Is the Renault Koleos still a good car?
The Renault Koleos was first introduced back in 2007 and it quickly gained popularity in the local market. It was initially designed and developed by Renault in collaboration with Nissan and was the first Renault model to use Nissan's X-Trail platform. The Koleos has undergone several updates since its introduction, with the latest iteration launched in 2020. Much has changed since then. Does the Koleos still have what it takes to remain relevant in a highly competitive market?
The Renault Koleos is a sleek and stylish SUV that features a bold design language. It has a sporty front grille, LED headlights, and a muscular hood that gives it a commanding presence on the road. In terms of the LED headlights they offer a unique and iconic Renault design in that they form a C-Shape. The rear makes use of LED tail lights as well which is also visually appealing.
The Koleos remains a good looking SUV with muscular proportions on the outside. The inside offers a spacious and comfortable environment with plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers. The seats are covered in high-quality materials and are designed to provide excellent support during long journeys. The dashboard features a large touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system, climate control, and other functions. Expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility which makes integration seamless.
The quality of the interior is also quite premium. Leather trim and soft touch materials fill the cabin which is spacious with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. The seats are supportive and adjustable. There is definitely room for your family and your luggage for any adventure. Expect 464 litres of space in the boot which can grow to an impressive 1 700 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The Koleos is powered by a 2.5 Petrol engine with a power output of 126kW and 233Nm. It makes use of a CVT gearbox and power is sent to the front wheels but if needed a button can be pushed to engage the front wheels for a 50/50 split. A neat feature when the going gets tough. The biggest downfall however is the fact that this car is naturally aspirated which makes it a bit sluggish when compared to its turbocharged rivals. The gearbox is also a pain as it is not a modern unit, it remains noisy when you demand power. Stay relaxed and just cruise around and the ride is actually relatively pleasant to say the least.
The suspension system is tuned for comfort, and the SUV provides a smooth and comfortable ride even on rough roads. The steering is precise, and the brakes offer good stopping power, making the Koleos easy to handle and manoeuvre.
The Renault Koleos comes with a host of advanced safety features that ensure the safety of its occupants. It has multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, that provide excellent protection in the event of a collision. The SUV also features electronic stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist that help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in challenging driving conditions.
Other safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Koleos has received a five-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP, which is a testament to its excellent safety features.
The Renault Koleos is a good SUV that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, smooth ride and advanced safety features. It is a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts who are looking for a practical and reliable vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions. Whether you are driving on city streets or exploring off-road trails, the Koleos is a versatile SUV but it is one that Renault might be dropping soon. If only the drivetrain was a bit more modern.
