2016 Renault Koleos 2.5L launched in M’sia – RM173k

The order books for the 2016 Renault Koleos have been open for a while, and now it’s time to get up close with the French five-seat SUV on Malaysian soil. Today, TC Euro Cars has officially launched its flagship C-segment SUV (though Renault claims it is a D-segment SUV), priced at RM172,800 on-the-road without insurance.

For Malaysia, the Koleos will be offered in a sole SCe 170 variant only, powered by the same drivetrain found in the T32 Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD we have here. In this instance, it is the 2.5 litre QR25DE naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with 170 PS at 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

Unlike the X-Trail 2.5L 4WD, the Koleos destined for Malaysia is of the front-wheel drive variety only, with an X-Tronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) mated to the engine. In terms of fuel economy, the SUV will consume just 8.1 litres per 100 km following the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The top speed here is 200 km/h, with half of that accomplished in just 9.5 seconds.

Besides the powertrain, the Koleos also adopts the X-Trail’s architecture – the Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family-CD (CMF-CD) modular platform, including the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setup. The wheelbase is also unchanged here, measuring 2,705 mm.

However, you can’t tell that the Koleos shares anything in common with the X-Trail just by looking at it. The SUV features its own distinct design that takes cues from recent Renault models like the Talisman and Megane IV. Up front, you’ll find full-LED Pure Vision headlamps with the brand’s trademark C-shaped DRLs, which frame the quadruple-slat grille.

Moving on to the rear, the tail lamps are designed in the same fashion as its siblings – extending inwards towards the centre-mounted Renault badge. Other exterior highlights include 18-inch ‘Argonaute’ alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, as well as a reverse camera. Four body colours are available – Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Meissen Blue.

Entering the cabin, the standout item is of course the large, 8.7-inch colour touchscreen that serves as a display for the R-Link 2 infotainment system. Through the unit, drivers can not only set their multimedia and navigation functions, but also things like the vehicle’s customisable ambient lighting.

The kit list also includes a 7-inch colour TFT instrument display, power seat (with lumbar adjustment) for the driver, one-touch, easy-folding rear seats (60:40 split), leather upholstery, electronic parking brake, rear USB charging ports and dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear air-con vents). The Bose sound system seen in this preview car won’t be offered when the car is officially launched here. Instead, you’ll get an eight-speaker Arkamys 3D sounds system.

Safety-wise, you’ll be well-catered to with six airbags (dual front, side and curtain) and Isofix child seat anchors as standard. The usual ESC, ABS (with EBD and BA) and traction control system are also included as well. Another plus here is a blind spot warning system, with light indicators located on each side mirror to alert you on vehicles entering your blind spot.

Deliveries of the all-new Koleos is expected to begin in mid-October, with the cars originating from Busan, Korea. If the Koleos has done enough to pique your interest, TC Euro Cars will hold a public preview of the Koleos at Centre Court, Mid Valley Mega Mall from September 7 to 11.

As mentioned earlier, order books for the French SUV are now open, with an introductory price tag of RM172,800 (Peninsular Malaysia) and RM116,800 (Langkawi) on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a five-year, unlimited-mileage manufacturer’s warranty. Read our review of the French alternative to the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, here. For detailed specs on the all-new Koleos, head on over to Carbase.my.

Renault Koleos official photos

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