Recently Renault unveiled their much anticipated All-New Koleos to the Irish motoring press. It marks the French manufacturer’s entry into the expanding D-segment SUV market, where it will sit ahead of the Captur and Kadjar models. Renault introduced the Koleos by saying that combines rugged, assertive styling with the elegance, refinement and comfort associated with large saloon cars. On first impressions they’re not too far wrong.
In Ireland there will be a six version high-end line-up based on two trim levels that will be familiar to Renault owners – Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. Both trim levels provide a truly comprehensive standard specification and the entry level Dynamique S Nav sports 18-inch ‘Agapi’ two-tone alloy wheels and electrically- adjustable heated and folding door mirrors. It also features an opening panoramic sunroof, part-black leather upholstery with extra tinted rear windows, ambient lighting, cup holders able to heat and cool drinks for front passengers and a central armrest with in-built cup holders in the rear. Automatic Dual-zone climate control, a Hands Free Keycard and automatic lights and wipers are also standard.
Connectivity is a major aspect to modern cars and with the Koleos, Renault has set about ensuring all passengers can keep fully charged throughout their journey, thanks to the four USB and two AUX ports are provided. The Arkamys 3D Sound 4x35W DAB radio with seven-inch touchscreen R-LINK2 multimedia system includes satellite navigation with TomTom® LIVE traffic updates, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ smartphone replications, Western European mapping, Bluetooth audio streaming and Handsfree connectivity.Signature Nav adds to this specification with 19-inch ‘Galiki’ two-tone alloy wheels and full LED ‘Pure Vision’ headlights to the exterior. On top of that it comes with full black leather upholstery with heated front seats and the R-LINK2 multimedia system is increased to an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen as seen on All-New Mégane and All-New Scénic. A Powered Automatic Tailgate ensures loading the boot is as convenient as possible.
Key features of this stylish SUV include – Acclaimed four-wheel drive technology; Off-road capability thanks to high ground clearance A refined interior equipped with the segment’s very best journey-enhancing appointments; Class-leading cabin space thanks to a 2.71 metre wheelbase and a 4.67 metre total length and a connected experience with the R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet.
All-New Koleos features a selection of proven powertrains and technologies, with a choice of two diesel engines – the dCI 130 or the more powerful dCi 175 and either Renaults X-Tronic automatic transmission or a manual gearbox. At the launch the team from Renault were keen to emphasise the luxury associated with the new Koleos and they stressed the space available to both driver and passengers. From the outset the Koleos is designed as a five-seater, and because the seats don’t conceal bulky folding mechanisms, or have to disappear into the floor, they are sumptuously padded. As a result, as well as providing exceptional leg and shoulder room, they offer fantastic comfort over long distance drives.
Safety is also high on the agenda and Renault’s advanced driver assistance systems, such as Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Over-speed Prevention and Hill Start Assist have been applied across the line-up. A rear parking camera with front and rear parking sensors is also included on all versions as well as an electrochrome rear mirror. Standard safety features include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats.
All-New Koleos is available now to order at Renault’s 28 dealerships. Renault’s 172 offer through Renault Bank is currently available on All-New Koleos and offers customers the ability to finance their new Koleos at just 3% APR, with a 3 year service plan included until the end of July. This has already proved extremely popular with the public, with 70% of Renault customers availing of the offer.
