Review of the new Renault Kangoo - Family View

Life hardly ever turns out as advertised. In the world of the TV car commercial, the latest trendy compact MPV or 4x4 pulls up under a cloudless sky and the ultimate genetically engineered family bound out, showing off their designer clothing and pristine dental work. The bodywork glistens, seats glide effortlessly into place, the boot decants a shed load of sporting equipment with ease and everyone has a great time.

In the real world, the daily grind has markedly less lustre. Assuming that the cool MPV or chunky 4x4 is within your price range, it'll be covered in crayon and baby dribble within a week. The kids' bikes probably won't fit and more often than not, it will rain. Renault's Kangoo isn't a fashionable vehicle and it can do nothing at all about the weather but at least it's cheap and equipped to take the worst that a family like yours can dole out.

We've been running a Kangoo passenger car (there's also a van version) on a long term test to gauge whether this most functional of cars really can ease the stresses and strains of daily life. So far, we've put it to the test in any number of mundane domestic situations and the results have been enlightening.

The small MPV models that retail for around the same amount as the Kangoo may look more car-like but they're nothing like as spacious. The Renault's commercial vehicle shape affords masses of room for three rear seat passengers and a monster of a boot lurking just over their shoulders. The high ceiling creates an airy feel to the cabin and the 60:40 split rear seats fold down to create a flat load floor. This can boost the 660-litre boot capacity to an enormous 2,866 litres if you specify your model with a collapsible front passenger seat. There's also 77 litres of additional storage dotted around the cabin in numerous cubbies and compartments. The glovebox is minute but the other spaces more than make up for this.

"Life with a family can be dramatically less glamorous than the TV advertising executives would have us believe."

The various fixtures and fittings are sturdily built but the design does lack a little sparkle. The tough plastics of the otherwise impressive dash hint at the Kangoo's working class roots but are sure to stand the test of time.

Renault has attempted to give the Kangoo's exterior a personality beyond that of a compact commercial vehicle but its designers didn't have a whole lot to work with. The look is chunky and distinctive but it's clearly van-like. Still, there are positives to that. The sliding side doors for example, that open wide to give easy access to the rear seats. Renault has even engineered electric windows that disappear within these doors when lowered.

At the rear, the slab like tailgate lifts to reveal a flat load floor and a very low loading height so that there's not too far to hoist heavy items. The parcel shelf can be positioned at two different heights and bear a weight of 50kg, so yes, you can stick the dog on it. Cleverly, it can also be slid down against the back of the rear seats so there are no worries about where to store it when it's not in use.

You won't be expecting an exhilarating driving experience - and you won't get it. That said, basing this car on a chassis from a MK2 Renault Scenic makes a big difference to the ride comfort and handling. A wide track and a long wheelbase help when cornering, although there is still a fair amount of body roll, and with the ride quality which is surprisingly good if a little bouncy at times. You may feel motorway crosswinds a little more than in a convention family hatch.

At the wheel of a Kangoo, you sit very upright and the huge glass area gives an excellent view ahead. On country roads, there's actually a reasonable amount of grip and whilst in town, light power steering makes it easy to slot into tight spaces. Until you get used to the shape, judging the extremities of the Kangoo during parking manoeuvres can be slightly difficult as the bonnet slopes away from you and can't be seen from the cabin.

Performance is leisurely, with even the fastest petrol and diesel models taking 13s to reach sixty from rest on the way to 106mph. At least with the diesel we tried, there's the compensation of prodigious torque of 240Nm. That means fewer gear changes and a much more leisurely feel. The Kangoo will also return combined economy figures of 54mpg and we've managed over 45mpg on our test.

Life with a family can be dramatically less glamorous than the TV advertising executives would have us believe. If you're concerned that the latest glitzy family car might not be up to the task of transporting your little horrors, our long term test has shown that the Renault Kangoo might be a more realistic solution. It's not the last word in style or sophistication but it's affordable, economical and spacious in a way that few vehicles at this price are.