Renault Kangoo news - How slow can you go? - 2007

Retired postmen and those of limited mobility rejoice: there's a new Renault Kangoo on the way.

Slowly. Very slowly. The original Kangoo was never renowned for particularly sprightly performance, but the new model sets a whole new standard in, erm, relaxed motoring.

Opt for the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel with 70bhp and the Kangoo will reach 60mph in - ready for this - 19.6 seconds. Just under 20 seconds! An almost-comprehensive scour of the statistics reveals that there are only two slower cars on sale at the moment: the 0.8-litre Chevy Matiz and the Fiat Panda 4x4. Esteemed company indeed.

There are, thankfully, quicker options: a higher-powered version of the 1.5-litre diesel putting out 105bhp or a 1.6-litre petrol engine developing the same power.

Neither are exactly blistering, but at least you won't find yourself being overtaken by glaciers. More excitingly, a pair of biofuel versions will arrive in the middle of next year.

Aside from the soporific performance, it's much the same shtick from the new Kangoo - a panel van with windows and sliding rear doors.

Bigger than its predecessor in every direction, the new Kangoo sits on a wider, longer platform and boasts loads more interior space, so there should be plenty of space for flatpack furniture and stunted livestock and so forth.

The new Kangoo will hit the road early next year, and should reach 60mph some time in 2009.