If I had to give my vote to the vehicle which had the most extravagant change in its look from outgoing model to new model, the 2016 Renault KOLEOS would take my vote. There wasn’t anything too bad about the old model, but the new model looks amazing. On a visual scale of 1-10, the new KOLEOS has the wow factor to send it close to 10. It’s a stylish new SUV that has the looks to rival Volvo’s new XC90.
A pleasant surprise, the influential looks of the new Renault KOLEOS dominates your view and draws the eye. Powerful lines and a strong presence are what the roomy KOLEOS offers, and of course there is a load of superb safety features built into each new KOLEOS design.
Head out onto the open road and be impressed with the quiet ride and comfortable seating arrangement. The KOLEOS has a CVT automatic transmission, so the seamless progression of lusty acceleration is felt by all. It’s not able to match an X5 or even a Volvo XC90 for pick-up; however the comfort and ride quality is one of the best. So, power for the KOLEOS come from a new 126 kW 2.5-litre power plant. It’s a naturally aspirated multipoint fuel injected engine that generates. A maximum of 226 Nm of torque is spread wide, and while it won’t set your wheels smoking, there is plenty of grunt to get the job done. To give you an idea, the 2016 KOLEOS can run onto 200 km/h on the right piece of road, while it can scamper through the 0-100 km/h sprint in less than 10 seconds. Expect around 9 litres/100 km or less, on average. A responsive and fluid drive is what the new Renault KOLEOS is all about. You can as tow up to 2000 kg.
There is a good solid feel to the way the KOLEOS manages the road. And with off-road potential, the new Renault KOLEOS impresses with its capable grip and ground clearance. On AWD models, it only takes a push of a button, and you can switch between three different driving modes. 2WD mode engages the front wheels for powering the vehicle in most road conditions. Auto mode is for selecting when road conditions are wet and slippery or for when the road surface is unsealed. Sensors will distribute torque between the front and rear wheels to match road conditions. 4WD/Lock is for driving in snow and ice, off road and up-and-down steep hills.
You will be able to relax in what is a sumptuous cabin. Electronic seats are leather trimmed as standard. For its class, the new Renault KOLEOS leads the way for rear passenger leg room. Rear passengers enjoy dual air vents, dual USB charging ports and rear seat nets to keep things tidy. There is a centre arm rest if you need somewhere to put your drinks. Opt for the INTEZ model and you’ll step up to some exquisite leather seats. At the centre of the dash, the 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the stylish design. One of the larger screens on offer, it is also easy to read and easy to use; simply drag, pinch, or swipe to navigate between apps. You can also personalise your home screen like any good desk top or smartphone. You can also control functions with ‘voice commands’. If the best musical experience is what you’re after, then the12 high-performance speaker system will impress. This is a premium Bose sound system that is rich and clear.
On approach, the KOLEOS has the gadgetry to switch on the daytime running lights for you, unlock the doors and deploy the door mirrors without needing to take the key out of your pocket or bag. When it comes to opening the boot, you can use the remote key card or place your foot underneath the rear bumper. Sensors then open the tailgate automatically. A useful 458-litres of luggage space is offered over a low loading sill. A rear boot cover and ‘Privacy Glass’ hides your load. When driving, or leaving the car on the street, Renault’s new Koleos will automatically engage the door locks.
Of the seven exterior colours, I reckon the Meissen Blue is beautiful. Two variants are available; the KOLEOS ZEN has the choice of 4×2 or 4×4 available. Adaptive front airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) safety systems with emergency warning lights, Hill Start Assist (HSA), an electronic parking brake, front and rear parking sensors with a rear view camera, ECO Mode for lower emissions and fuel saving, an engine start button with a hands-free smart key, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, automatic door locking when driving or walking away from the vehicle, dual zone climate control air-conditioning, brushed silver and satin chrome interior cabin highlighting, heated front seats, leather seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support, ISOFIX child seat fixing points, a rear central armrest, rear air vents, seat back storage nets, a 12 V socket, a push-button easy folding rear seat system, tinted rear glass and boot cover for privacy, R-LINK 2 – navigation and multimedia system with voice control and custom home screens, a Landscape 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, an Arkamys 3D sound system, Bluetooth, audio streaming, LED daytime running lights and Renault signature front and rear 3D Edge lighting, 18-inch Taranis alloy wheels with full size temporary spare wheel, satin grey roof rails and a shark fin antenna. Options include: metallic paint, sunroof pack, and a ‘Safety Pack’ – Advanced emergency braking system (AEBS) – Inter urban, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and a forward collision warning system (FCW) comes as standard.
The INTENS Renault Koleos adds the advanced emergency braking system (AEBS) – Interurban, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward collision and Lane departure warning system (LDW), Pure Vision LED headlights with automatic high/ low beams, side parking sensors, easy park assist, remote engine start, interior ambient cabin lighting, an automatic dimming rear view mirror, a height adjustable front passenger seat, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats with driver electric lumbar support, black leather trimmed upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power tailgate, 2x rear seat USB charging ports, a Portrait 8.7-inch capacitive touchscreen, the BOSE audio system with 12x speakers, subwoofer, wood grain effect interior cabin trim, chrome front and rear door sill plates, 18-inch Argonaut alloy wheels, chrome trim exterior highlights, an electric panoramic sunroof – Front opening, tilting, sliding, and anti-pinch Options, metallic paint, and platinum grey leather trimmed upholstery or chestnut brown leather trimmed upholstery.
This is a real step up in ride quality and luxury. The Renault KOLEOS really does impress all occupants. Prices start under $40,000, and don’t forget the excellent Renault comprehensive 5 year/unlimited km warranty. Drive something special this summer.
The new Renault KOLEOS model series includes the:
For any more information on the new Renault KOLEOS or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Renault dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!