The very pure and crisp Renault Koleos design is elegant, simple and strikingly beautiful. It rates as one of the nicest looking SUVs on the market. Renault is one of the latest car marques to bring a crossover SUV into this hotly contested and growing market sector. The appetite for crossover cars is most certainly on the increase, so it is timely for Renault to provide something a little special into the mix. The Renault Koleos is both distinctive and impressive and finally enters Renault into the 4x4 segment with a dedicated model, which is based on the Nissan X-Trail. The new Koleos, however, is different it’s a crossover vehicle that offers MPV levels of comfort and genuine off-road ability. The Koleos is a five-seater that comes in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions. The Koleos is one of the better cars in its class to drive offering exceptional comfort and refinement.There's a straight choice between 150bhp and 175bhp dCi 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines, though the more powerful unit is only available in the top spec Koleos. 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. There's also an automatic gearbox option, but it's only available with all-wheel drive models and not the 175bhp engine. The electric parking brake was very effective and is a simply pull and go action.
The driver's seat adjusts for height and the steering wheel moves for reach and height, so the driving position is easily tailored to individual drivers. All-round vision is good and the main dials are easy to read. The centre console's heating and stereo controls are simple to understand and operate, and there are remote stereo controls on the steering wheel of most models. The raised driving position gives a clear all-round view and the front seats are supportive with plenty of adjustment. The steering is light to make parking and town driving easy, and it has a decently tight turning circle for a 4x4.
Long journeys are made all the more pleasurable thanks to the Koleos smooth, absorbent ride that makes short work of bumpy roads or even off-road tracks. The acceleration is respectable if not rapid but its quietness is probably the most outstanding feature, even when pressing on. There's plenty of grip in corners and the four-wheel drive system can be switched to automatic mode, where power is sent to the rear wheels if the front tyres begin to relinquish their hold on the road.
Renault's vast experience with people carriers shows in the Koleos the rear seats are split 60:40 and fold flat into the load floor at the tug of a lever. A split tailgate, with a glass upper and fold-down lower section adds to the Renault's versatility. The boot is a generous size and there are plenty of storage cubbies throughout the cabin. The entry level Dynamique comes with air conditioning and chilled glovebox, cruise control with speed limiter function, and CD stereo with MP3 compatibility. It also has an electric parking brake, roof bars and alloy wheels. The Dynamique S has climate control, keyless ignition and parking sensors. There are also cupholders, Hill Start and Hill Descent Control, and the Super-fold system for tipping the rear seats. The top spec Privilege models have leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, upgraded stereo, satellite navigation and bi-xenon headlights.
Here’s something you might not have suspected – the very French Koleos is being built in Korea, what’s more it’s being sold by another partner in the Renault-Nissan alliance, Samsung! To think that the Korean giant only sold mobile phones and other home electronic devices.
