Launch Drive: Renault’s flagship SUV, the Koleos has arrived

The Renault range has always been near and dear to me, yes this is one is going to get personal folks. You see, my first ever launch was the oft-forgotten Renault Kadjar.  It didn’t move the needle much when it came to sales figures, but to me, it was always a special car. I still have the commemorative scale model in my display cabinet.
With the Kadjar no longer on sale, Renault has decided to bring back the Koleos name and their flagship SUV.  I drive the Koleos on some pretty unforgiving terrain to discover if this new 5 seater SUV has the personality to match the looks.

Koleos is beautifully proportioned

With the market currently on a downturn, Renault has still, at least in the passenger car space seen an increase of 12.7% and now has a 7% market share. They’re also, quite surprisingly ranked as the 4th seller in the passenger segment.
So why then release a car that isn’t really well known in a segment where competitors such as the Tiguan and RAV4 et al have generations of heritage. I’m not really sure. But legacies have to blossom sooner or later right?

Those looks

Koleos is exceptionally attractive. In the flesh and in pictures.  The signature C-Section headlights, now a mainstay in new Renault products, match the proportions of the new SUV almost perfectly. The old model was lambasted (by this journalist too) as not exactly being the bell of the ball, but the 2019 Koleos is most certainly in the running for Prom Queen or King. Available in 6, my favourite hue was most certainly the Mineral Beige. You’ll know it when you see it.
The Koleos, from the rear, looks almost XC90-esque. Not a bad thing considering it costs less than half of the upmarket SUV it resembles. Our test vehicle came with the optional 18″ wheels, and 17″ wheels are available as standard. Usually, I tend to opt for the smaller rim options, however, Koleos managed to be pliant and comfortable over some exceptionally demanding roads. And by demanding mean straight up treacherous! The route we took from the start point had experienced heavy rainfall and deep ruts and potholes had developed on the access roads. Koleos, however, managed all of this with comfort and ease, even at relatively brisk speeds.

Interior

Inside, Koleos has the signature Renault interior first introduced by the Renault Megane. Electrically adjustable seats with lumbar adjustment come standard. There’s an 8.7″ touch screen which is typically French.  In the sense that it won’t make sense the first time you use it, but that’s ok. It does have swipe functionality and just like your cell phone has widgets too. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are also available.  Premium touches such as ambient lighting with multiple settings and grab handles are everywhere to be found inside. You also get a 464l boot, (1700l with the seats down) a full-size spare wheel, 6 airbags and of course Renaults now standard 5 star NCAP rating.

Engine and Gearbox

Although the presentation alluded to the CVT gearbox not having as much slip as other CVT boxes, it did. Lot’s of it.  But with a car like this spirited driving should be last on the list of requirements. What it does do is shift gears smoothly when navigating winding backroads.  The engine is also another surprise with Renault opting for a 2.5 Normally aspirated unit pushing out 126kW and 233Nm.  I would have LOVED to try out a diesel version as I think that would have been the sweet spot. Unfortunately no talks of a diesel version arriving anytime soon. Koleos comes in 4×2 and 4×4 and as mentioned before in 4×4 mode is surprisingly agile over some pretty unforgiving roads.  A very valid consideration when thinking about this segment.

Verdict

Considering that in August last year, Kadjar sold no units, Koleos doesn’t have big shoes to fill.  But I think with those looks and a very generous specification list. Koleos is worth a look over some much more expensive and lesser specced competition.
Koleos Expression 2.5 CVT 4×2 – R399 900

Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4×2 – R439 900

Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4×4  – R479 900