The New Renault Koleos
South Africans can celebrate in style with the newest elegant and sophisticated Renault Koleos SUV. It’s known to markets locally and abroad for the exceptional traveling comfort as well as an extensive range of equipment and all-terrain ability. In addition, the latest phase prominently features a refined and sophisticated front grille featuring Renault’s latest styling identity.
The French automaker spared no expense with stunning fitments and features including the renowned Renault R-Link media and navigation system. Other standouts are newly designed alloy wheels, chrome finishes and Ebony Brown body paint.
According to Fabien Payzan, Vice President of marketing and communications at Renault South Africa, “New Renault Koleos is a wildly sophisticated SUV, an overall package that makes an enviable travel partner. From its comfort and spaciousness to the use of refined finishing touches and top-of-the-range leather upholstery, the newcomer exudes exclusivity in every detail.”
Renault Koleos Exterior Styling
Unsurprisingly, the styling of the new Renault Koleos is similar to the Renault Megane and why not? The Megane has been an incredibly successful model for the automaker in recent years on a global scale.
On the front of the Koleos is large C-shaped LED daytime running lights and the new chrome grille that gives the vehicle an assertive but elegant look. Speaking of chrome detailing, it starts at the front wing and seamlessly flows into the front doors. At the same time, the side window edges and door handles also get a similar chrome treatment.
Riding on 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, the Renault Koleos looks impressive from any angle with a dominating presence. The bumpers and side mouldings are also body-coloured while door mirrors come standard with LED indicators. There is more than meets the eye in the new Renault Koleos with several practical features which include:
- an optional electric boot that you can open by waving your foot underneath
- doors that fully cover the sills which mean your pants won’t get dirty
- both the front and rear doors open to generous angles which is great for parents getting the little ones into their car seats
Renault Koleos Interior And Features
Quality has always been Renault’s focus and the Koleos interior is no different. The exceptional quality finishes meet and exceed the high demands within this closely rivaled segment. The interior styling greatly benefits from charcoal leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an electronically adjustable driver’s seat. Range-topping features are also included such as a leather steering wheel and gear knob, satin chrome door handles, electric windows as well as a Renault key card and remote central locking.
While Renault’s main SUV rivals offer 7 seats, the Koleos only has 5 but makes up for it with loads of space for ultimate driver and passenger comfort. The 60:40 rear bench seat can be folded from the rear in a single operation which expands the loading capacity from 450 dm3 to a full 1 380 dm3 with the seats up.
For added convenience, the Koleos comes with many features including electronic park brake, Hill Start Assist, power steering, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone air con, rear parking sensors and rain, and light sensors. Also, for the first time, the Koleos is fitted with Renault’s exclusive new in-dash R-Link navigation and media system. It has an impressive 7-inch (18cm) touchscreen display, multi-function steering wheel controls, and a console-mounted joystick.
Exceptional Safety Ratings And Features
Renault has studied and re-imagined all kinds of driving situations with the sole purpose to develop new technologies and systems to further assist drivers. It’s not only when emergency situations occur but also to help prevent them from happening in the first place.
The Renault Koleos received 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests and has several safety features including:
- ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
- ESP stability control
- Dual front, side, and full-length curtain airbags
- Load limiters for front and outer rear seatbelts
- Front seatbelt pre-tensioners
- ISOFIX child seat anchorage points
- Whiplash-protecting head restraints
Although confirmation of the engine line-up for South Africa has yet to be confirmed, the Koleos could be available with either a Nissan-developed 2.5-litre petrol engine (126 kW and 226 N.m torque) or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel variant (130 kW and 380 N.m. torque). All models will have a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) pushing power to the front wheels for the petrol version and all four wheels in the diesel. We could even see the Koleos with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and 1.6 turbo-diesel, which are currently in service alongside the local 2.5-litre Nissan X-Trail.
Could There Be A Renault Koleos RS Version?
Jean Calcat, general manager of sales Renault Sport believes that the French automaker is considering building a high-performance SUV bearing the RS badge. An RS crossover could be a difficult challenge for a vehicle like the Renault Koleos but it may be on the cards. However, it would more than likely focus on handling instead of just engine performance.
Considering all the facts, maybe it’s time to take a look for yourself. Book a test drive to experience the Koleos first-hand and remember to follow us on Facebook.
