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April 30, 2003
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This Week:

• GloCar Concept: A Car That Takes Care Of You

• CLK Cabriolet: reliable lightning protection when soft-top is raised

• GM Recalls Some 1997-98 Pickups, SUVs, Vans

• Toyota Stages World Premiere Of All-New Prius With "Hybrid Synergy Drive" At 2003 New York Auto Show

• Lupo Princeton: new special version of this innovative city-street specialist  

• Renault unveils New Kangoo 4x4 at the 2003 Barcelona Motor Show

• DaimlerChrysler: Strong Operating Results in Q1 2003 Despite Difficult Markets

• FIAT AUTO And SUZUKI To Joint Develop A New SUV

• Starting signal for the Audi A4 in China

• Johnson Controls Recognized by General Motors With Automaker's 2002 Supplier of the Year Award

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Renault unveils New Kangoo 4x4 at the 2003 Barcelona Motor Show

Photo: Renault

New Kangoo 4x4 features a revamped exterior design underscoring its SUV styling. The model carries over permanent four-wheel-drive transmission with adaptive hydraulic coupling which suits all operating conditions, together with its full-size five-seat capacity and large luggage compartment. Paris - Kangoo 4x4 has been a hit since it was launched in September 2001, with over 20,000 units produced to date. It is the only purpose-built small van with permanent four-wheel drive fitted as standard, offered in both passenger car and light commercial form.

As in the front-driven Kangoo range, Renault has developed a new 4WD version with a more modern exterior design boosting its SUV character, plus a new front grille in line with the Renault brand identity. New Kangoo 4x4 also benefits from the improved travelling comfort features introduced in the front-drive version.

New Kangoo 4x4 retains its permanent four-wheel drive transmission with adaptive hydraulic coupling which suits all operating conditions, as well as five full-size seats and large luggage compartment. The 1.9 dCi diesel engine now develops 85bhp and drives through a gearbox in which fifth gear is higher for improved performance. True to the spirit of its concept, New Kangoo 4x4 remains a fun, practical and versatile 4WD that is also economical to run.

A SIMPLE, FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL VEHICLE FOR MULTI-PURPOSE OPERATION

Introduced in September 2001, Kangoo 4x4 has been produced to the tune of over 20,000 units. In 2002, its first full year of sales, nearly 14,000 4x4s were registered, equal to almost 7% of the overall Kangoo sales mix, and 3,000 of these were light commercials.

Since its introduction Kangoo 4x4 has been positioned as a separate model that is simple, functional and practical, and competitively priced. It has attracted a large number of city and suburban-dwelling customers with families and has also been popular with companies seeking a vehicle that is easy to use in difficult terrain, regardless of climatic conditions. To extend its appeal, New Kangoo 4x4 introduces a series of innovations which strengthen its passenger-car personality, together with special design features to confirm its position within the SUV segment.

SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURES TO CONFER THE APPEAL OF AN SUV

New Kangoo 4x4 takes on the all-new lines of the front-drive Kangoo, including a plunging bonnet with a rib, redesigned wings and new front grille with horizontal slats, carrying the Renault logo at its centre. The smoothsurfaced headlamp housings shaped like water drops enclose the orangecoloured front indicators. Special headlamp units with a black surround give the vehicle a sporting appeal.

The bumpers are new. At the front, the bumper includes strengthened protective overriders and front foglamps surrounded by new grey metal trims. The SUV character of Kangoo 4x4 is emphasized by side mouldings, and also by wheel arch mouldings and sill trims (according to version). All these protective features, as well as the bumpers, can be body-coloured. The application of the 4x4 designation to the vehicle exterior has evolved with decals on the sliding side doors and inserts in the protective surround of the rear opening. In addition to the nine colours already available, four new colours make an appearance: Intense Blue, Motu Green, Beige Grey and Abysse Green, the last two being reserved for high-specification versions of Kangoo 4x4.

A CABIN CAREFULLY EQUIPPED FOR TRAVELLING COMFORT

As in the front-drive Kangoo, the interior design of the cabin has moved on. The new dashboard combines good looks with functionality: new glovebox with lid, new console with drink can-holders and removable ashtray, and compartments in the console and the dashboard. With its two-tone treatment, predominantly black on its upper section, the anti-reflective dashboard has a sophisticated appearance. Perceived quality has improved with smaller gaps, clean lines and the elimination of visible screw-heads.

Thanks to more curved foam mouldings, the new seats provide better sideways support and improved comfort. New materials are used to trim the seat cushion and backrest, including the upper rear panel. The high-range version is trimmed with a special "Treck" material whose original design is based on road surface tyre-prints.

A MORE POWERFUL DIESEL ENGINE TOGETHER WITH HIGHER GEARING

New Kangoo 4x4 offers two engines - one petrol and one diesel. The 1598cc 1.6 16V "K4M" petrol engine, identical to that in the Kangoo car, develops a power output of 70kW (95bhp) at 5,000rpm and a maximum torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm, 90% of which is available between 2,500 and 5,500rpm. The 1.9 dCi turbodiesel engine gains 5bhp, thus seeing its power increase to 85bhp at 4,000rpm with the aid of new injection mapping. Pick-up from low speed also contributes to ease of driving and the maximum torque of 180Nm, achieved from 2,000rpm, is an indication of its flexibility. The ratios of the JC7 gearbox taken from Scénic RX4 have been changed. Fifth gear is now 41/31 instead of 39/31, increasing maximum speed by 4kph.

PERMANENT FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION

New Kangoo 4x4 carries over the permanent four-wheel drive transmission developed by Nissan. The adaptive hydraulic coupling optimizes the transfer of torque towards the wheels with the greatest grip without any action on the driver's part, according to three strategies which depend on the vehicle's speed, thus allowing close control of fuel consumption. In addition, an ABD start-from-rest system operates electronically on the front wheels and reduces any loss of traction.

The ground clearance of the fully laden Kangoo 4x4 is 180mm, allowing a remarkable degree of off-road operation for a 4WD. In addition, a shield beneath the engine compartment ensures effective protection of the engine and transmission assembly and the brake pipes.

(April 26, 2003)