Tim Robson road tests and reviews the Renault Koleos with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.
Read Tim's full review here: carsgui.de/2bV9KX5
See more at the CarsGuide.com.au Koleos hub: carsgui.de/2ck3IDq
Check out other mid-size SUVs here: carsgui.de/1Tu0SL8
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With the local SUV market showing no signs of slowing down, having a strong player in the segment is crucial.
And even though it's taken a while to get here, Renault is confident that its all-new Koleos has what it takes to tackle the SUV establishment head on.
The Koleos, which is built in South Korea, is based on the same platform you'll find underneath the Nissan X-Trail.
It's available in three grades - the front wheel drive Life, the front-drive or all-wheel-drive Zen, and the range topping all-wheel drive Intens.
There's just one engine choice across all grades - a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that's attached to a CVT gearbox.
The Koleos first launched here back in 2008, and this second generation car is much larger in every direction.
For example, it's a full 15cm longer overall, with an extra 8cm of knee room for rear seat passengers.
There's a lot more cargo space, as well.
The reason there is a lot more cargo room, though, is that the Koleos misses out on a third row of seating, even as an option.
This does put it on the back foot when it's compared to rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and even the X-Trail that the Koleos is based on.
It does mean, though, that the Koleos is a roomy, comfortable five seater, with plenty of creature comforts like heated rear seats and rear USB ports on higher grade models.
The Koleos also has a large tablet-like centre display that's used to control most of the car's basic functions, like climate control and entertainment. You can even use it to turn the car on and off remotely.
The base model Life is pretty well equipped, but you need to step up to the mid-spec Zen before you can option safety technology like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
Opt for the range-topping Intens, though, and for less than 44 grand, you get a full range of electronic aids that include automatic parking, side sensors, hands-free tailgate, rear USB ports and more.
The Koleos has gone from the smallest SUV in its segment to the biggest, and it's apparent out on the road.
It feels like a bigger car with more real estate in front of the driver.
Ride is good, steering is good, tyres are good.
If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, I don't envy you - there's more than 15 on the market to choose from at the moment, and there are more to come.
So why choose the Koleos? Renault has worked hard to price it right, it's got a load of room for a family of five, and it doesn't look half bad.
Throw in a generous warranty and well priced capped servicing, and the Koleos is well worth checking out.
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16 окт 2024
