The second generation Renault Koleos is the current representative of the French car manufacturer in the SUV category and our editorial vehicle in the run-up to Christmas.
Renault Koleos, like its stablemate Talisman , is based on the alliance of car manufacturers Renault and Nissan.
The Koleos is based on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail, with which it shares many common components and is even produced together in the same factory.
Captur , Kadjar and Koleos, these are the three representatives of the SUV category within the range of the Renault car company.
Compared to the previous model, Koleos now looks more prestigious and its effort to appeal to a wider range of users is clearly visible .
Koleos is offered in three levels of equipment (Zen, Intens and Initale Paris), then only with twin diesel engines 1.6 dCi and 2.0 dCi in combination with a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. Then with drive only on the front or both axles.
The version we tested had a diesel, turbocharged sixteen-cylinder engine with a manual six-speed gearbox, front-axle drive only and Intens equipment.
EXTERIOR
Renault Koleos has grown between generations to the dimensions of a classic and full-size SUV.
Compared to the previous model, the new Koleos is a big step forward. At first glance, its design (shared with the Talisman model) is easy to read and clearly recognizable from the competition.
The front part of the car has a massive impression, it has a large mask with a similarly large logo of the car company. Its light signature of the daytime lighting of the front headlights is the distinguishing mark of current Renault models.
The LED daytime running lights have an original dynamic shape of a "recumbent horseshoe", which is repeated several times on the vehicle as part of the overall design concept.
LED Pure Vision headlights are completely diode and shine very well, they are available from the second level of Intens equipment.
In the overall context of the car, the front part of the car has the most dynamic impression.
The relatively calm side silhouette of the car is enlivened by the chrome strip, which runs from the front lights to the front door, where it ends in the aforementioned horizontal horseshoe shape.
The shape of the daytime running lights is also "cut" into the bodywork in its rear part, from where the rear taillights emerge, which are reduced towards the center of the rear part to mere lines that optically lead to the car company's logo.
The massiveness of the rear part is lightened by the shape of the taillights, and then by chrome in the lower part of the bumper, evoking a pair of chrome exhaust tips. This is an effective element, which is unfortunately only for the eye.
The model we tested was fitted with 18-inch wheels. As part of the Initiale Paris equipment, you get nineteen-inch wheels.
The overall exterior appearance of the second generation Renault Koleos has a very balanced and prestigious impression.
INTERIOR
The interior of the Renault Koleos is once again in the spirit of the Renault car company.
In the tested version, it was combined with dark chrome accessories and elements of wood paneling.
The dashboard, its central part was equipped with a vertically oriented 8.7-inch touch screen. Within this display, it is possible to control the navigation, audio system, car settings, as well as some heating and air conditioning elements.
Below the display itself are the temperature controls for the dual-zone air conditioning, the heating of the window or the driver's and passenger's seats, as well as the start x stop system or the button for economy mode.
Within the massive central tunnel, which also has handles, there is a selector for the manual transmission, the parking brake and, somewhat illogically for me, the cruise control and speed limiter.
The instrument panel in front of the driver is a combination of a digital display that works in different display modes and classic indicators of engine temperature and fuel quantity.
The steering wheel of the tested version had buttons for controlling the on-board computer menu, telephone and cruise control. The audio system is controlled by a separate controller under the steering wheel.
The control of the individual elements of the dashboard, with the exception of the cruise control, is logical and easily accessible.
The interior materials do not have a cheap impression. As a result, the Koleos interior is spacious and airy.
Personally, I didn't really like the combination of dark interior with dark wooden paneling, the extent of the wooden paneling gave me a somewhat historicist impression.
The position behind the steering wheel is classically raised in the SUV category, the vehicle has a good overview, and a parking camera is also used for the rear view.
The front seats of the car are spacious, electronically adjustable and heated. The large dimensions of the body also give enough space for passengers in the back seats.
As part of the intergenerational increase, the luggage space experienced the biggest changes, which increased by approx. 80 liters to 498 liters. The luggage compartment is equipped with a double floor with storage space. The trunk lid is also equipped with an electric drive from the top trim level.
ENGINE AND RIDE
Renault Koleos has twin turbocharged diesel power units.
These are 1.6l (96kW) and 2.0l (128kW) engines. A manual transmission is available for both engines, as well as an automatic seven-speed CVT transmission for the more powerful two-liter.
The version we tested was equipped with a weaker 16-cylinder diesel in combination with a manual transmission and front-axle drive only.
In the editorial test, the six-seater had sufficient performance for such a massive car. We were also pleasantly surprised by its consumption, which was around 6.5 liters.
Unfortunately, its occasional downsides included its laziness at low revs and waiting for the turbo to kick in. However, this is a habit and this situation can be avoided by timely subordination.
The six-speed manual transmission is very well matched to the engine and its shifting is also smooth.
The chassis of the Koleos is adjusted softly and comfortably.
CONCLUSION
Its price starts at CZK 699,900 in the basic Zen equipment.
The version tested by us in Intens equipment with only front axle drive and manual six-speed gearbox for 749,900 CZK.
The current design of the Renault car company is pleasing, of course this also applies to the tested model.
Renautl Koleos is an interesting choice within the popular SUV category, it is a good-looking and spacious car that is also not afraid of many unpaved roads.
