Renault Koleos 2,5 4x4

Dynamique CVT

Wondering where the renault Kadjar, the French brand’s version of the nissan Qashqai, disappeared to? Well, due to spiralling import costs (the Kadjar was shipped from France), renault SA has replaced it with this, the larger Koleos, which it sources from South Korea at more favourable rates. it, too, has a nissan relative in the form of the X-trail and shares many of that vehicle’s outstanding traits while adding a few unique touches.

one is chic design, which sets it apart from the straight-laced SUV crowd; the Koleos is all chrome flourishes, lights cutting into bodywork panels and lines ebbing and flowing. dynamique models sport 18-inch wheels, one up from expression trim.

it’s a big vehicle, measuring nearly 4,7 metres long. The cabin

boasts what renault claims is class-leading rear legroom and a generous 464-litre boot which increases to 1 795 litres with the bench folded forward. There’s a further 35 litres of storage scattered throughout for oddments.

Up front, the Koleos offers digital instrumentation as standard (i can’t help but wonder how the german brands keep justifying charging exorbitant amounts for this feature), plus an 8,7-inch portrait touchscreen with satnav and smartphone-mirroring software. other standard items on the dynamique include Led headlamps, key-free operation, blind-spot detection and parking sensors with a reverse camera. it’s easily one of the best equipped vehicles in the segment.

The level of perceived quality is very good, too, with the vehicle i drove feeling rock solid across patchy terrain.

All Koleos models share the same engine-and-transmission combination, a naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-pot coupled with a CVT. developing 233 n.m of torque at 4 000 r/min, the engine is the weak link in an otherwise sophisticated package. despite boasting artificial steps to mimic the operation of a torque-converter, the CVT has no reservations in hiking the engine’s revs to above 5 000 r/min if the driver makes enthusiastic use of the throttle. That, in turn, punctures the refined cabin ambience with a shrill engine note.

dynamically, the Koleos is notably polished. The ride on the north West’s pothole-littered tar and dirt roads proved absorbent and the steering direct.

Ultimately, the Koleos is a superb SUV crying out for a contemporary drivetrain. But, having a turbopetrol under the bonnet would have seen the pricing escalate beyond the current levels. if your driving style is sedate and you favour ride comfort and practicality, the Koleos is one of the best midsize SUVS.