Thinking of getting an upmarket SUV but the go-to models just don’t seem to fit your taste? Want an SUV that stands out even when you’re stuck in traffic, yet you don’t want to compromise on equipment? Maybe the new flagship SUV from Renault, the Koleos, is the car for you.
The Renault Koleos is definitely not for the ones who want to blend in. Its bold design and European built quality may fit the bill for some buyers.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Renault Koleos |
| Engine | 2,488cc DOHC with VVT |
| Transmission | X-tronic CVT |
| Max Power | 167 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 226 Nm @ 4,400 rpm |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM172,800 |
EXTERIOR
The Koleos gives off a very imposing impression that is also pleasant to the eyes. However, its 4,520mm length is actually one of the shortest among its closest rivals. It is the widest in its class at 1,855mm. The front grille with the large Renault badge in the middle gives it that masculine SUV look, and it is flanked with those slim full LED Pure Vision headlamps with LED daytime running lights.
The front fog lamps are halogen powered, but at the rear you get this pair of sleek LED combination tail lamps that dominate most of the rear profile. The chrome trims on the front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper all point towards the SUV’s adventurous nature, and complementing this are the roof rails. The Koleos rides on 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 rubbers as standard.
INTERIOR
On the inside, the French SUV has an air of exclusivity and quality. The interior upholstery is finished in premium leather, and the first thing that stands out in the black-themed cabin is the huge 8.7-inch touchscreen R-Link 2 multimedia system. The screen is vertically mounted and houses all the multimedia controls. The screen can be operated using swipe gestures the same way you navigate a smartphone or tablet.
Other standard built in amenities are GPS navigation and reverse camera. As expected from a premium grade SUV, the Koleos comes with a suite of additional features. Driving aids such as cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, front and rear parking sensors, parking assistance, auto dimming rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps all come as standard.
Besides that, the Koleos also comes with keyless entry and push-start, electric parking brake, six-way powered driver seats with power lumbar adjustments, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, cooling function for front cup holders and two USB charging ports at the rear.
This large SUV is able to take in 952 litres of cargo with the rear seats folded down. Put the seats back up and it will do 458 litres of boot volume. Although not the biggest in its class, it has a flat loading lip, making it considerably easier to load items.
PERFORMANCE
The Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated VVT engine that produces 167 hp and 226 Nm of torque. Power is mated to an X-Tronic CVT to drive the front wheels. Don’t turn away from the CVT gearbox just yet, because the 1.6 tonne SUV is able to sprint from nought to 100km/h in just 9.5 seconds. This is achieved with its impressive low end torque with 200 Nm made available from just 1,800 rpm. The Koleos will manage 8.1 litres per 100km on a combined cycle.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA, Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist. Blind spot indicator system is also available here. Besides that, the car has automatic locking function that is absent in many Japanese cars – function that most of us take for granted.
WHAT ELSE?
Customers can specify their Koleos in four different exterior shades: Meissen Blue (like the one here), Universal White, Black Metallic or Grey Metallic. As with any modern Renault, the Koleos comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Bookings are now open for Renault’s flagship SUV. You can catch the fully imported Koleos in the metal at Mid Valley Mega Mall from 7 to 11 September 2016.
The Koleos is fully imported from Renault’s production facility in Busan, South Korea. So, for RM172k, you’re really getting a car of real good value. There’s no plans for local assembly yet, though.
IMAGE GALLERY
