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Renault Koleos | Test Drive
THE BIG SHELL
Words by Christian Parodi / Photos by Richard Montagner
If you are looking for an SUV with imposing look, Renault’s proposal definitely worth your consideration. The Koleos, which shares the platform with two other really interesting models of the brand, the Espace and Talisman, sits on the top step of the list and has aptly chosen the Greek word meaning shell, scabbard. Why do I say this? Because after all, one of the key factors in choosing an SUV is precisely that sense of safety that a greater ground clearance and an XL size body can offer you once behind the wheel and with the introduction of its second generation, Renault has really shuffled the cards, radically renewing a model that has nothing to do with its uncertain predecessor.
Available with front or all-wheel drive, as in the case of our test, the Koleos follows the distinctive features of the company, further accentuating the massive front thanks to the headlights that virtually incorporate the grille with four horizontal profiles that extends from one side to the other. Imposing mass, ample space on board and for luggage, the possibility of choosing on which axle to distribute the traction and an automatic CVT transmission which in this case does not make us regret the lack of paddles at the wheel show how the whole thing is actually able to exploit its 177 hp available. The engine is a 4 cylinder 2.0 turbodiesel and offers great responsiveness already in the lower part of the tachometer, with a torque of 380 Nm that facilitates when overtaking, making unnecessary to sink the throttle to the floor, even while facing some mountain roads like the ones where I spent most of my testing days.
Going through its various driving modes, I think the ideal is the standard one, which manages to better handle the various parameters of the car, while in Eco the steering becomes too soft and this reduces the handling of an SUV of almost 2 tons (1,829 kg to be precise) which, once on board, conveys a good sense of compactness, also thanks to the fact of being able to adjust the seat lower than usual. I would have preferred to find greater care for the passenger compartment, because although functional and well assembled, the use of hard plastics and obsolete buttons does not confer the sense of premium to which Renault intends to aim with this model. The same applies to the cabin soundproofing, where the 4-cylinder makes several vibrations; fortunately, the Start/Stop system is excellent and never invasive, in fact, depending on the pressure of your foot on the brake pedal, you can keep the engine running at an intersection, or turn it off at a traffic lights. Your choice.
These still remain defects that are forgiven once the Koleos has the opportunity to demonstrate how much it cares about substance, rather than just appearance. The multimedia system is what we have already met with the other models and therefore with the massive vertical display located in the center of the dashboard, fuel consumption declared in the mixed cycle is good for 6l/100km, but take into account something more in case of a predominantly city drive, or for mountain roads. Having said that and with prices starting from just over € 35,000 it is without reserves an exceptional model for the quality/price ratio it is able to offer. The model like that of our test costs about six thousand Euros more, as it is equipped with all-wheel drive, CVT gearbox (now standard on all models with the recent restyling) and 19” wheels, but it is no longer into production , since it has been replaced by the new 1.8cc or 2.0cc units, respectively with 150 and 195 horses. Should you have a go in this? Definitely yes.
RENAULT KOLEOS
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.995 cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – CVT automatic gearbox
Power – 177 hp @ 3.750 rpm
380 Nm @ 2.000 rpm
Weight – 1.829 kg
Acceleration – 10,1 sec.
Top Speed – 201 kph
Price – from € 35.300 (€ 41.150 as tested)
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