The French have made a comeback, but this time they’re not surrendering to the Germans – and they’re taking on the Chinese too! Yup, no longer must it merely contend with the likes of the VW Tiguan, now there are Cherys and Havals to contend with. Here’s how it fares.
The Koleos is Renault’s flagship SUV, positioned above the Captur, with the Duster, Kiger and Kwid Climber occupying the smaller slots beneath it. The Kadjar has since retired. The Koleos is a muscular and sinewy car, with a premium silver (on ours) exterior, horizontal lines and broad tail lamp signatures. Chrome finishings, ornate details, and bold door vents complete the look. It measures 1.834mm wide x 4673mm long and 1678mm tall with a 2.7m wheelbase. It’s bigger and more capacious than a Nissan X-Trail and starts at R596,999. The range-topper is the 4×4 Dynamique, which comes complete with an automatic CVT gearbox and a host of other upgrades for an R646,999 premium.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a large 8.7 inch portrait touchscreen and a digital instrument panel with customizable skins. There’s also ambient lighting, widgets for infotainment and HVAC controls worked into the touchscreen, onboard navigation, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and auxiliary connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also in effect, as well as speech recognition. Comfort is a priority, with cruise control, 6-way driver seat adjustments (4-way for the front passenger), and plenty of room for knees and heads of all five occupants. The SUV is spacious with no shortage of utility. The 464 litre boot capacity expands to over 1,700 litres with the back seats folded down.
Safety is not an issue with the Renault Koleos. It features 6 airbags, sensors, and a hardy passive safety cell. The all-round park assist comes with cameras and sensors, plus a host of safety tech for which you can attribute its 5-star safety rating. Underneath the metal, an independent suspension that favours comfort, Macphersons upfront and multi-links at the rear. Combined with off-road centric sensors, including yaw and 4WD, plus Renault’s All-mode system with 2WD, Auto and 4×4 lock configurations, it’s a go-anywhere vehicle.
Our test car came with a naturally aspirated 2.5l 4-cyl petrol engine mated to an X-Tronic CVT, which is good for 126kW and 233Nm, consumes unleaded at a rate of 8.1l/100km and barely poisons the air to the tune of 188g/Km of CO2. It’s an enjoyable steer, handling like a large sedan.
The Koleos is still a hot prospect and trumps by some margin its marmite predecessor. If you’re not put off by a car that is more handsome than you, the Koleos is an excellent prospect circa R650k for a comfortable Euro SUV brimming with toys.