{"id":17556,"date":"2017-07-10T00:06:18","date_gmt":"2017-07-09T23:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=17556"},"modified":"2017-07-10T00:08:29","modified_gmt":"2017-07-09T23:08:29","slug":"first-drive-renault-koleos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/first-drive-renault-koleos\/","title":{"rendered":"First Drive: Renault Koleos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Renault Koleos<\/p><\/div>\n

The sophisticated Koleos is a tempting mix of Gallic flair and Nissan X-Trail mechanicals, writes Geraldine Herbert<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/strong> The Renault Kadjar has a proved a popular alternative for those seeking a little more space than the Captur, and now the new Koleos offers even more comfort and space and completes its trio of SUVs. The Koleos is based on the Nissan X-Trail, although you’d be forgiven for not spotting the influence as the exterior is instantly recognisable as a Renault, thanks to its signature C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights and prominent front logo.<\/p>\n

What about the interior?<\/strong> Climb inside and it is even bigger than you might expect. The Koleos is officially a D-segment SUV, meaning it’s the SUV equivalent of a large family saloon and promises a spacious interior, multiple storage spaces and saloon-like driving dynamics. Behind the wheel, the driving position allows for good visibility and, with rear passenger legroom among the very best-in-class, three tall adults sitting in the back would be happy on pretty much any journey.<\/p>\n

In contrast to many rivals, Renault has opted to focus on extra passenger space and comfort over practicality, so the Koleos is a five-seat-only configuration.<\/p>\n

As a family car, it has the lot, including myriad different places to put your drinks, phones and tablets, along with an 11-litre glove box and a seven-litre cubbyhole in the centre console. Luggage space is also good, with a useful 579 litres in the boot and if you’ve been on a spending spree, you can fold the back seats down to make it even bigger.<\/p>\n

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Inside the Renault Koleos<\/p><\/div>\n

Engine choice? \u00a0<\/strong>Interestingly, given the concerns of some buyers as to the future of diesel, Renault is not offering a petrol option for the Koleos. Instead, two diesel engines power the range: a 130bhp 1.6 litre unit that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, and a more powerful, 175bhp 2.0 litre unit with all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or a seven-speed X-Tronic CVT automatic transmissions.<\/p>\n

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Renault Koleos on road?<\/strong>\u00a0 On the road, it is quiet, well mannered and corners without rolling too much, given its size. The steering is light and will appeal to its target audience.<\/p>\n

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Renault Koleos off road?<\/strong>\u00a0 While the roads around Helsinki didn’t provide a great opportunity to really test the car, we did put the off-road capability to the test on some rugged Finnish terrain which you can watch in the video below.
\nGeraldine takes the Koleos off road <\/strong>\u00a0(Video Filming by Renault<\/em>)<\/p>\n