DRIVEN: 2016 Renault Koleos sampled in France – potential alternative to the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5?

2016 Renault Koleos review 85-1

Renault has been on a bit of resurgence of late, beginning with the fourth-generation Clio back in 2012, followed by the new Captur, Kadjar, Talisman and the Megane (sedan and hatch). The latest piece to this rebirth puzzle is the new Koleos, which made its world debut at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show.

Positioned above the Kadjar and Captur, the second-generation SUV retains the same nameplate as its predecessor, which wasn’t the most memorable of vehicles, let’s be frank. Despite being introduced here in 2012, followed by a facelift about two years later, spotting a Koleos on the road isn’t an easy task, at least for this writer.

Never mind the past then, as the new Koleos will soon be launched in Malaysia come September. The new vehicle brings with it everything new (save for its name), but is it any good? We head on to France to find out if the new Koleos aces it.

A quick look at the heritage first. The first-generation Koleos employed a Renault/Nissan C platform, along with the second-generation (T31) X-Trail’s QR25DE 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine (Malaysian-spec).

For the new car, Renault has decided to adopt the same development strategy as before, by utilising a common architecture that originated from the Renault-Nissan Alliance partnership. This time, it is the Common Module Family-CD (CMF-CD) modular platform, which also underpins the third-generation (T32) Nissan X-Trail.

This grants the Koleos with a wheelbase of 2,705 mm, an increase of 15 mm from its predecessor. The new vehicle is also longer by 153 mm (4,673 mm), but is shorter by 17 mm (1,678 mm) and sheds 12 mm from its width (1,843 mm) compared to before.

Under the hood, the Koleos continues to employ the Japanese SUV’s powerplant – the QR25DE 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine (listed as the SCe 170 this time around). Producing 170 PS at 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm, the mill is paired with an X-Tronic CVT, with drive being directed to the front or all four wheels.

For Malaysia, the 2WD powertrain combo will be offered initially; there’s no word on whether the 4WD variant will be made available at launch or later in the future. In other markets across five continents, where the five-seater Koleos will be also be sold, additional petrol and diesel engines, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox are offered as well.

In terms of exterior styling, the Koleos is almost unrecognisable from the model before it, and adopts the same design cues as the latest Renault models, the Talisman and Megane. Cues include C-shaped DRLs, LED front headlamps and rear tail lamps that extend inwards to the Renault badge.

At the front, the Koleos’ grille, with its four horizontal slats, is another hallmark of Renault’s new visual identity. Put together, this bold new look is what what the carmaker labels as a “Powerful Design,” and fulfills Renault’s vice-president of exterior design, Anthony Lo’s requirement that the French marque’s offering should be “instantly recognisable” upon first glance.

Other exterior highlights include 18-inch Argonaute alloy wheels (wrapped with Nexen tyres), chrome side window surrounds and plastic cladding for the vehicle’s lower body section. Those gills under the side mirrors are there purely for aesthetics, as the lines originating from the front headlamps needed a place to end.

Personally, this writer thinks the Koleos is a rather good-looking SUV, with looks that firmly distinguishes itself from its association to the X-Trail, even when both are placed side-by-side. Compared to its predecessor, the new SUV also cuts a more commanding look and stance, despite its reduction in width and height.

2016 Renault Koleos review 28

Moving into the Koleos, the main attraction is the large 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen infotainment system that dominates a large area of the dashboard. The system handles all your multimedia, navigation, dual-zone climate control and telephony needs, and is linked to a 13-speaker Bose sound system and the vehicle’s reverse camera.

The system itself is pretty intuitive and easy to get the hang of, with an interface that feels smartphone-like. Aside from the aforementioned capabilities, other functions like the SUV’s driving aids, ambient lighting and even user profiles are accessed through it. The R-Link system also features built-in app support and real-time traffic info, although those features require an active internet connection via an integrated SIM card.

Elsewhere, there is a generous amount of leather and soft-touch materials to provide an upmarket feel to things, representing a major step up from before, and even exceeds the cabin of its X-Trail sibling. Items like the customisable colour TFT instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and wood-like gloss trim on the centre console compounds the feeling further.

For rear passengers, the Koleos is a major improvement from its predecessor in terms of space (Renault is quoting 289 mm of knee room). It’s also pretty comfortable as well, and there are even amenities that smartphone-totting occupants will appreciate, like dual USB charging ports.

Those concerned about practicality should know that there is 489 litres of boot space (without the tonneau cover installed), and up to 1,690 litres of cargo capacity when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are laid down. Numerous stowage spaces are also available, and the cupholders located in the centre console are capable of heating or cooling your drinks as well.

Jumping into the driver’s seat, the media drive itself consisted of two portions – a short escapade at a vehicle testing centre, as well as a drive to Renault’s barge the following day. On both excursions, we were handed the keys to an Intens SCe 170 Xtronic All Mode 4×4-i variant of the Koleos.

The first portion was meant to highlight the off-road capabilities of the Koleos, where a single button located beside the steering wheel cycles through the car’s all-wheel drive modes – 2WD, Auto, 4WD and 4WD lock – with the latter ensuring an even split of power (50:50) between both axles.

Unsurprisingly, the Koleos managed to handle sandy paths, steep inclines and declines, as well as bumpy terrain without having the need for a tow, or causing a lot of discomfort to the vehicle’s occupants. Features such as a 19-degree approach, 26-degree departure and a 213-mm ground clearance are helpful stats as well, but the lack of a hill descent control feature or chunky tyres puts the Koleos in the “soft-roader” bracket.

2016 Renault Koleos review 78

Impressive as it may be, we don’t expect a majority of buyers to spend a lot of their time trudging through a forest on the regular. Which is why the second part of the drive was a little more relevant for a family SUV.

For the on-road portion, we were told to follow a 109 km-long route that would take us to a barge, and it had to be accomplished within a two-hour deadline. While not a very lengthy (or timely) drive, the route itself saw us making our way through the Parisian capital before making a short stint on the highway and then navigating through various French suburbs.

Around the city, the Koleos’ Nissan-sourced powertrain was pretty capable, providing good low-end acceleration, without the feeling that the engine was being strained. The X-Tronic CVT isn’t the quickest to respond, but be gentle and progressive with the accelerator pedal, and it’s buttery smooth.

Dynamically, the Koleos’ electrically-assisted power steering expectedly leaves a lot to be desired when its come to feedback, but is easy to handle when making tight turns – something city drivers can appreciate. Throughout the drive, there was no lack of confidence navigating the sizeable SUV, even when encountering narrow French roads that could induce butt-clenching moments.

2016 Renault Koleos review 88

In terms of comfort, the Koleos did well to dampen most of the undulations it rolled over. From brick to tarmac and even cobblestone roads, the Koleos was a comfortable car to be seated in, on par with its X-Trail sibling and better than the competition (Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V), this writer thinks. NVH levels were also kept in check, save for a few minor shortcomings like the audible whine from the CVT on hard acceleration and noticeable tyre roar when travelling at high speeds.

As for safety kit, the Koleos has six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), ESC, traction control, ABS with EBD and BA, as well as hill start assist as standard. Other additional kit (market-dependant) include fatigue detection, a blind spot monitor, lane keep assist and speed limit signboard recognition.

Like the previous Koleos, the majority of the production of the second-gen model in right-hand drive guise will take place at the Busan plant of Renault Samsung Motors. The CBU model is already open for booking with a price of RM172,800 on-the-road without insurance, which does pose a bit of a problem.

While the new Koleos may be impressive, rivals like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and even the Nissan X-Trail are priced below it, making them pretty enticing offers while offering nearly the same kit as the French SUV. Be that as it may, there’s no denying that the Koleos brings with it a more premium approach to things, which may be the main pulling factor here.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Not just potential but certainly worst choise for SUV,no RV and after sales service.Period

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 11
    • liuyingbb on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:27 am

      Similar price range. KIA Sorento a better buy

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 7
    • john is otak batu on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Of course lah brader, orang nampak label pun dah takut! 5 tahun kumudian campak dalam scrap terus.. usah cari spare parts.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
    • Kunta Kinte on Aug 18, 2016 at 11:24 am

      Renault fail lah in Malaysia. RV Depreciation champion. Buy today RM150, tomo sell RM60k

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
    • kadajawi (Member) on Aug 19, 2016 at 4:33 am

      Renault has some of the best after sales service in Malaysia, period, at times surpassing luxury brands. Poor RV… in this segment don’t expect good RV… no matter what brand.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Middle Age Driver (Member) on Aug 18, 2016 at 12:00 am

    Bring in the 6 speed Manual and I might consider. If auto, just like the writer said, there are plenty of alternatives below that price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • inb4 renault koleos shop

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • I hope Renault is going to be the one to take over Proton

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
  • Lee Kum Kee on Aug 18, 2016 at 1:02 am

    Basically a reskinned X-Trail with exterior taking cues from Q7 and interior from XC90. Not bad, not bad at all.

    To trump the midsize SUV market, how about an RS Trophy example for the upcoming Paris Motor Show Oct ’16?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • seancorr (Member) on Aug 18, 2016 at 1:55 am

    In the end of the day price matters for most here together with practicality so with that kind of pricing I don’t expect them to sell a lot of units here but I have to admit it does look good

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • French Connection on Aug 18, 2016 at 6:35 am

    French are well known for kissing, not for their cars

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 8
  • Trey lorenz on Aug 18, 2016 at 7:14 am

    Incoming stale koleos shop jokes…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • kenot on Aug 18, 2016 at 8:05 am

    At that price, I think Mitsubishi outlander is more competitive than koleos.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • kumar on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:16 am

    nope. next article please.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • ETC is successful selling nissans here, are they forced to sell renault as well to keep exclusive rights as authorised distributors or sumthin…

    renault cars makes no sense…..

    bland interior, cheap plastics, nissan powertrain and exorbitant prices,

    etc might as well update d xtrail lineup with 6 airbags and panoramic roof

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
    • kadajawi (Member) on Aug 19, 2016 at 4:34 am

      Er… this is more premium than the X-Trail. Just look at the interior… the X-Trail looks cheap.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Jajar on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:24 am

    At least they dont have the x trail’s underwear shaped steering wheel. Thats a major put off for me.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • torque on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Don’t buy first…look at their freakin’ Fluence…up to 40k rebate now. Let TCEC launch it first, wait a year…then they will throw discount including underwear!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • applegreen on Aug 18, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Overall it is a decent SUV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Henry on Aug 18, 2016 at 11:12 am

    The reason why European cars are priced higher is because buyers have to subsidize the socialism in the brand owners’ country. We are not a rich country. Charity better begin at home.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Lipoting for duty, sir!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • OneTwoThree on Aug 20, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    I’ve seen it as French styling and comfortable interior with Japanese engine mechanism, which is a good thing that not many motor companies can have. Except that how good the blending goes, that has to wait and see.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • passion on Sep 02, 2016 at 9:12 am

    TAK NAK!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • Mikey on Sep 08, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    Lets not kid our-self. The looks department are passable. The main problem is RV for Malaysian. The perception of Renault is not encouraging just like M’sian economy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Steve on Mar 27, 2017 at 7:53 am

    We just bought a 2017 Koleos, lovely car to drive 4wd, though it won’t really go off road, the CVT transmission is not the best in the market, ours in being looked at 1800 kilometres, its not bad, but not good for such a pricey car, wish they had put in a standard 6 speed auto, fuel economy is 8.1 per 100 kilometres, very good for a 1700 kilogram car, interior is fantastic as is the exterior, quality, the engine is noisy above 3000 rpm, but not to bad, pump up tyres to 37 psi, as if lower the car handles like crap and there is vibration galore through the car, so far we love it, yet to see in a years time, also had the Focus sound system installed by Renault, better then the Bose, crisper sounds.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required