Renault goes racing with Koleos Formula Edition

RENAULT Australia has bolstered its Koleos mid-size-SUV line-up with the release of a limited-run Formula Edition variant priced from $36,490 driveaway.

Based on the front-wheel-drive Zen variant that costs $35,490 plus on-roads, the Formula Edition is restricted to 400 units and ushers in several cosmetic enhancements.

These include 19-inch Proteus alloy wheels with black centre caps, black side-mirror covers, silver side steps and a ‘Formula Edition’ sticker on the tailgate.

Described by the French brand as a “model inspired by (Australian Formula One driver) Daniel Ricciardo and Renault’s rich motorsport heritage”, the Formula Edition is available with three paintwork options: Universal White, Metallic Grey and Metallic Black.

These features come in addition to the FWD Zen’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and 7.0-inch touchscreen R-Link infotainment system with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Just like the FWD Zen, the Formula Edition is motivated by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 126kW of power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4400rpm. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

“The Renault Koleos continues to be the best-selling passenger model in the Renault Australia fleet, and we are confident this new addition will further boost interest and sales,” said Renault Australia managing director Anouk Poelmann.

“Stylish, spacious and comfortable, the Koleos is driver- and passenger-friendly, delivering family-sized transport in a fun and sporty way.”

Sales of Koleos have taken a significant hit this year, with 1040 examples sold to the end of June – a 41.0 per cent decrease over the 1763 deliveries made during the same period in 2018.

As a result, Koleos is currently sitting 12th in the highly competitive sub-$60,000 mid-size SUV segment, trailing the Mazda CX-5 (13,956 units), Toyota RAV4 (11,459), Nissan X-Trail (9692), Mitsubishi Outlander (9374) and Hyundai Tucson (9373), among others.

As reported, a facelifted version of the second-generation Koleos broke cover overseas last month, although Australian timing is yet to be confirmed.

It introduces fresh exterior styling, revised interior trim and materials, a new infotainment system and the addition of pedestrian detection for its AEB system.