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| New Koleos, which means testis in Latin, enables this Renault’s driver to grow a pair and take on the rough roads. |
THE Dynamique 4x4 version of the new Koleos has arrived at Renault dealers, hot on the heels of the two-wheel drive versions that arrived in February.
Apart from very impressive all-wheel drive ability, this latest Dynamique model adds a hands-free power tailgate and electric parking brake to the 4x2 models’ long list of standard features.
The Koleos competes in a very tough segment, but manages to stand out from the other very good competitors with aggressive pricing, proven systems, the best possible safety levels and what Renault describes as “extreme cabin comfort offering class-leading roominess”.
All Koleos models are powered by a 2.5 Petrol Engine with Renault's X-Tronic transmission, which
changes ratios like a multi-ratio automatic when the driver puts the foot down in either 4x2 or 4x4 mode. The engine does not quite live up to the Latin meaning of Koleos, which is “testis”, but its relatively low 126 kW and 233 Nm are actually more than sufficient and, of course, lower power also means lower fuel consumption. Renault claims a low 8,8litres/100km, while CO2 emissions are 188g/100 km.
A lot of this design is hidden, like the pretensioner systems that tighten seatbelts the instant before a crash, or more mundane things like hot or cold cup-holders and radio knobs all within finger reach. Koleos models earned the maximum five stars at the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP). These crash tests rates the safety a car offers to children and adults seated inside during a collision; impact mitigation for pedestrians outside; and driving assist systems, such as anti-lock braking systems.
To these industry-standard safety features, the Koleos adds cornering fog lights, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, blind spot warning, and park assist with a rear parking camera on the large touchscreen.
As for the cupholders, the Dynamique models have a front cup holder that can be chilled or heated. And the centre console can slide 80mm forwards to create the perfect elbow rest. Four other features stand out:
The driver can also select a seven-speed sequential mode to benefit from engine braking. The 4WD LOCK mode allows the driver to engage permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40 km/h to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50).
This mode is automatically disengaged at speeds of more than 40 km/h, or when the engine is re-started.
All the other 4x4 SUV out there in this engine range costs more, like the Toyota RAV4 2,5 AWD, or Ford Kuga 2,0 TDCi AWD. A five-year or 150 000 km mechanical warranty is standard; as is a five-year or 90 000 km service plan and a six-year, anti-corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are at 15 000 km.
Apart from very impressive all-wheel drive ability, this latest Dynamique model adds a hands-free power tailgate and electric parking brake to the 4x2 models’ long list of standard features.
The Koleos competes in a very tough segment, but manages to stand out from the other very good competitors with aggressive pricing, proven systems, the best possible safety levels and what Renault describes as “extreme cabin comfort offering class-leading roominess”.
All Koleos models are powered by a 2.5 Petrol Engine with Renault's X-Tronic transmission, which
changes ratios like a multi-ratio automatic when the driver puts the foot down in either 4x2 or 4x4 mode. The engine does not quite live up to the Latin meaning of Koleos, which is “testis”, but its relatively low 126 kW and 233 Nm are actually more than sufficient and, of course, lower power also means lower fuel consumption. Renault claims a low 8,8litres/100km, while CO2 emissions are 188g/100 km.
Safety and comfort
Renault is known for taking meticulous care to build ergonomic cars that ensure the wellbeing of passengers.A lot of this design is hidden, like the pretensioner systems that tighten seatbelts the instant before a crash, or more mundane things like hot or cold cup-holders and radio knobs all within finger reach. Koleos models earned the maximum five stars at the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP). These crash tests rates the safety a car offers to children and adults seated inside during a collision; impact mitigation for pedestrians outside; and driving assist systems, such as anti-lock braking systems.
To these industry-standard safety features, the Koleos adds cornering fog lights, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, blind spot warning, and park assist with a rear parking camera on the large touchscreen.
As for the cupholders, the Dynamique models have a front cup holder that can be chilled or heated. And the centre console can slide 80mm forwards to create the perfect elbow rest. Four other features stand out:
All-wheel drive on demand
For a big car with such smooth city slicker looks, the Koleos has surprisingly good off-road abilities, thanks to 210 mm ground clearance and Renault’s All Mode 4x4-i transmission that is doing duty on sand and snow on millions of Renault’s Alliance vehicles worldwide. The driver can switch from 2WD to 4WD AUTO or the exclusive 4WS LOCK with the press of a button to the right of the steering wheel.The driver can also select a seven-speed sequential mode to benefit from engine braking. The 4WD LOCK mode allows the driver to engage permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40 km/h to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50).
This mode is automatically disengaged at speeds of more than 40 km/h, or when the engine is re-started.
Hands-free power tailgate
Through use of your remote key or placing your foot underneath the rear bumper; the motorised tailgate opens and closes automatically providing you with easy access to the 464 litre boot within five seconds. It can also be closed automatically, by means of the close switch situated in the boot lid.Electronic parking brake
This additional enhancement replaces the manual footbrake. The electronic parking brake immobilises the vehicle when the engine is completely switched off. The brake also acts like hill-start assist, releasing according to the engine torque or a change in elevation for added driving convenience.Competition
The Koleos is very aggressively priced, with only the lesser-specced Mahindra XUV500 2,2 and the Nissan X-Trail 4x4 Tekna 2,5 selling for less, although a similarly specced X-Trail (which uses the same engine that is in the Koleos) lists for over R20 k more.All the other 4x4 SUV out there in this engine range costs more, like the Toyota RAV4 2,5 AWD, or Ford Kuga 2,0 TDCi AWD. A five-year or 150 000 km mechanical warranty is standard; as is a five-year or 90 000 km service plan and a six-year, anti-corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are at 15 000 km.
Koleos pricing
Expression 2.5 CVT 4x2 R399 900
Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4x2 R449 900
Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4x4 R489 900
