The new Renault Koleos starts from €40,990
It was the longest road test but with the fewest miles clocked up writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? In the ten weeks of lockdown my trusty road companion was a Koleos, a car that has been gaining fans since 2017 when it was introduced as the flagship of the Renault range.
What’s new? Hoping to garner even more interest for 2020 the Koelos is newly enhanced with gizmos and toys. Cosmetic changes are minimal and likely only to be noticed by current owners and include a new front bumper and full-length lateral satin chrome elements while new chrome trims on the sides and new rear bumper give a cleaner look.
Under the bonnet? Two new engines. 2WD versions gain a new 1.7 dCi 150 engine and if you need the reassurance of all-wheel drive on a regular basis the new 2.0 dCi 190 engine in 4WD versions offers a higher power output than its predecessor. Both engines also have improved emission figures and means buyers benefit from a reduction in motor tax from €570 to €390. As before, all versions of Koleos come with A CVT automatic gearbox as standard.
The cabin in the Renault Koleos is well specced and spacious
What about inside? Inside its spacious and airy Everyone on board gets good legroom and shoulder space and there is room for five passengers, rear seat ones, in particular, will be impressed. There is also a decent boot space with a 579 litres capacity. Unfortunately, the downside of the lockdown my kids who usually are usually my handiest test tool were housebound so they were unable to determine just how well the interior was screwed together.
On the road? Once behind the wheel, there is a clear and commanding view of the road and the Koleos is a breeze to drive and comfortable even on the most neglected road surfaces. At motorway speeds, it is effortless to drive yet punchy when you need to overtake but is a little on the noisy side and the ride is not as refined as it could be.
What about safety? Safety has been enhanced with the introduction of a pedestrian detection function for the Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) completes the revisions, heightening safety for occupants and other road users. Other advanced safety systems fitted as standard include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and over speed prevention with traffic sign recognition.
The rear seats in the Koleos fold to create extra boot space of 942 litres
What are my options? There are two trims – Iconic and GT Line.to choose from. All models get hands-free parking, two-stage reclining rear seats and full LED headlights. Iconic versions also offer 7” touch screen with navigation, rear parking cameras, and blind-spot and lane departure warning. Trade up to the GT Line and enjoy additions of an 8.7” touch screen and 19” two-tone alloy.
Will it break the bank? Prices for the Koleos start from €40,990. Plump for our test car, a 1598 dCi 150 2WD GT Line diesel engine and you’ll have a combined fuel economy of 5.4 litres per 100 and qualify for the €390 annual motor tax, as the CO2 emissions are 143g per km.
So Love it or leave it? For ten glorious weeks not jumping from one car to the next every week had its own reward, little things like having shopping bags, hand sanitiser, wipes and sunglasses – my own survival kit – instead of the spartan interior of a press car. There is much to like about the Koleos, it is roomy enough for five and is a classy blend of refinement with everyday practicality. It’s going to be a tough few months for car dealers but demand for premium family SUVs is likely to remain strong and the Koleos is one worth a second look.
What is says about you? You like understated elegance with a good dash of practicality that won’t burn a hole in your handbag.
Rivals
Ford Edge
Skoda Kodiaq
SEAT Tarraco
Kia Sportage
Renault Koleos GT Line dCi 150 2WD
Engine: 1598cc Diesel
Emissions (motor tax): 143g/km (€390)
Nox Emissions: 42.1g
Model price range: Prices start from €40,990
No of Doors: 5
Euro NCAP : 5 stars
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 5.4 litres per 100 km
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 565 (942)
Length: 1843mm
Width: 1843mm
Height: 1678mm
Wheelbase 2705mm
For further information visit the Renault Ireland website or its Facebook page or Twitter
Geraldine Herbert
24th June 2020
