The new Renault Koleos has been revealed at the 2016 Beijing International Auto Show as it aims to take on the likes of the Kia Sorento in the hotly contested SUV market. Although the previous Koleos was withdrawn from the UK line-up back in 2010, Renault has enjoyed success with their flagship 4×4 in China, where it sits above the Captur and Kadjar in the manufacturers SUV line-up.
The new Koleos continues with Renault’s front fascia design, including the large chrome-slated front grille with C-shaped LED headlights merging in. ‘The new Koleos delivers a blend of robust SUV cues and the refinement and the features associated with large saloon cars.’ Renault Design Boss, Laurens van den Acker, stated, “The challenge was to imagine an SUV that was not only elegant, but also modern and dynamic” with the use of “powerful, horizontal lines, muscular haunches and high ground clearance.” The wide rear lights take influence from the Megane and match the design of the two rear exhaust pipes to finish the look.
The portrait-mounted touchscreen layout as found in the Scenic and Megane is available in the top-end Koleos models whilst the seven-inch landscape display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity is found in the entry level models. Leather seats are also electrically adjustable as well as being heated and ventilated in higher specification models. Practicality is also impressive, with 624-litres of boot space or 1,690 litres with the seats folded flat. Leg, shoulder and head room is also supposedly rather generous, being amongst the best in it’s class in this area. At first, the Koleos will only come with five seats but Renault are yet to rule out the possibility of a seven-seater version to come later on after its launch.
The Koleos shares a lot of its mechanical parts with the current Nissan X-Trail. It will be available with a range of both petrol and diesel engines, with specific specifications to be revealed closer to the launch date. A selectable four-wheel drive option will also be available on some versions.
The new Renault Koleos will first come on sale globally in some Latin American markets, Turkey, Australia and the Gulf states in the third quarter of 2016. It will then come on sale in Europe at the beginning of 2017.
