Where would we be without small vans? There's a multitude of these vehicles out there being employed by all manner of different companies for a variety of diverse purposes. From fishmongers to financial institutions there's room on almost everybody's fleet for a dependable little van. All of which goes a long way to explaining why the various small van manufacturers are so keen on ensuring it's their model that these operators choose. Renault have long been amongst the leaders in this field with their Kangoo van and over time they've introduced successive sets of revisions to ensure it continues to compete.

Today's Kangoo sports a neat and distinctive front end but, as is almost always the case with compact vans, a boxy and unremarkable rear. Large elliptical headlights with their integrated clear lens indicators dominate the frontal aspect along with a bonnet that curves up at the wings and features an unusual crease running down its centre. There's also a horizontally slatted grille and a large air-intake in the skirt below the bumper that wouldn't look out of place on a hot-hatch. The Kangoo has inherited the Renault van family's facial features over the years with visual similarities between it, the Trafic and the Movano instantly apparent. The original Kangoo wasn't much to look at and that failing has been successfully addressed in later models. Having said that, Renault have shown admirable restraint, remembering this is a commercial vehicle, stopping well short of going overboard with the fancy detailing.

The Kangoo Range features two trim levels (SL or SL+) and five engines. That's more power options than you find in most small van Ranges but the three diesels are essentially the same unit tuned to provide differing power outputs. Buyers can get their hands of the 1.5-litre dCi in 60, 70 or 84bhp form. All are quiet and economical with good response at low engine speeds to negate the need for constant gear changing. Like the petrol engines in the Kangoo, these oil-burners are compliant with the Euro IV emissions regulations.

"The small van market is big business and Renault's Kangoo has traditionally faired very well."

The 84bhp produces hefty maximum torque of 200Nm and hauling a fully loaded Kangoo up a treacherous incline will be well within its powers: owners should also be able to manage well over 50mpg. The dCi84 is also the quickest Kangoo around with a 0-62mph time of 11.3s. That's more rapid even than the 95bhp 1.6-litre 16v petrol option which is detained, partly by its automatic transmission, for 12.4s on the sprint but yields better refinement than the oil burners. The final engine choice is an economical 1.2-litre 75bhp petrol one that may be enough to tempt a few cost-cutting buyers away from the diesel.

Renault's Proactive automatic transmission system is exclusively available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Curiously named after another of those 'management-speak' watchwords that don't really mean anything, it confounds expectations by actually working rather well. Thinking outside the box, Renault have pushed the envelope to develop a clutchless system that alters its shifting strategies According to your driving style. A Kangoo 1.6 Proactive can still return 35mpg on the combined cycle, try running that up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes.

There's nothing about the Kangoo's visual make-up that should prove a turn-off for buyers but commercial customers usually select their model of choice on practical criteria, so a set of natty headlights won't cut much ice with them. Of far more relevance will be the user-friendliness of the rest of the vehicle. Noise is always going to be a problem in vans. In the worst culprits, the metallic load area amplifies road roar and engine noise for an overall driving experience not unlike being stuck in a metal dustbin as it's pounded from the outside with a big stick. Renault have done a good job with the sound insulation on the Kangoo and the result, aided by the more refined engines, is a relatively quiet driving experience.

Safety is a strongpoint on the Kangoo with a collapsible steering column, good body stiffness and height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners. There's also a driver's airbag (passenger and side airbags are optional), side impact bars, energy absorbent door padding and ABS brakes with brake assist. This little lot puts the Kangoo among the very best commercial vehicles you can buy when it comes to passenger protection.

General equipment levels are similarly good, entry-level SL trim being fairly extensive and including remote central locking, immobiliser, CD stereo, power steering and height adjustable headrests amongst other things. Make the step up to the '+' trim level and there's a sliding side door, a rubber floor covering for the load area, a three button key that opens the load bay and the cab separately, rain-sensing wipers, load area lights and electric windows. All Kangoos also feature RAID - the Renault Anti-Intruder Device which automatically locks all the doors with a hefty clunk as you drive away, thus preventing undesirables from gaining access while you're stopped at the lights.

The Kangoo is great to use on a day-to-day basis. With a big payload on the back it copes admirably and once the load is lightened you can extract some enjoyment from driving it home - especially if you've opted for one of the more powerful engines. The sliding side doors are well worth specifying as they add a new dimension in versatility to the load area. Meaning that you don't have to clamber in through the back to lay your hands on awkwardly positioned cargo. There are plenty of fixing points for securing heavy loads and at just 535mm, the loading sill is thoughtfully placed to lessen the chances of doing yourself a mischief. In the cab, improvements have been made to the look and feel of the fixtures and fittings. Overall it's a pleasant place to sit and the tough plastics seem well up to the job.

The small van market is big business and Renault's Kangoo has traditionally faired very well. It remains the top-selling small van in Europe, has consistently figured in the top five UK models over recent years and, despite some stiff competition, looks likely to continue a similar level of performance. The 1.5-litre dCi power options are amongst the most economical around, safety provision is class-leading and Renault provide a good level of standard specification. The Kangoo is well-equipped to help your company get the jump on its competitors.