Renault Koleos

EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Renault's Koleos is a luxurious-feeling 7-seat SUV Crossover model that offers a very credible package for family buyers. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

If you need space for up to seven and want an affordable family-sized Crossover or SUV, your range of options is widening. Here's a contender you'll certainly need o have on your list, Renault Koleos, with slots into the French maker's line-up just above the successful Captur and Kadjar Crossover models.

Background

If the Koleos name rings a bell, then that's because Renault has used it before - with an ill-fated Qashqai competitor that sold for just two years between 2008 and 2010, quickly withdrawn from sale because buyer interest in it was so low. Things should be a lot better this time round. The Koleos is now a 7-seat model, based almost entirely on a Nissan X-Trail, an SUV which has proved to be a strong contender in the D-segment.

It doesn't aim to compete directly on price with volume versions of the X-Trail, but that's only because Renault has kitted this car out with enough equipment to embarrass pricier competitors in this class from Kia and Hyundai.

Driving Experience

Koleos buyers get a choice of two familiar diesel engines and most will choose the 1.6-litre dCi 130 unit, a 130bhp engine with six-speed manual transmission mated to front-wheel drive. If you want a 4x4 Koleos, you'll have to have the pokier dCi 175 variant which offers a 2.0-litre 175bhp engine putting out 380Nm of pulling power and is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto 'X-Tronic' transmission. Many buyers will want the auto, a CVT set-up that adjusts itself continuously whilst maintaining optimal engine speed and can also simulate gear shifts, producing more powerful acceleration.

The four-wheel-drive Koleos model comes equipped with ALL MODE 4x4-i technology borrowed from its X-Trail design stablemate. This enables you to select your driving mode - AUTO, LOCK or 2WD - and keep complete control of the powertrain on any terrain. For tarmac territory, there's also what's called 'Active Trace Control'. By using on board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle opening and braking effort, Active Trace Control brakes wheels individually, as required, to reduce understeer and help the driver steer a safer path through bends: it is particularly effective on slippery, wet roads.

Design and Build

Visually, the Koleos echoes the look that's proved so successful for Renault in its Kadjar Crossover and under the skin, you'll also find that model's Renault-Nissan Alliance 'Common Module Family' 'CMF' platform. The designers say that it helps this SUV provide optimum space for both front and rear passengers. At the kerb, the Koleos is of course a significantly bigger thing than the Kadjar, measuring in at 4,672mm in length and offering impressive interior space thanks to a lengthy 2,705mm wheelbase. Indeed, rear knee room is amongst the best in its class at 289mm with rear passengers also benefitting from dual air vents, dual USBs (with two more in the front), a central armrest with cupholders and extra tinted rear windows.

The spacious interior hasn't been designed at the expense of boot space. There's 458-litres of that with all seats in place and 1,690-litres with the rear seats down. Achieving maximum boot capacity is made easier thanks to the standard 'One-Touch' easy folding rear seats which can be folded (individually or all at once) via a button in the boot. The top 'Signature Nav' variant comes with a powered automatic tailgate that can open or close the rear boot by a press on the keycard or, conveniently if carrying luggage, by waving a foot under the rear bumper.

Market and Model

As you'd expect, pricing is competitive, starting at under £28,000 for the entry-level 2WD dCi 130 variant. For reference, a Koleos is priced at nearly £3,000 above a comparable Nissan X-Trail, but the difference between the two models narrows considerably once you start adding a 3rd seating row (optional on the Nissan) and a Koleos-like level of equipment. With this Renault, there are only two plush trim levels - 'Dynamique S Nav' and 'Signature Nav': if you want the 4WD dCi 175 model, you'll need the plusher of the two, but for that variant, you'll need a budget of around £30,000.

All models are very well equipped, with features fitted across the range including an opening panoramic sunroof, part-black leather upholstery, tinted rear windows, ambient lighting, cup holders able to heat and cool drinks for front passengers and a central armrest with in-built cup holders in the rear. Automatic Dual-zone climate control, a Hands Free Keycard and automatic lights and wipers are also standard.

Full infotainment comes courtesy of the standard centre-dash seven-inch touchscreen of the 'R-LINK2' multimedia system. This includes satellite navigation with TomTom LIVE traffic updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree connectivity. Plus there's an Arkamys 3D Sound DAB audio system.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. The base dCi 130 engine provides fuel economy of up to 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 128g/km. With the 2.0-litre dCi 175 variant, the manual transmission provides fuel economy of up to 50.4 mpg, compared with 47.9mpg for the Auto X-Tronic. The manual's CO2 emissions are 148g/km and the Auto X-Tronic has CO2 emissions of 156g/km. To achieve these figures, Renault's engineers did more than just focus on the efficiency and performance of the engine and transmission. By reducing weight and optimising the car's aerodynamics, the engineers were able to make the Koleos particularly clean and frugal.

Another aspect of purchase that should please you lies in the fact that you won't be fobbed off with the basic three year / 60,000 mile warranty that most rivals offer. All Koleos models come with a much more complete four-year / 100,000-mile warranty that includes emergency breakdown recovery. There's also three years' worth of European cover as part of this package. Servicing is required once a year or every 18,000 miles.

Summary

The Koleos represents the logical next step in Renault's gradual expansion of its Crossover SUV line-up. Now that the French brand is fully recognised as a producer of cars of this sort, this one should fare a lot better than its forgettable first generation namesake. Of course, the proven Nissan X-Trail design and underpinnings of this car will also help, though Renault has chosen to equip its contender to a level that positions it some way above the price of its Japanese cousin.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Renault Koleos

PRICES: £27,500-£34,200

INSURANCE GROUPS: 22E-27E

CO2 EMISSIONS: 128-156g/km

PERFORMANCE: [dCi 130] 0-62mph 11.4s / Max speed 115mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [dCi 130] 57.6mpg (combined)

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver, Passenger, Side & Curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4672/1843/1678mm