I don't like the auto gearbox. It might be one of the worst I've driven (well, I generally hate auto gearboxes, but this one is still quite special. Smooth-ish enough, but eats up all the performance). The manual should be very robust, plus it makes more of the engine power. Most of the time I drive a Citroen Xsara, 75 hp 1.4, 5 speed manual. It's a bit heavier than the 75 1.4 Kangoo with 4 speed auto, but the acceleration is on a different planet. Yes, obviously the Kangoo will have problems with aerodynamics, but even at lower speeds the difference is massive. I doubt it's all because of the engine. The fuel consumption of the Kangoo is much higher too. I drive my Xsara at 140-160 mostly, and it'll do 7-8 liter per 100 km. The Kangoo will, driven slower, because it won't get that fast anyway, at least drink 10 liter.

Engine swap... I've heard of Clio RS engine swaps, which means roughly 200 hp.

yeh heard about the clio RS engine swap project from somewhere, fastest kangoo ever 😝.

is the xsara using the same petrol engine too? I would love to see how this engine is mated to a manual. Felt that is needs to be rev up around 4K-5k range to get some push out of it.