Renault Koleos returns and does transformed today into a larger family with a clear vocation for SUV space and comfort. Skoda Kodiaq and 5008 have a new great rival.

After two years of interruption in the European market, Renault Koleos returns. Yes, forget what you know so far about this model. 15 centimeters long (Total 4,67 meters), The 2nd generation Koleos comes the same June market and reimagined as a big SUV with which Renault completes a range below now has successful Captur and Kadjar. In addition good time to enter a booming segment, just received the arrival of very good Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq with which it will compete … but on the way Renault quit offering 7-seater versions here unlike its rivals.

The new Koleos It defined as 5-seater SUV looking quite possibly protect two other models in the Renault Alliance / Nissan born of the same modular architecture CMF-C / D and 7-seater option: he Renault Espace and the Nissan X-Trail. With them share base, components, engines, and especially the first, too many features of image. Just as with a Talisman saloon making up today together Espace and the Koleos, the new high-end cars Renault. And high in this case in its entirety.

If we consider the previous Koleos as the first conventional SUV of Renault (although some might argue that honor went to the Scénic RX4) is also a fact that first generation that did not take off. It arrived just as they were born (and was beginning to take force) the Nissan Qashqai and, a little later, Ford Kuga, but, although based also at that time in the old Nissan X-Trail (and marketed in some markets as Renault Samsung QM5) aesthetics did not work. We see it every day: buying the SUV is primarily aesthetic … and more to be there to look SUV. The first Koleos did not impact …. and now, quite the opposite: it is strong, powerful, imposing.

Renault Koleos: your space

What is image, and it is to get on it. With a similar Skoda and Peugeot 5008 Kodiaq length, the new Renault Koleos is up to 3 centimeters taller and offers a driving position as dominator: 15 cm higher than a Talisman. The atmosphere is completed with very good visibility, a familiar interior and with console type tablet of the latest Renault, more gimmicky than effective, but with a spectacular R-Link multimedia system 2, with a range of connectivity and two display formats available: 7-inch Intens finish, and superior 8.7 inches for Paris Zen and Initiale levels. Yes we miss missing the Multi-Sense system configuration that look the Espace and Talisman, although his ambient lighting does support modalities.

However, what protrudes quickly Renault Koleos is the space. It’s “only” a 5 seater, yes, but what places 5. Its doors open a lot and already inside, Renault claims to be SUV class with the best rear habitability, particularly for his leg away. This fact corroboraremos when you can measure our Technical Center. In any case not necessary and there is space left over in all its dimensions, although rear headroom is somewhat limited if you equip the large panoramic roof. Nor missing practical solutions. Inside voids are scattered storage up to 35 liters, and has a “Easy Break” system to abate rear bench 1/3 and 2/3 with a simple movement of handle. We see it every day: these SUVs have become alternatives to monovolumen… and that the Koleos does not bet on three separate rear seats as it does the Peugeot 5008, or to provide a sliding second row seats as most of its rivals. And with that win trunk.

Yes, because although great too, its trunk and it’s no record. The new Renault Koleos cubes 579 liters, they already are. That is, sum up to 179 liters the previous Koleos (400 liters), but is something away from 650 liters with 5 places officially cubes Skoda Kodiaq and 702 liters in the same circumstances 5008. When we measure also in our Technical Center we will draw further conclusions. But what does this presumed Koleos is a new electric gate and of Ingenious false floor located at the height of the loading plane, which will allow you to always have flat floor if abates the back row. In that case, the maximum capacity rises to 1,795 liters.

Renault Koleos: their engines

And start playing the new Renault Koleos. While other markets also feature petrol versions, to Spain this SUV comes only in key Diesel. Bidding Opens known Renault 1.6 dCi with 130 hp, exclusively on front-wheel drive and, here also only 6-speed manual gearbox: which marks the access price. And above the range the crown 2.0 dCi 175 hp, which can be associated to Automatic change X-Tronic continuously variable version 4×2 and 4×4, manual or 6 speed AWD only. Here, advantage in favor: the 5008 does not offer ever 4×4 variant.

For this first test with the Renault Koleos 1.6 dCi opted for the, that surely turn heads higher sales. With a slight weakness in the first 500 laps regime (as in all Renault we tested), it then yes a more than correct propeller, able to ensure good performance thanks to its great response in the vicinity of 2,000 rpm and, above all, to ensure always extraordinary efficiency. It is easy to roll and an SUV of this size in just 5 l / 100 km average expenditure computer, and we see here.

Renault Koleos: Behavior

And convinced his good (and expected) mechanical response, shift check dynamic capacity of the new Koleos. And here a factor predominates above all is comfort. Although, as the Espace has a simple torsion beam for the rear suspension (a rarity in its segment), this SUV very comfortable, soft and with good insulation road wheel. Is about a good family who, in the few kilometers we could shoot, He has sent us a good feeling and a very pleasant and precise steering feel well.

Yes, we think it is a pity that, unlike Espace or Talisman, this Koleos does not include 4Control chassis system with its 4-wheel steering, because it will surely sit great to turn better, gain agility and feel less ostentatious in their urban travel. In return, yes, the aforementioned features as version all-wheel drive, formed by the last All Mode 4×4-i system Renault.

The system, constantly monitoring, provides a control by the steering wheel where you can choose from 3 modes: 2WD, that premium front-wheel drive to reduce consumption; Auto 4WD, which automatically adapts its operation depending on the need, and can reach a deal 50% between trains; Y 4WD Lock, to function as a pure SUV less than 40 km / h, allowing block torque split between the two axes.

With a ground clearance of up to 21 centimeters (which is not bad), and TT levels announcing a reasonable angles of attack of 19 degrees and output 26, the Renault Koleos also promises great versatility rolling on roads and in areas with low grip. We hope in the coming days to check. It also offers various accessories for improvement, such as standard side guards and a pack of integrated running boards. Also optional opens an electric retractable hook.

Discounted prices for Spain

With three trim levels as we have already mentioned (Intens, Zen and very luxurious Iniatile), the Koleos incorporates a good equipment where all of the above can add up to ventilated seats and heated (the latter option even in the rear seats), audio systems Bose, active emergency braking, warning of unintended lane change and blind spot recognition signals or connection automatic short / long lights, among many other items.

Renault Koleos 1.6 dCi 130 Intens: 28,390 euros

Renault Koleos 1.6 dCi 130 Zen: 30,623 euros

Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 175 4×4 Intens: 32,948 euros

Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 175 4×4 Zen: 35,180 euros

Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 175 X-Tronic Zen: 34,529 euros

Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 175 4×4 X-Tronic Zen: 36,854 euros

Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 175 4×4 X-Tronic Initiale Paris: 41,504 euros

You may also like:

Kodiaq Skoda, Peugeot 5008 and Renault Koleos

That’s the Renault Koleos Initiale Paris

So was the former Renault Koleos 1st generation