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Capable Renault Koleos is fashionably late
publication date: May 7, 2008
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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Strong on equipment, price, ability and warranty, the Renault Koleos arrives in showrooms on 4 July.
It is their first four-wheel-drive model available from launch and pitches itself into the booming cross-over sector where the forthcoming Ford Kuga will be competing against the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and VW Tiguan, among others.
Borrowing heavily from the mechanical elements under the Nissan as well, the new Koleos has better than average potential off-road ability. Koleos has hill descent and hill hold features to simplify cross-country driving as well as ease of use on-road.
The Koleos will be available in eight versions, with choice of two or four wheel drive, powered by 150 or 175bhp turbo diesel engines and six-speed manual or automatic boxes. Prices range between just under £18,000 to £24,700 as it covers three trim levels and there’s a comprehensive three-year 100,000 miles warranty. |
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| It is not Renault’s first 4x4 model, that appeared with the Espace Quadra in 1988, but it is their first to be available from launch and is a product of the Renault-Nissan alliance which has see the Japanese partners X-Trail and Qashqai doing particularly well in the Crossover sector.This effectively combines a versatile mpv body with the looks and sometimes running gear of a soft-roader, intended for additional safety and ability on wintry roads as well as modest off-road work and towing. |
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The five-seat Koleos has a split tailgate which opens to reveal a normal 450 litres rising to 1,380 litres maximum in two-seater mode thanks to Renault’s available Super-fold quick release seating system, which will prove popular as on the new Laguna Sport Tourer.
For the active user there is a ski-hatch and the front passenger seat folds to permit up to 2.6m long objects to be carried or used as a table. Options include front and rear skid plates for additional protection off road.
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Renault has a strong equipment list for Koleos. Standard is air conditioning, cruise control, fog lights, heated mirrors and tinted glass, multiple airbags, MP3 compatible sound system and even a cooling box with a lot of oddments storage in the Dynamique. Dynamique S gets climate control, hands-free facility, Super-fold seats, automatic lights and wipers, ESP with descent and hill start assistance and parking sensors among other features. |
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The top line Privilege in four wheel drive only comes in full leather with panoramic sunroof and blinds, bi-Xenon lights, on and off-road satnav, dipping mirror and superior sound system bespoke designed for Koleos. The familiar 150 and 175hp 2.0 turbo diesel engines will not be joined by a petrol unit which is available in other markets as Renault believe there is unlikely to be demand for it in the UK.
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| Four wheel drive is available with both engines but the optional automatic six-speed only comes with the 150 4x4 versions.
The 150 models have a 0-62mph time of 10 to 12 sec depending on whether two or four wheel drive but the 175 4x4 takes under 10 sec. Maximum speed rises from 107mph for the 150 4x4 auto to 117mph for the 175 4x4 manual.
Emissions range between 191gkm to 221gkm depending on powertrain and the economy overall shifts between 34mpg for the 150 4x4 auto to 39mpg for the 150 4x2.
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| FIRST IMPRESSIONS |
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They may be among the last major manufacturer to enter the burgeoning Crossover sector, but the wait has been worthwhile.
Looking at rivals, talking with customers and embracing the latest technology, the new Koleos is undoubtedly one of the best of the new breed. Its pricing, packaging, performance and prolonged warranty as well as its all round sophistication give it an edge over competitors.
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I tested the 175 version over a wide mixture of roads in Morocco, ranging from billiard smooth tarmac to what were little more than goat tracks through the Rif mountains and it shrugged off all challenges to its handling
The Koleos at speed was composed and crossing dry river beds or rutted tracks its refinement shone through.
The comprehensive hill descent and automatic four wheel drive did a superb job at finding and maintaining grip while the fairly long travel suspension soaked up the bumps without letting the Koleos roll around on sweeping curves.
The acceleration is respectable if not rapid but its quietness is probably the outstanding feature, even when pressing on.The access is very good, particularly with the drop down tail and lift up rear door, quickly folding seats and there’s plenty of room front or back.
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Visibility is good all round and the parking sensors are useful in very tight spaces.
My only very slight disappointment was that the turning circle could have been tighter, particularly in some off road situations or when turning or parking in town.
The steering does not give the greatest of feedback but you quickly adjust to that.
The six speed manual gearbox had a light clutch and neat, precise action through the sectors while the brakes always felt reassuring and well balanced.
The electric parking brake was very effective and is a simply pull and go action.
Easy to drive and live with and possessing abilities most users will not have to test to the maximum, the Koleos is likely to set a benchmark in the sector over the next 12 months for its value, ability and sophistication. |
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