Car Showroom recently spent a week in a Koleos and for anyone looking in this market segment, we definitely recommend including this award-winning vehicle on your list.
Priced from only $29,990, the Koleos is great value-for-money, looks modern, has a remarkably versatile interior, offers quality trim materials and high standards of build quality.
Koloeos is a true global product that highlights the power of the worldwide alliance between Renault and Nissan. This vehicle was designed in France, developed by Nissan Japan, prototypes were tested over 30,000 harsh outback kilometres by Nissan Australia and it is manufactured at Renault Samsung’s Busan (Korea) assembly plant.
Engines are a 2.5-litre petrol developing 126kW at 6,000 rpm and 226Nm at 4,400 rpm or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 127kW/360Nm (six-speed manual version). The automatic is a CVT (continuously variable transmission) delivering stepless gear changes.
Koleos normally drives the front wheels, but 4X4 models gain the latest generation ‘All-Mode 4X4-I’ $wd system (shared with Nissan’s X-Trail models) which detects when grip is diminishing and transmits variable amounts of drive (up to 50 per cent) towards the rear. For standing starts, regardless of the grip available, the system automatically delivers drive to all four wheels..
We found it a very user-friendly system, and there are some nice high-tech touches – including Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
And while we reckon 90 per cent of Koleos models sold in Australia will never leave the black top, it’s interesting to note the approach angle (27 degrees) and departure angle (31 degrees) are actually better than Nissan’s X-Trail which has a deserved reputation for off-road competence.
Suspension features a McPherson strut front design with independent rear end and Renault gets a big green tick for angling the rear shock absorbers to create more space in the load area – many manufacturers don’t bother and for families, every square centimetre counts back there, especially when tackling weekend/holiday road trips.
It’s inside where we believe Koleos really steals an edge over its rivals. Typically Renault, it is finished in beautiful high quality materials that look good, smell good and feel good. The colour palette for both ‘Dynamique’ and higher specification ‘Privilége models is contemporary and stylish.
Seats are comfortable and supportive, storage compartments are abundant and the ingenious split rear hatch design makes loading a breeze. NBA players won’t be fans of the rear seat for long distances but we’re fans of the Koleos’ interior versatility for carrying loads and people simultaneously.
Renault is one of the global safety front runners and the Koleos is the tenth Renault model to be awarded the highest five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. ESP and curtain airbags are standard.
Behind the wheel Koleos delivers that high view demanded by SUV buyers but apart from that, the soft-touch interior and controls are more like you find in prestige European vehicles.
On the road it’s not a sports car but remember this company brings us the rip-snorting Renault Sport F1 team R26 Megane hot hatch…so it has the capability! The Koleos’ ride favours comfort so it’s s supple, soaks up bumps with ease and overall is very refined.
When pressed, the expected understeer is noticeable as is some body roll.
Definitely worth a look.
