An Inevitable Encounter with the Kangoo
Having worked extensively as a model in Paris, it was only natural for Hattori-san to become interested in the "Renault Kangoo," a national icon in France that also serves as a commercial vehicle.
Watching it drive through the streets of Paris as if it were the most natural thing in the world, it may have evolved from just an eye-catching car into a presence she wanted to have in her daily life.
Falling for its Distinctive Shape and Pleasant Artlessness
The charm of the Kangoo lies, of course, in its distinctive design. From its shape, which doesn't look boring even with a tall 1810mm roofline, to the clever fender flares that prevent the tires from looking small, this celebrated vehicle clearly has its secrets to popularity. Hattori-san, too, says she fell in love with this unique shape and color, and it’s easy to see why it has so many fans around the world.
She also appreciates the interior, which is functional and refreshingly unadorned, in the best sense of a commercial vehicle. Seeing it in person, the balance between the exposed body color and the exquisite grey resin parts is clean and genuinely pleasant. Its appeal lies not just in the look, but also in this unaffected, commercial-vehicle side of its personality.
Surprisingly, its driving performance is as light and nimble as you’d expect from a French car, and the fact that it drives far more snappily than it looks is another nice point.
Now a Partner for Capturing Everyday Life in Tokyo
Photography is a lifelong pursuit for Hattori-san. I was struck by the natural, effortless way she would gently place her camera on the passenger seat.
She says she always takes her beloved Kangoo wherever she goes, not just to carry her photography equipment. Rather than just a means of transport, it has perhaps become a partner that shares in her daily life.
The combination of Hattori-san's style and vibe with this yellow Kangoo made for a wonderful shoot that perfectly captured her personal sense of taste.
CCG'S Good Point
Renault Kangoo
Renault Kangoo
