Renault Koleos 2.5 CVT 4WD: Confidence and comfort

By Ghaith Madadha - Oct 15,2018 - Last updated at Oct 15,2018

Photo courtesy of Renault

Reinvented as a larger and more upmarket crossover SUV, the second generation Renault Koleos now sits at the top of the French manufacturer’s SUV line-up.

Launched for the 2017 model year and pitched as a more premium mid-size crossover SUV, the new Koleos features a radically improved design, more generous equipment and technology, and thoroughly improved cabin appointment and materials. Meanwhile under its stylish skin, it is based on the same proven driveline and platform as Renault’s Japanese Alliance partner Nissan’s popular X-trail model.

Elegantly chunky

Aesthetically better resolved than its predecessor, the new Koleos well integrates into the broader Renault range and features a distinctively more dramatic design. With a muscularly ridged clamshell bonnet serving a heavy brow for its slim, scowling and seemingly sunken headlights, the Koleos fascia is also framed by and lower LED arc that runs towards its flanks. Bearing a large diamond-shaped Renault emblem in the middle of its thick slatted grille, the Koleos’s chunky demeanour includes strong wheel-arches and prominent rear haunches.

With a strong sense of presence to its design, the Koleos features a high waistline and big, thick rear lights with a thin LED outline and thin strips extending almost all the way across the rear fascia. Elegant yet confident, its design features an upright cabin, roofline and rear cargo compartment, which lends itself to a spacious cabin and generous 550-litre minimum and 1,690-litre maximum luggage capacity. Another arcing ridge meanwhile frames the rear fascia, while wide exhaust tips are neatly integrated in the bumper assembly.

Smooth and seamless

Powered by a proven and transversely-mounted 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine for Middle East markets, the Koleos develops 169BHP at 6,000rpm and 172lb/ft of torque at 4,000rpm, which powers its 1,607kg mass from standstill to 100km/h in 9.8-seconds and on to a 199km/h maximum.

Smooth, refined and eager through its rev range, the Koleos engine is progressive in delivery and features good throttle control and responsiveness for a comfortable and big SUV. Meanwhile efficiency is rated at 8.3l/100km on the combined cycle.

Driving through a continuously variable transmission, which constantly adjusts ratios to utilise engine speed and torque for efficiency, the Koleos’s transmission provides smooth and seamless delivery. Its broad and ever-changing ratios deliver a slingshot effect as engine revs and transmission ratios shift under hard acceleration, and provide improved on the move versatility. When lacking the clarity, commitment or precision of a traditional gearbox, for selecting a specific gear under hard driving, the Koleos’ features pre-set “manual” mode ratios that mimic a traditional automatic and allow more eager engine revving.

Refined ride

A smooth, comfortable and refined car to drive and ride in as a passenger, the Renault Koleos is well insulated from noise, vibration and road harshness. Its 18-inch alloys and 225/60R18 tyres meanwhile visually complement its beefy design, but also provide a good compromise between ride pliancy over imperfections, grip, steering precision and firmness through corners and when braking. Riding on MacPherson front and multilink rear suspension, the Koleos also proved stable and settled at speed. Braking meanwhile seemed reassuring.

Tidy and crisp on turn in by crossover SUV standards, its quick steering is precise and direct, while body control through corners was good for a vehicle of this size, weight and height. Driving the front wheels under normal driving conditions, the Koleos can send power rearwards for added traction and grip when necessary in 4WD Auto driving mode. Otherwise, front-drive mode proved best for efficiency in normal driving. Meanwhile on test drive through sandy and gravelly routes, the Koleos lockable four-wheel-drive mode and 210mm ground clearance proved effective.

Spacious seating

Distinctly more elegant and premium in its design, materials, textures and equipment inside, the new Koleos has a high and commanding driving position with good front visibility, and a rear view camera on higher spec models to help manoeuvre it in tight confines. Seating is comfortable and well adjustable, while passenger space is generous in front and rear, where legroom and access is noticeably good. Meanwhile front cabin design includes two console grab handles, large tablet-style landscape infotainment screen and wide storage box and armrest.

Well-equipped with safety, infotainment, convenience and driver assistance features, the Koleos comes with standard front, front-side and curtain airbags, remote central locking, dual zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers, Isofix child seat latches, emergency brake assist and voice recognition. Higher spec and optional equipment further includes remote engine start, motion sensing auto tailgate operation, blind spot warning, parking assistance, silver front skidplate, 8-speaker sound system, ambient cabin lighting and a panoramic sunroof for an airy cabin ambiance.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.5-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, transverse 4-cylinders

Bore x stroke: 89 x 100mm

Compression ratio; 10:1

Gearbox: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) 6-speed auto

Drive-train: Four-wheel-drive

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 169 (171) [126] @6,000rpm

Specific power: 68BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 105BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 172 (233) @4,000rpm

Specific torque: 93.6Nm/litre

Torque-to-weight: 145Nm/tonne