A Home on Wheels Meets a Land That Moves the Soul
Tucked deep into the folds of the Western Ghats, Wayanad feels like nature’s last whisper before modernity fully takes hold. Rolling tea estates, dense forests echoing with cicada songs, and narrow winding roads that disappear into mist, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t just ask you to stay, it convinces you. For testing the Renault Kangoo Camperiz, this wasn’t just a choice, it was a natural calling.
Unlike most performance-led tests, this wasn’t about 0 to 100 sprints or apex-hugging tire grip. This was about living in the vehicle. Cooking under the tailgate. Watching rain bounce off the windshield at a campsite. Falling asleep in the back while frogs chirped somewhere outside. The Kangoo Camperiz, with its minimalist camper conversion and clever use of space, isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s trying to be your companion. And on this particular journey into Wayanad’s green expanse, it succeeded better than most would expect.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications of the Renault Kangoo Camperiz
No assumptions – just verified Renault data from the only source that matters: their official site.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Blue dCi Diesel, 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 1461 cc |
| Power Output | 95 hp @ 3000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4.49 m |
| Width (excluding mirrors) | 1.92 m |
| Height | 1.81 m (1.84 m with roof bars) |
| Wheelbase | 2.72 m |
| Weight (kerb) | 1577 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 164 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 litres |
| Tyres | 205/60 R16 |
| WLTP Combined Consumption | 5.4 to 5.6 L/100 km |
| Boot Volume (Camper Setup) | 60 + 110 litres |
Arriving in Wayanad: First Impressions and Unfolding Plans
The drive into Wayanad was calm, yet hypnotic. From Kozhikode’s slightly chaotic charm to the hairpin climbs of Thamarassery Churam, the Kangoo showed its easy-going nature. It’s wide, certainly, and the height can make tight spaces a challenge, but the commanding view from the cabin and effortless gear shifts more than compensated. With most MPVs, one expects a certain agricultural feel, but here, the refinement was surprising. The materials inside were soft to the touch. The plastic felt durable, not cheap. Renault had taken its utility roots and softened the edges with real automotive comfort.
Pulling over just past Lakkidi View Point, I opened the rear hatch to grab a bottle of water. But instinctively, I wanted to do more, I wanted to live from this car. And that’s what the Camperiz package invites. No hotel reservations. No campsite bookings. Just park, slide open the kitchenette, and begin the ritual of settling into the outdoors.
The Living Experience: From Metal Shell to Mountain Cocoon
It took under five minutes to convert the Kangoo into a livable space. The Camperiz setup is deceptively simple: metal storage boxes locked behind the folded rear bench serve as bed supports, and the articulated wooden platform folds out into a full-length bed base. The foam mattress, when spread across this base, felt firm but supportive. Inside, even with the rain pattering gently on the roof, the sound insulation kept it hushed. A cocoon. With warm, ambient reading lights and snug nine-layer blinds shielding out the early evening chill, this van truly felt like a second home.
Wayanad nights can be temperamental. One evening I camped near Banasura Sagar Dam, stars fully visible before a sudden drizzle began soaking the earth. I watched it from inside, with the tailgate open and a warm tea brewing on the single-burner gas stove that slides out from the rear kitchen unit. No rush. No check-out times. The shower attachment proved useful too, not just for rinsing dishes but for freshening up after muddy trails. That’s when the Camperiz truly makes sense, not in catalog spec lists, but in moments like these.
On the Move: Driving Dynamics and Real-World Use
On the move, the Kangoo’s driving feel is easy, intuitive, and refreshingly car-like. At lower speeds, especially through Wayanad’s narrow roads, the torque is instantly available, making gear changes smooth and effort-free. The 95 horsepower figure doesn’t excite on paper, but the 260 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm makes sure you never feel out of breath. Uphill climbs with the vehicle fully loaded weren’t an issue, though you do need to downshift proactively when overtaking or negotiating a hairpin bend.
The suspension is tuned for comfort. Even when I strayed onto gravel paths near Soochipara Falls, the van absorbed the undulations without transmitting harshness into the cabin. With generous ground clearance and solid grip from its 16-inch tyres, the Camperiz didn’t once feel out of place off the tarmac. The only reminder of its dimensions came during tighter turns in town, where the 1.92 m width occasionally demanded extra awareness. But out on open, forest-lined stretches? It felt completely at home.
In-Cabin Ergonomics and Utility: A Thoughtful Interior
Inside the Kangoo, things are far from bare-bones. The Veloce-based trim brings in thoughtful amenities like dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch infotainment unit with smartphone connectivity. But more impressive is the way space has been utilized. Every surface feels like it serves a purpose. From the tucked-away fridge to the removable cooking station, and the stowable table and chairs, nothing feels ornamental. Even the thick washable flooring was a blessing after one particularly muddy trek to Meenmutty Falls.
There’s one standout feature: the ability to create a makeshift lounge. Fold the bed partially, and suddenly you’re sitting upright facing the rear hatch, legs outstretched, sipping coffee while watching clouds roll in over coffee plantations. That’s not just a car feature. That’s therapy. Add to it the soft lighting, excellent visibility all around, and small details like multiple USB ports and adjustable reading lamps, and it’s clear that Camperiz understands the mindset of modern nomads.
Reflections Under the Rain: More Than Just a Road Trip
Spending time in Wayanad with the Kangoo Camperiz wasn’t just about mobility. It was about resetting expectations. A vehicle doesn’t need to be fast to feel alive. It doesn’t need to be premium to feel luxurious. The Kangoo, with its easy nature, modular comfort, and clever packaging, redefined what a road trip could be. It taught me to slow down. To watch the monsoon thunder roll over the hills, to wake up to sunlight filtering through misty treetops, and to live in the moment without rushing to the next destination.
I didn’t once feel like I needed a hotel. That says a lot. The idea that a car can double as your room, kitchen, and escape plan isn’t new. But rarely is it delivered so accessibly, and with such earnest execution. Whether it was at Pookode Lake or hidden trails near Edakkal Caves, I always felt equipped. Ready. Free.
FAQs: Curious about the Kangoo Camperiz?
How comfortable is the bed setup in the Kangoo Camperiz?
Surprisingly so. With a 3 cm viscoelastic layer and 5 cm of foam, it’s firm but not stiff. You can genuinely sleep well, especially with the insulated curtains keeping the light and cold out.
Can the kitchenette handle actual cooking or is it just basic gear?
It’s functional for most light cooking. A single gas burner, 12L water tank, a small sink, and even a fridge make it ideal for meals on the go. Think tea, pasta, or eggs, not gourmet feasts.
Is it suitable for long road trips or more short escapes?
Both. It handles highways with decent comfort and has the endurance for long trips. Just remember it’s not a speed demon. It’s about enjoying the journey, not shaving off minutes.
Can the interior be reconfigured easily for everyday use?
Absolutely. The kitchenette slides out, the bed folds away, and you can revert the back seats for passenger use. It becomes a family MPV again when you want it to.
Is it safe to camp in?
Yes. The blinds provide visual security. The doors and tailgate can be opened from the inside, and safety features like lane assist and blind spot monitoring keep it secure on the road too.
