by The express test, as well as the words “test” and “express” themselves, are perceived very differently today than they were two years ago. But we, being conscious citizens, decided to voluntarily conduct an express test (for coronavirus too, of course).
While everyone is getting vaccinated (or has been vaccinated, or kind of vaccinated), we decided to take a break and steer away from the COVID topic to explore new models in the commercial vehicle segment. Especially since there is a certain liveliness in this class, which is quite logical considering the growing popularity of various delivery services.
Renault Express – who are you and what are you
In the Renault model range, there have always been many types of commercial vehicles – from the so-called “heels” to full-size trucks and tractors. Let’s face it, farmers and the police have been regularly using Renault commercial vehicles for more than a year now (albeit for different purposes), and used Renault Kangoo (including electric ones), can safely be classified as one of the most popular cars from Europe in Ukraine.
And although for most company owners and/or heads of transport departments it is more important to understand the cargo capacity and spaciousness of the vehicle, let’s approach the Renault Express test from a slightly different angle.
That the new Renault Express can hold up to 3000 liters and accommodate long items over 1.6 meters can be read in the model description at every dealer. But personal impressions are quite another story. That’s where we’ll start.
Not a pastry, but a croissant
We all know well that the Kangoo was never praised for its beauty. Yes, it’s a matter of taste, but it is a typical “heel”, “pastry”… inside it seems larger than outside. You can even fit a small elephant in it. Another well-known commercial model is the Dokker. Renault Dokker appeared almost 10 years ago, and at that time, the French managed to make it “more car-like” yet still functional. However, for many, it still evokes (and continues to evoke) associations with a “delivery vehicle”.
And now Renault Express has appeared on the market – it’s not a Kangoo, not a Dokker, not a Lodgy and even not a Logan MCV. Renault has managed to combine the incompatible in some miraculous way. It’s like a choux pastry with tomato juice, watermelon with black bread, or a latte with frozen green peas. The last option, perhaps, best reflects the essence of the Express, but with one condition – what once seemed normal (read: usual), is now a trend. So, if semi-commercial vehicles used to be called “pastries,” the Renault Express is a croissant, and not with chocolate or jam, but with kebab in a passion fruit sauce.
Externally, it looks quite harmonious and not as “pastry-like” as its predecessors. You don’t want to wash it down with black tea to avoid choking, but rather there is a desire to sip some fruit punch. Special attention should be paid to the color of the test car – it is probably one of the trendiest colors in recent years, called Nardo Grey. It is often seen on sport-tuned cars and supercars, but in this case, it’s an exception. A pleasant exception.
The Express interior cannot be called something surprising and “tasty”, but there are pleasant notes of modernity and technology. Heated seats, cruise control, cute (not scary in the “Lada sedan, eggplant” manner) knobs of the air conditioning system, and, most pleasantly and surprisingly – very expressive inserts on the dashboard. Without exaggeration – quite a Mazda CX-5…
At the same time, the functionality of the “monospace” remains at the same level as that of early commercial vehicles, which gained popularity due to their multifunctionality. The ceiling height, many niches and shelves, folding tables, a giant trunk, a bunch of interior transformation options – all this makes the Renault Express not only (and not so much) a practical car for business but also a great family car for people who love to travel a lot or are used to taking with them even what should by default remain at home (for example, lawns with flowers).
Lasagna Ukrainian Style
After all, lasagna is an Italian dish. But Dacia, you know, is not quite a French brand either, although it is represented in Ukraine under the Renault brand. So, it is not surprising that in our country, the Renault Express can be bought not just with a gasoline or diesel engine, but also with a factory-installed gas kit. Knowing that economy is everything for us, this offer can only be called “gasagna,” because only here (and maybe not only here) can you buy a Renault with a gas kit right from the showroom.
In this case, it’s true – you can pick up a car from the showroom that, by default, can run on gas. And this is a very significant factor when it comes to buying a car from the showroom while maintaining warranty. Let me point out right away – the gas consumption on the Express is 7-9 liters, depending on speed and driving style.
Simplifying, neither the front nor the back suspensions are excessively stiff and handle not-so-good roads quite well. In simple terms, it does not bump your spine at either end, and if loaded – it’s even better. However, there are some issues regarding the noise level inside the cabin. For one, driving over 100 km per hour personally became unpleasant. Obviously, the high ceiling increases wind resistance, and passing the 100 km/hour mark generates more evident aerodynamics noise, which might bother some drivers. Moreover, more noise is noticeable at 3000 rpm, and at 4000 rpm, it becomes a bit unpleasant. Driving faster isn’t exactly desirable, but it is a personal choice. It can certainly be said that, in the case of the gasoline engine, a 6th gear wouldn’t have been unnecessary (the diesel has six gears, if you’re wondering).
Also, given the current road congestion, it would not be excessive to offer an automatic transmission. Of course, regarding mechanics, there is nothing new and unusual – you need to work the lever quite actively, because the odd-numbered gears are quite “short” (just like the Duster with the “manual”).
Prices The cost of the Renault Express makes it a viable option for a variety of cases. Diesel, petrol, or a version with a gas kit – it’s a matter of choice, but in terms of equipment level, exterior quality, and interior decor, this is clearly not a stale “pastry.” So if this fits your format, the Renault Express is definitely worth considering.
