Big Renault is a bargain.

Byline: PATRICK JAMES

STYLISH MPVs are a desirable commodity for many families. But they do come at a price. So for those on a budget, particularly in difficult financial times, cars such as the Renault Kangoo become an attractive option.

It should appeal to other buyers as well. Those of an outdoor or sporting persuasion will find the huge carrying load particularly useful for lugging the likes of angling gear and camping equipment around.

It hasn't got the looks to get the pulse racing and, frankly, resembles a van with windows. But it does have a certain charm, practicality in abundance, is cheap to buy and, even more importantly, to run.

It comes with a good range of equipment, but with some surprising omissions such as air conditioning.

Clearly originally based on a van, the latest Kangoo - it has been around since 1996 - is built on the excellent Scenic platform, which gives it car-like handling qualities and a decent, if sometimes bouncy ride.

But open the rear door and you can see what this car is all about.

Bigger than its predecessor, it is space, space and even more space. The seats are set low, with big deep windows for excellent vision all round.

I could barely touch the roof while seated, which gives some idea of the vehicle's cavernous dimensions.

A boot capacity of 660 litres jumps to 1,521 litres with the rear bench seat folded flat and increases to a massive 2,866 litres with the front passenger seat folded flat.

Carrying capacity is further increased by numerous pockets and cubby holes, and there is a full-width storage compartment above driver and passenger, while the three rear passengers each have an aircraft-style locker above their heads.

For access, there are two sliding rear doors, which also makes life easier for manoeuvring loads inside.

The interior itself is utilitarian rather than luxury, with hard-wearing plastics that reveal the budget nature of the car. Controls are well laid out, with neat and simple dials and short, stubby control stalks on the steering column.

The gear lever is part of the central console, which frees up even more space between the front two seats.

On the road, the car is reasonably comfortable.

Passengers feel comfy in the supportive seats and only really feel discomforted by poor road surfaces. The Kangoo has a choice of a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines with different power levels. All offer good economy and low CO2 emissions, particularly the 68bhp diesel, with only 140g/km emissions.

The most powerful version fitted to the test model pumps out 105bhp, returning economy of 51.4mpg, meaning trips to the filling station are few and far between.

Even this more powerful model only produces 146g/km, making it cheap to tax and take on as a company car.

Diesel noise is evident but not a problem, but the gear box is a little notchy.

Like all Renaults, safety kit is comprehensive and the base model Extreme has a EuroNCAP five-star safety rating and features includes front and side airbags, ABS and Isofix child seat mountings.

Other standard kit includes "see me home" lights, immobiliser and roof rack fixings, plus electric front windows.

The Expression model tested adds folding door mirrors, impressive sound system and body-coloured bumpers.

Facts and figures RENAULT KANGOO EXPRESSION0-62MPH: 13 1.5 DCI 106 5DR secondsPRICE: pounds 14,050COMBINED MPG: 51.4MECHANICAL: 106bhp, 1,461cc,INSURANCE GROUP: 5 4cyl diesel engine driving frontCO2 EMISSIONS: 146g/km wheels via 6-speed manual gearboxBIK RATING: 10%MAX SPEED: 106mphWARRANTY: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

CAPTION(S):

BIG ON SPACE - Renault's Kangoo Expression may not be the prettiest car on the road, but it is definitely one of the most practical