Comical look, limited visibility
The Kangaroo presents an unusual silhouette that feels out of proportion. It is notably longer than the Oka in overall length (3600 mm compared with 3200 mm), while the Renault Twizy sits among the shorter options (1345 mm versus 1381 mm in some comparisons).
Unlike typical cars, the side mirror housings are not the widest part of the body; the rear wheel arches claim that distinction instead. In practice, little is reflected in the side mirrors, and in motion it is difficult to decipher what is seen. Optional heated mirrors cost 9500 rubles and must be specified; without them, visibility could be severely compromised.
Warm but not secure
The cockpit feels comfortable in terms of climate control. An air conditioner priced at 80,000 rubles is a luxury for a vehicle of this class. However, a diesel heater is included as part of the standard equipment. Eight deflectors help the system distribute heat effectively, and the slots provide ventilation while driving.
Safety considerations are less reassuring. The cabin is built from composite panels mounted on a steel frame, which could fail in a collision. The driver’s legs project toward the front corners of the cabin, and there is no airbag installed.
The front panel is crowded with gauges and controls. The windshield washer reservoir sits to the left of the steering wheel.
Moped-like performance, limited range
Acceleration is minimal. The stated top speed of 65 km/h is seldom reached; on a straight road the Kangaroo typically climbs to 55–57 km/h, while on an incline without payload it struggles to 35–38 km/h. Pushing the vehicle to carry a heavy load could worsen this performance significantly.
The stated range varies with battery choice, offering three options: 90, 170, or 340 km. In real-world city driving with a mid-range battery, one could expect about 130 km of range. If the accelerator is kept floored on empty roads, the battery might deplete within roughly 100 km. In city conditions, its dynamics and top speed are sufficient to blend with traffic, though the small dimensions yield a relatively large turning radius. A rearview camera and parking sensors are commonly installed to aid maneuvering.
The vehicle seats a single occupant in the middle of the cabin. The seat is basic in shape with minimal adjustment options.
Don’t push the limits; tires matter
Handling and suspension are not designed for high speeds above about 50 km/h or for rough roads. In urban environments, these drawbacks are less critical, though reliability remains a concern. Maintaining the Kangaroo constantly is seen as imprudent and unsafe, especially given the economics of operating a vehicle with limited safety features.
Tire availability is another challenge: front tires are 135/70 R12 and rear tires 145/70 R12, which are not easy to find. As a result, many owners revert to larger, more common sizes such as 205/55 R16, which can complicate fitment and handling.
Should it be considered?
The Kangaroo starts at around 1.06 million rubles, and a fully loaded configuration can approach 2 million—comparable to some compact SUVs. While an electric powertrain tends to be pricier than a petrol setup, the small footprint offers advantages in urban environments. Still, the interior space and comfort do not match those of a traditional car, and safety remains a concern for many buyers.