Renault launch new Koleos | Preview | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 21 July, 2017

Renault forego seven-seat option for comfort with their new D segment SUV

Overview

Renault Koleos Overview

Renault have introduced a new larger D-segment SUV to their growing crossover range. The five-seat Koleos will sit above the successful Captur and Kadjar in the line-up, and according to the brand will prioritise space and comfort over additional seating.

Described as the flagship model of their high-end range, the Koleos adopts the same design language that has seen the Renault brand undergo a massive transformation since chief designer Laurens van den Acker first slapped that large lozenge across the front of the Clio back in 2012.

It works well on this much larger scale, and the generous dimensions and strong shoulder lines give the Koleos some excellent road presence. Measuring in at more than 4.6 metres in length, it’s an imposing machine that clearly has the premium market firmly in its sights.

This is evident not just in the space available in the cabin, but also in the finish, and particularly in the level of high-end safety and infotainment on board. The Koleos will be available in two trim levels – Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav, both of which offer a truly comprehensive standard specification.

Standard equipment highlights on the entry level Dynamique S Nav include automatic dual-zone climate control and a 7 inch R-Link touchscreen infotainment system complete with a TomTom SatNav system, a reversing camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone replication. Two USB ports in the front and back will allow four devices to be charged at a time.

A set of 18 inch ‘Agapi’ two-tone alloys, roof bars and tinted windows help it look the part, and a panoramic glass sunroof adds a light and airy feel to the cabin.

Upgrading to Signature Nav adds full LED headlights, larger wheels, a larger portrait touchscreen display, full leather upholstery and an automatic tailgate.

Both trims get an impressive list of driver-assisting safety features including Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Over-speed Prevention and Hill Start Assist. It has yet to be tested under the European NCAP system.

Renault are also placing great emphasis on its capabilities as an off-roader, with a 2.0l dCi 175 Automatic X-Drive model topping the range. This was the one we took for a spin at the launch and the combination of power and grip made it feel as rugged and capable as that suggests, but a spot-on suspension set-up and the exceptionally comfortable cabin ensured it held on to that refined, premium feel inside. Which is all well and good but it also pushes the starting price up to €44,490.

If you can live without it, the same engine is also available in a two-wheel-drive manual which will shave €4,000 off the price, but the most popular seller is expected to be the well-tested 1.6 dCi 130. As well as a significantly lower asking price, it offers the lowest running costs with a claimed fuel economy of 4.9l per 100km and an annual motor tax bill of €200.

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Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives