RENAULT KOLEOS DYNAMIQUE 2.5 CVT 4X2 / C’est Magnifique
Introduced locally exactly 12 months ago, the Renault Koleos continues to make a well-deserved dent in the popular mid-size SUV segment.
During the last few months of 2019, I experienced some overexposure to all things, French. Besides spending some time driving the Renault Koleos here at home, I also spent the better part of three weeks holidaying in the Gaelic countryside where, you guessed it, a Renault Koleos also was our transportation of choice.
Spending over 3,000 km in the space of a few weeks will soon bring any car’s quirks and flaws to the fore, yet the comfy embrace of the brand’s local flagship SUV did not disappoint – neither at home (mostly), nor abroad.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Off the bat, the Koleos has a commanding presence that few other SUVs, let alone other Renault models, can muster. With more than a passing resemblance to the smaller Kadjar, the Koleos exudes French flair and exclusivity from almost every angle.
This extends to the interior, where a combination of luxurious trim accents unique to the Dynamique specification of our test car, and up-to-the-minute technology, give the Koleos an air of sophistication that one would expect from a more premium vehicle.
The centrepiece to the driving experience is Renault’s R-LINK 2 infotainment system with its 8.7” display that not only looks great, but is also simple enough to use without smartphone integration. Plug your device into one of the four available USB ports (two up front and two in the rear), and Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto) substantially extends the system’s functionality.
Satin-finish chrome accents on the steering wheel, gear lever, and air vent surrounds complement the black leather interior. At the same time, multicoloured LED ambient lighting radiantly brings the interior to life at night. The system even allows you to adjust the intensity and individually activate frontand rear lighting.
SPACE OVER POWER
Cabin spaciousness and comfort are two of the Koleos’ most significant features. Seat comfort and size is class-leading, without compromising interior space for either front- or rear passengers. Made from variable density foam, the six-way electronically adjustable seats also allow for adjustable lumbar support. Steering wheel-mounted controls adjust the speed limiter and cruise control on the left, while on-board computer options and infotainment controls appear on the right.
Standard specification is good in the baseline Expression model, and exceptional in either of the two Dynamique models on offer by Renault. On the former, cruise control and speed limitation join rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, cornering fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, cooled and warmed cup holders, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Dynamique models receive additional luxuries including electric folding mirrors, 18” alloy wheels, tyre pressure sensors, LED headlamps, keyless entry, an electrochromic rearview mirror, uprated Arkamys audio system, blind-spot detection, front park sensors, and a reverse camera.
Renault’s generous safety spec list includes ABS and electronic stability control with hill-start assist on all models, as well as driver, front passenger, and curtain airbags.
Surprisingly, the Koleos that I drove in France, and its local sibling had virtually identical specifications, with the only significant variance on the French car being the addition of active cruise control. Oh, and upfront in the engine bay…
Powered by a normally aspirated 2.5-litre fourcylinder petrol engine locally, the Koleos musters a commendable 126 kW and 233 Nm of torque, and is good for a zero to 100-km/h sprint time of just under ten seconds. No complaints about that, here. When put under hard acceleration pressure, however, the seven-speed CVT ‘box lets the side down in terms of smoothness and unfortunately high levels of noise intrusion into the cabin.
This minor CVT cloud has a fuel consumption silver lining, though. Some motor manufacturers have been known to claim often-unattainable fuel consumption when compared to real-world usage. In the case of the Koleos – where official numbers for the 4x2 model are 8.1 l/100 km, and for the 4x4 model are 8.3 l/100 km – I consistently achieved between 8.4 and 8.8 l/100 km, which translates to a 650 km range from the car’s 60-litre fuel tank.
LAST WORD
Whether at home or abroad, the Koleos remains a compelling option if you’re looking for a premiumfeel SUV that offers high levels of comfort, loads of interior space for up to five passengers and luggage, and a significant 5-year/150,000 km mechanical warranty (plus a 5-year/ 90,000 km service plan). Even on a pure price for spec basis, the Koleos deserves your attention when compared to alternatives such as the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, and Toyota’s RAV4.