RENAULT is launching a new long wheelbase version of the Kangoo van, making it the first marque to offer a range of three distinct bodystyles in the compact van market.

The new Maxi, which comes in standard panel and crew van guises, is available in five versions, costing £550 more than the equivalent standard wheelbase Kangoo van with the same engine - from £12,590 to £13,590.

An advantage is that the latest additions offer a third larger load capacity than their smaller stablemate while retaining the core equipment spec of the current Compact and Kangoo van models.

In entry-level LL form, it includes 2x15W radio CD MP3 with fingertip remote control and auxiliary point, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, remote central locking and deadlocking plus full steel bulkhead.

Upgrading to the second trim level, LL+, offers 2x20W radio CD MP3 with fingertip remote control and RCA connection, Carminat TomTom satellite navigation and central storage console and armrest between the front seats.

As a result of the extended wheelbase, a new crew van version of the Kangoo also debuts in the UK, in a single LL21 dCi 85 version costing £13,390.

The multi-purpose five-seater benefits from twin unglazed side loading doors, protective luggage net and two further floor-mounted load anchorage points, taking the tally to eight.

Each version of the new Kangoo Maxi can be specified with a variety of options and two variants of the 1.5-litre diesel engine, in 85 and 105bhp, are available across five versions of the full Kangoo Van Maxi range.

Completing the enhancements to the Renault van line-up following the recent launch of the New Master range and extension of the Kangoo van family, is the facelifted Phase 3 version of Renault's best-selling van in the UK, the Trafic.

The launch date is July 9 and prices for the panel van range are from £16,400 to £21,650, and £18,750 to £22,450 for Crew vans.

The revised versions come with diesel powertrains in either 90, 115 or 150bhp form and all drive through six-speed manual gearboxes as standard, bar the automated manual Quickshift6 versions.