Japan’s Weirdest Car Meet?! We Visit Mad Renault Kangoo Festival
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
- For over a decade, Japan has been hosting the world's largest gathering of Renault Kangoos. Yes, really!
And while the inaugural event attracted just a few hundred fans, in this 14th year of the Kangoo Jamboree, there were nearly 2,000 Kangoo models on show and more than 5,000 visitors.
One of those was Top Gear Magazine’s Tom Ford, who joined the thousands at the foot of Mount Fuji to discover why these Japanese owners and enthusiasts are so passionate about a small French van with sliding side doors.
Over to Tom, in a very sodden field…
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:00 History
02:07 Chat With Kangoo Owners
05:18 Chat With Frédéric Bourene
07:06 Conclusion
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Is the Kangoo the ultimate can-do car?
I've got a Kangoo 4x4 and it really is the ultimate everything car. Handles like a Clio, has heaps of space for work or camping, peppy little 1.6 petrol engine with 5spd manual and the 4x4 just means you'll be overtaking all the Transits that are stuck in the snow when winter's here.
Mine has got steelies and knobblies and it won't say no to a bit of mudding now and again.
The kangoo is the ultimate car
kangoo ftw
I like kangoo, but CITROEN BERLINGO is the proper thing!!!
The Honda Element bears it, I think so. The Kangoo does have more exciting colours.
Kangeese. A group of Kangoos is called a Kangeese
I prefer kangaroos, I know it makes no sense but I like it
@@cologist Well, it actually makes all the sense, since that's the origin behind this model's name.
@@cologist We'll 'hop' on that idea
@@TopGear That would be greatly appreciated!
i'm sure they are equally surprised why people in USA spends thousands to import a kei van and gets very obsessed with them.
I don't think you'll see such large a single model gathering quite like this though in the USA
R32 too for that matter
@@user-cr4sc1ht9t no R32 is a legit sports car. a honda acty on the other hand is just a small van.
I heard JDM Nissan Figaros have a huge fanbase just like this in UK.
@@ktcworks figaros are adored everywhere. that car is unreal, yet it is very real.
What a lot of brands don't understand: People love to build communities and have a special relationship with their utilitarian vehicles.
Basic, cheap and functional but with just a dose of "why so serious?".
We call them ludospaces which roughly translates as "playground vehicles" because with some imagination, you can do a lot of activities with those relatively small things thanks to the cargo volume. It was the Renault 4L of its generation.
Now imagine a Renault Twingo festival!
I am shocked something like that doesn't exist already, the first gen was always the closest thing to "kawaii" ever made by Europe. Would fit Japan like a glove. Get it painted in cute colors, pose with a maid outfit next to it, profit
@@miaugato93 perhaps there aren't many in Japan, and that place is took by Mazda Miatas!
@@user-ue5fv1kq7u Ah yes, the classic.
That’s a club I would love to join!
The 3rd generation is pretty popular actually
They're all probably like: "grr we don't like berlingo's"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH as an owner of both cars , i find this hilariously true
That's so weird!
**Proceeds to search for good condition Kangoos in the area**
This doesnt even look like a car meet. It just looks like a group of random people just came to the same spot and they happen to be driving the same car. 😂 Love it though
Well, to be fair it’s was pouring rain down. So there’s that side to it. I imagine it would’ve been different otherwise.
Basically all a meet is haha
Definition of a meet
Em, sounds exactly like a car meet you've described!😂
So...a car meet? 😂
I am actually surprised by how many showed up and the enthousiasm while it was pouring down like that. These are true fans.
I love Japan. Such a nice culture and people.
I love the ever so slight quirkiness in places you don’t expect.
you NPCs forced mass imports of illiterates on them, destroying their culture
That's amazing, always loved the communities like those
One of the best cars to begin the van life, and it’s no surprise that japanese people like them, they have those uber cool kei vans, but since they are everywhere in the country, they tried something different from elsewhere and found out the kangoo is perfect for the purpose.
They also are massive fans of the VW bus and several other quirky european cars.
Fully this is the Japanese equivalent of driving an Nissan Elgrand in the UK.
This is both the equivalent of an American Car in Europe and a Japanese one in America, and we love to see those
@@gymusen yep, we all love some foreign quirky cars.
I have a 2005 Renault Kangoo 4x4 mpv . She's my daily driver and love her.
Same here😁
that`s a cool car
Reminds me of why the old Chevrolet Astro minivan was popular in Japan. If I recall, they would import even old ones and convert them into RVs.
Don't forget the Dodge Van (Dajiban) sub-culture as well. Heck, some of them even modified those big vans to do some fun drift days.
I love Tom’s quirky Japan videos - keep them coming!!
I love how their fandom doesn't have to do with who's got the most horsepower, top speed or biggest pricetag. It's just a big contrast to western car culture
One of the best cars I’ve ever owned. My Mk1 was practical and totally reliable, with winter tyres the high ground clearance meant I never got stuck in the snow or mud, with a roof box and bars I could take a load of holiday gear and boards to the coast. Brilliant motor.
What a lovely weather
I've seen the odd Kangoo on British roads. Never would have expected this, though.
Not an MPV - CDV: car derived van. MPV= Scenic, Espace and other models that were only passenger cars with no van-version. Anyway - this is heaven and proof cars can be cool for other reasons than top speed, horsepower or 0-100-figures... The other day we had a AMG S63 in the garage at work. I could not care less - then we got a Kangoo and I was like "waaaaaant this!" The endless possibilities! Great car!
I spent most of my childhood hiding in the boot of a Kangoo.
Makes a lot of sense why JP love them in retrospect, with Kei trucks and mini vans being generally very popular.
Actually in some markets the first generation Kangoo (the one that was sub 4 meters long) was available with a third row of seats. I had one of those, it was brilliant. The third row was more comfortable than many other cars with 3 rows of seats, and there was still space for some luggage. It's weirdly fun to drive too.
Also, I really want that shirt!
How weird, yet amazing
Always watching from Georgetown Guyana south America 🇬🇾🇬🇾
As always, regardless of subject matter .....Renault Kangoo??.....Mr. Ford delivers! Sublime journalist and content. And very wet!! Pouring rain! Thank You.
the rain or shine dedication of this made me super happy.
This is truly a uniquely Japanese "otaku" culture. Groups like this exist for each individual car model of other manufacturers, and often hold offline meetings on weekends. In general, if you choose a commercial vehicle in Japan, the Toyota Hiace is by far the best. In terms of functionality, toughness, and good resale value, it is unmatched.
With this car, You Kangoo wrong.
I love Japan. Such a nice culture and people)))That's amazing!
This reminds me of how many of the JDM Nissan Figaros ended up in the UK despite not being sold here and developed a cult following.
Kangoo Jamboree is a great name.
Well done to them all showing up in that rain!
カングーは日本の道に合うサイズで、何よりKawaii
フランス人は良い車を作りましたね
Vive la France！
Brilliant... kind of wanted a longer video!
私は自動車ファンってわけでもなくて、ルノーのKangooと言われても知らなかった。ただ日本のイベントをあのTOPGEARが取材してるって事からこの動画を見たんだけど、この車って日本的なセンスがあるような気がする。
私達日本人って、多分、働ける車が好きなんだ。それがどういうセンスか知りたければ、多分HONDAのオートバイ、カブを見るとわかるとおもう。この車はそれでいてCOOLなんだ。私も見ていて好きだなって思えたけど、この車を嫌いって言う人はきっと日本人にいないよ。
「この車を嫌いって言う人はきっと日本人にいないよ」。これはちょっと言い過ぎです。好みはそれぞれなのでしょう。
わたしルノー自体がイマイチ・・＠元プジョー乗り
@@user-si7so1kb5j ルノーはかつて国営企業だったので、ダサいイメージがつきまといがちですね。
カングーは、花屋とかペットショップが使う「オシャレ商用車」が出発点だった気がします。観音開きリアドア仕様が日本でウケるのもも、実用性と、商用車としての記号をファンが好んでいるから。
日本でもいくつかハイルーフ系バンが売られてきましたが、ミニカトッポ以外ウケはイマイチでしたね。
I can't quite believe what just happened. An advert for Tom Ford just preceded this video. Seriously. 😂
I did not know they made newer Kangoos.
There's a yellow Kangoo in my residence and it's been there in the 16 years I've lived there
Many Japanese Kangoo owners prefer the rear double door versions they lineup, because no other Japanese cargo cars of this class have it. Double door is mostly for commercial trim in France but its with passenger trim exclusively for Japanese market.
Japan is amazing, Japan is the leading country in technology and robotics, and I love Japanese culture too. Japanese people are so kind and friendly. 🇯🇵😊
Japanese alway sneaky people and The economy is failing. And it's a war criminal country and a defeated country in World War II.
😆 😂
It's no weird at all, people that love cars, love them regardless of the brand, type or status. It's car people enjoying their passion.
It's like a French Honda Element!
I hope it was warm rain, at least!
I Bought one after watching the jamborree, now I am a JDM Hip ands my wife loves it!
Had a Kangoo Maxi van a few years ago, cracking little vehicle which never let me down in the 100k I put on it
My family always owned a kangoo
We had them from the very 1st gen. 2nd gen worked fine
We currently use the 3rd gen. Great on diesel consumption, good load capacity, but not too large to park in most cases
Maintenance is usually not too complicated or expensive
They are somewhat loud though traveling at 130km/h and have very soft suspension making them handle like a boat
I mean the Kangoo definitely has a lot of personality for a small utilitarian vehicle like that. I remember when they started to sell the BeBop version with the retractable roof, it was definitely a unique concept, but it suited the Kangoo really quite well
I swear the BeBop was a 1 of 1 concept, no?
@@Danse_Macabre_125 so, there was indeed a concept, but there was a production version, but they only sold 1400 of them, I just checked. I don't know in which markets either, at least in France
@@ambergris5705 I stand corrected, thanks
@@Danse_Macabre_125 to be fair, the concept was more striking than the production version, especially considering how little were built. I remember being fascinated by this quirky machine, but I forgive and understand that the rest of the world wasn't!
@ambergris5705 It's one of those cars I now really want even though I shouldn't want one (see also: R63 AMG), although since it's a Kangoo I'm guessing many have been used and abused.
It's a people carrier with a retractable roof and not built by the TG trio, so I suppose that's what makes it special
This is probably Japan's LEAST weird car meet. And you can't even begin to explain why Renault is desirable in 21st century Japan without mentioning Nissan.
Probably just a case of Paris Syndrome.
Here’s my take, as a Japanese.
Japanese commercial vans, especially this size are boring. They’re boring to look at, they’re typically in white, black or grey, they’re boring to be inside, let alone drive one, because that’s not what these vans are designed for. So Kangoo, with round design, comes in all shades of colors were like a breath of fresh air, it was van like we never seen before, both practical and fashionable. And Japanese loves it ever since.
RHD kangoos are very common here in Sweden aswell, but as post delivery cars. Not the nr1 car you think of as an enthusiast car, but people are into all sorts of stuff, why not :)
i think that umbrella represents me.. doing its best .. but still failing. but still surviving
So colourful! We need more colourful cars and honestly with how good their’s are looking I can see why they like em!
This is a perfect example of Japan's unique automotive culture. In Japan, there is a culture of dressing up and tuning even ordinary commercial vehicles. Such groups exist for individual car models of other manufacturers, and often hold offline meetings on weekends. Incidentally, when it comes to commercial vehicles in Japan, the Toyota Hiace is an overwhelmingly popular model due to its functionality, toughness, and good resale value. When it comes to passenger minivans, the Toyota Noah/Voxy, Nissan Serena, and Honda STEP WGN are standard general family cars.
I didn't know Renault was sold in Japan. This is so interesting.
I guess Renault isn't just in North America.
Much want for a Kangoo Trekka now.
Why 2023 edition ?
Interesting choice of clothes given the weather. Very thoughtful.
My hobby is mountain climbing, so I find KANGOO very useful.
Tom, I started and then I ended up watching it all because of your facial expression 😂
And if you can't beat them 😂😂
I have a kangoo. The best car ever for families
Japanese people: "The Kangoo comes in yellow, so nice!"
French People: L A P O S T E
Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto 🤖🤖
Next door is Dacia Dokker Fest. 😂
Who picked the Yuru Camp kinda BGM for this? It's brilliant.
It is Kawai thing. Kangoo looks and even sounds cute.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tom great video love your view on cars and car culture , keep up with great work ;)
A proof that there's no need to have a sports or exotic car to enjoy the car culture.
Japanese are really something.
It's just a brilliant piece of design, a latter-day Morris Traveller, but moreso. Mine is twenty years old, has 220k miles on the clock, and it's the most all-round useful vehicle I've ever owned, which is why I have hung onto it for ten years and won't part with it until it falls apart....and yes, it's yellow!
Sure Japan’s cars seems weird to us only because our landscape is mainly flat and our national was developed 300 years ago, whereas Japan was developed centuries ago, so their roads are much smaller because automobiles were a later invention to their time.
English man comes to Japan 🗾.. to see... Rain ☔😂
Imagine the same kind of car meeting but with Citroen H Van, especially if someone painted it like a certain cat that wears a yellow neck scarf.
You know what's even better? Someone is doing a cosplay of that particular character or the ones related to him.
Neko even has a magazine dedicated to the Kangoo
I love em. Nice video but a bit too short to my liking. Would've liked to see some more special ones. Shame they didn't show any Kangoo Be Bop, those are extra quirky. Surprised no one with one made it there
Why they don't meet in Australia?
I have a kangoo best car ever even if it is 15 jahrs old🎉
Well I am in!!
There is Kangoomu in Japan or are the vehicles in France?
Kangoo feels like the original iMac, Bondi Blue, popping up amongst Japan's boring black and white commercial vehicles.
This car is a great clever design. I own one
Missed opportunity, should have raced them at the Fuji Speedway
Toyota Hiace Jumbo & Nissan Caravan are great too 💯🤠🤩😁👍❤️🌳🏞️🌄🌌☄️🥇
It is quirky and cute
I was hoping to see some tastefully modified ones
Hi, I'm genuinely nor surprised, Japanese people love boxy cars anyway, just take a look at their Kei cars as an example. Notable boxy car mentions include Nissan DayZ, the Suzuki Hustler, the Toyota Voxy.
Excellent small Top Gear video and could this guy step into the main show if it comes back to BBC? He’s good! Come on BBC make it happen
They just love boxy car..
Its a shame it rained for the kangoo meet
Got a nice sense from this that Japanese people are rather similar to the British…
So no one is gonna talk about his French + Japanese English accent?
Cool and good plan .. world mostly many car is Renault
Just to think about it, Kangoo sounds like Kangaroo - a specie that keeps their child on their pouch/body.
I want one. I have a Caddy
I'm only surprised they're not all left-hand-drive. The Japanese think LHD makes imported cars more "exotic".
yeh, but bring someone without a condescending tone who actually love useful cars to do the presentation.
i wish buy bebob kangoo II
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 0:12
So, if everyone wants a yellow car, wouldn't Japanese brands do better if they offered yellow paintjobs for their models?
Nope. Bright coloured vehicles are still somewhat shunned here in Japan, although this is lessening at a rapid pace. When I first came to Japan back in 1991, almost every vehicle was white. Plain and simple. Thankfully, we've moved away from that era and it is only in a bit more than the last decade has the mould finally been broken and there is more variety of colours on the road. Yellow is popular amongst Kangoo owners, not amongst Japanese car owners as a whole.
is it in japan fanclubs of peugeot berlingo partner
vay arkadaş Türkiye'de bu arabalar buğulanmış farlarla ve olmayan jank kapaklarıyla yaşlı amcaların kullandığı araba türkiyede ucuz olduğundan ve clio gibi olduğundan seviliyor japonyada nasıl tatlı bulunuyor anlayamıyorum,
The soaking jacket and trousers are the icing on the cake.
nah kangoo jamboree sounds better - i drove one around 1998, it was pretty meh. Some of them made the kangoos seem pretty cool, i'd nearly want one again - yellow is probably possible because the post office used them and would have had them in yellow