant as Renault attempted to liven up the interior mood by using brown leather seats here. They contrast nicely with the grey of the dashboard. The dashboard materials and design is shared with the cargo version. The WAV comes with a digital climate control in place of the analog version in the base model.
The driving seat is pretty comfortable though you're seated a little higher than in a normal sedan. (some might like that). Controls like the steering are adjustable and even though it is only rake adjustable, it gave a rather comfortable driving position.
Along with the digital climate control, the surround has also been changed to brushed aluminium in order to tone down on the drab grey plastic. The audio fitted here is also slightly different as it looks like a factory fitted system.
Remote controls for the audio system is reproduced on a stalk just below the wiper stalk on the right side like on the van. Thankfully, the controls like in the van are intuitive to use.
Seating in the rear passenger compartment is reasonably spacious with adequate legroom. Unlike a car, the rear bench has been split with the centre portion cut out to accommodate the wheelchair when it is loaded. This allows the occupant in the wheelchair to easily converse with the rear passengers on either side.
Renault TECH approached this project to ease the loading and unloading of the wheelchair passenger while making it manageable for a single able bodied individual. Not only that, the division's aim was also to make the WAV a safe and secure means of transport for the disabled.
The procedure to load the wheelchair is a rather straight forward affair. After opening the rear cargo doors, the ramp is lowered using a wired remote control. Well, before the ramp is lowered, a nifty pneumatic system built into the car's suspension actually lowers the rear of the car automatically to ease the loading process.
When the ramp is lowered, you can push the wheelchair directly into the cargo bay along a gangway that leads to the interior. Knowing that this might be a difficult task at night, the designers incorporated a row of lights along the sides like a runway to guide you along.
Once in, the wheelchair is secured with a pair of fasteners at the front of the wheelchair to hold it in place securely. A second set of fasteners are also available to secure the rear of the chair using retractable straps. A safety belt wraps around the wheelchair and the occupant to complete an extensive safety system.
In the event of an emergency where the wheelchair occupant has to release himself from the straps, a seatbelt cutter is placed near the left rear window. On the right, there's a button for the emergency release of the ramp.
The procedure to load the wheelchair is a rather straight forward affair. After opening the rear cargo doors, the ramp is lowered using a wired remote control. Well, before the ramp is lowered, a nifty pneumatic system built into the car's suspension actually lowers the rear of the car automatically to ease the loading process.
When the ramp is lowered, you can push the wheelchair directly into the cargo bay along a gangway that leads to the interior. Knowing that this might be a difficult task at night, the designers incorporated a row of lights along the sides like a runway to guide you along.
Once in, the wheelchair is secured with a pair of fasteners at the front of the wheelchair to hold it in place securely. A second set of fasteners are also available to secure the rear of the chair using retractable straps. A safety belt wraps around the wheelchair and the occupant to complete an extensive safety system.
In the event of an emergency where the wheelchair occupant has to release himself from the straps, a seatbelt cutter is placed near the left rear window. On the right, there's a button for the emergency release of the ramp.
![]() |
Unfortunately with the wheelchair stowed, the boot capacity suffers as there is little to no space left for storage of other items.
The Drive
The Kangoo WAV is powered by a modest 1.6-litre petrol engine that avails 105bhp with 148Nm of torque. The figures translate to a rather sedate drive that to be honest isn't really a bad thing considering the passengers involved.
At cruising speeds, the ride is surprisingly comfortable which is in no small part thanks to the Renault Scenic chassis that the Kangoo WAV is riding on. Although I won't recommend any lateral adventures in this, the cornering ability is also decent enough for something of this height.
The Drive
The Kangoo WAV is powered by a modest 1.6-litre petrol engine that avails 105bhp with 148Nm of torque. The figures translate to a rather sedate drive that to be honest isn't really a bad thing considering the passengers involved.
At cruising speeds, the ride is surprisingly comfortable which is in no small part thanks to the Renault Scenic chassis that the Kangoo WAV is riding on. Although I won't recommend any lateral adventures in this, the cornering ability is also decent enough for something of this height.
While the car itself is decently insulated from the road noise, one can't avoid the shakes and rattles that come from the wheelchair itself.
Conclusion
It is nice to see car manufacturers attending to the special needs of customers and making their lives a lot easier with a wheelchair accessible vehicle like this.
A vehicle like this will appeal to families who wish to continue including their elderly or disabled in the weekend family activities. Private hospitals and elder care centres will also find this a useful addition to their fleet.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
It is nice to see car manufacturers attending to the special needs of customers and making their lives a lot easier with a wheelchair accessible vehicle like this.
A vehicle like this will appeal to families who wish to continue including their elderly or disabled in the weekend family activities. Private hospitals and elder care centres will also find this a useful addition to their fleet.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
A healthy, carefree youngish person like you and I wouldn't appreciate the difficulty involved in bringing an aged parent or disabled family member around. The act of folding the wheelchair, lifting the person in and out of the vehicle and repeating the same process at the destination can be tiring. What's worse is that it is neigh impossible for a single individual to carry out these tasks. Renault seems to have a solution here with the ramp equipped Kangoo WAV.
Renault understanding all these difficulties faced by families set up their TECH division to tackle these problems.
The division specialises in coordinating the design, development and manufacturing of altered Renault passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Exterior
Externally, the WAV version of the Kangoo looks nearly identical to the less illustrious cargo version.
Renault understanding all these difficulties faced by families set up their TECH division to tackle these problems.
The division specialises in coordinating the design, development and manufacturing of altered Renault passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Exterior
Externally, the WAV version of the Kangoo looks nearly identical to the less illustrious cargo version.
![]() |
The people carrying version here sports a painted lower bumper in the front as opposed to the grey plastic used on the cargo version.
Along the sides, the people carrier gains some additional glass area to relieve the occupants of claustrophobia.
Unlike the cargo variant, the Kangoo WAV is fitted with 15 inch alloys here.
![]() |
Interior
On the inside, things are a little more civilised compared to the cargo variant as Renault attempted to liven up the interior mood by using brown leather seats here. They contrast nicely with the grey of the dashboard. The dashboard materials and design is shared with the cargo version. The WAV comes with a digital climate control in place of the analog version in the base model.
The driving seat is pretty comfortable though you're seated a little higher than in a normal sedan. (some might like that). Controls like the steering are adjustable and even though it is only rake adjustable, it gave a rather comfortable driving position.
Along with the digital climate control, the surround has also been changed to brushed aluminium in order to tone down on the drab grey plastic. The audio fitted here is also slightly different as it looks like a factory fitted system.
Remote controls for the audio system is reproduced on a stalk just below the wiper stalk on the right side like on the van. Thankfully, the controls like in the van are intuitive to use.
Seating in the rear passenger compartment is reasonably spacious with adequate legroom. Unlike a car, the rear bench has been split with the centre portion cut out to accommodate the wheelchair when it is loaded. This allows the occupant in the wheelchair to easily converse with the rear passengers on either side.
On the inside, things are a little more civilised compared to the cargo variant as Renault attempted to liven up the interior mood by using brown leather seats here. They contrast nicely with the grey of the dashboard. The dashboard materials and design is shared with the cargo version. The WAV comes with a digital climate control in place of the analog version in the base model.
The driving seat is pretty comfortable though you're seated a little higher than in a normal sedan. (some might like that). Controls like the steering are adjustable and even though it is only rake adjustable, it gave a rather comfortable driving position.
Along with the digital climate control, the surround has also been changed to brushed aluminium in order to tone down on the drab grey plastic. The audio fitted here is also slightly different as it looks like a factory fitted system.
Remote controls for the audio system is reproduced on a stalk just below the wiper stalk on the right side like on the van. Thankfully, the controls like in the van are intuitive to use.
Seating in the rear passenger compartment is reasonably spacious with adequate legroom. Unlike a car, the rear bench has been split with the centre portion cut out to accommodate the wheelchair when it is loaded. This allows the occupant in the wheelchair to easily converse with the rear passengers on either side.
Renault TECH approached this project to ease the loading and unloading of the wheelchair passenger while making it manageable for a single able bodied individual. Not only that, the division's aim was also to make the WAV a safe and secure means of transport for the disabled.
The procedure to load the wheelchair is a rather straight forward affair. After opening the rear cargo doors, the ramp is lowered using a wired remote control. Well, before the ramp is lowered, a nifty pneumatic system built into the car's suspension actually lowers the rear of the car automatically to ease the loading process.
When the ramp is lowered, you can push the wheelchair directly into the cargo bay along a gangway that leads to the interior. Knowing that this might be a difficult task at night, the designers incorporated a row of lights along the sides like a runway to guide you along.
Once in, the wheelchair is secured with a pair of fasteners at the front of the wheelchair to hold it in place securely. A second set of fasteners are also available to secure the rear of the chair using retractable straps. A safety belt wraps around the wheelchair and the occupant to complete an extensive safety system.
In the event of an emergency where the wheelchair occupant has to release himself from the straps, a seatbelt cutter is placed near the left rear window. On the right, there's a button for the emergency release of the ramp.
The procedure to load the wheelchair is a rather straight forward affair. After opening the rear cargo doors, the ramp is lowered using a wired remote control. Well, before the ramp is lowered, a nifty pneumatic system built into the car's suspension actually lowers the rear of the car automatically to ease the loading process.
When the ramp is lowered, you can push the wheelchair directly into the cargo bay along a gangway that leads to the interior. Knowing that this might be a difficult task at night, the designers incorporated a row of lights along the sides like a runway to guide you along.
Once in, the wheelchair is secured with a pair of fasteners at the front of the wheelchair to hold it in place securely. A second set of fasteners are also available to secure the rear of the chair using retractable straps. A safety belt wraps around the wheelchair and the occupant to complete an extensive safety system.
In the event of an emergency where the wheelchair occupant has to release himself from the straps, a seatbelt cutter is placed near the left rear window. On the right, there's a button for the emergency release of the ramp.
![]() |
Unfortunately with the wheelchair stowed, the boot capacity suffers as there is little to no space left for storage of other items.
The Drive
The Kangoo WAV is powered by a modest 1.6-litre petrol engine that avails 105bhp with 148Nm of torque. The figures translate to a rather sedate drive that to be honest isn't really a bad thing considering the passengers involved.
At cruising speeds, the ride is surprisingly comfortable which is in no small part thanks to the Renault Scenic chassis that the Kangoo WAV is riding on. Although I won't recommend any lateral adventures in this, the cornering ability is also decent enough for something of this height.
The Drive
The Kangoo WAV is powered by a modest 1.6-litre petrol engine that avails 105bhp with 148Nm of torque. The figures translate to a rather sedate drive that to be honest isn't really a bad thing considering the passengers involved.
At cruising speeds, the ride is surprisingly comfortable which is in no small part thanks to the Renault Scenic chassis that the Kangoo WAV is riding on. Although I won't recommend any lateral adventures in this, the cornering ability is also decent enough for something of this height.
While the car itself is decently insulated from the road noise, one can't avoid the shakes and rattles that come from the wheelchair itself.
Conclusion
It is nice to see car manufacturers attending to the special needs of customers and making their lives a lot easier with a wheelchair accessible vehicle like this.
A vehicle like this will appeal to families who wish to continue including their elderly or disabled in the weekend family activities. Private hospitals and elder care centres will also find this a useful addition to their fleet.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
It is nice to see car manufacturers attending to the special needs of customers and making their lives a lot easier with a wheelchair accessible vehicle like this.
A vehicle like this will appeal to families who wish to continue including their elderly or disabled in the weekend family activities. Private hospitals and elder care centres will also find this a useful addition to their fleet.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Car Information
Renault Kangoo WAV 1.6 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|12.2km/L
Horsepower
78kW (105 bhp)
Torque
148 Nm
Acceleration
13.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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