Renault launches cheaper, redesigned Koleos

RENAULT’S facelifted ‘Phase 3’ Koleos compact SUV has arrived in Australia, sporting a new frontal design and a starting price reduced by $1000 to $27,490 plus on-road costs.

The upmarket 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version also gets a welcome fettle, with power boosted from 110kW to 127kW/320Nm, while the update also brings a more generous list of specifications across the board.

These include, depending on variant, a new alloy wheel design, chrome finish on the side protective strips, a new body colour called ‘Metallic Brown’, new interior trims with the option of brown leather upholstery, a new radio interface, a seven-inch touchscreen navigation system with multimedia, a Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors.

However, while the company has cut the starting price by $1000, the cost of entry into the mid-range Bose variant has climbed by $500, and the Privilege has climbed by $300 (petrol) and $800 (diesel).

Arriving hot on the heels of the brand new Clio supermini launched last month, the revised Koleos becomes the second local Renault to get the brand’s soon-to-be signature nose design, replete with the oversized Renault ‘lozenge’ badge front and centre.

This pair will be joined by a redesigned Megane and the all-new Clio-based Captur crossover SUV by the middle of next year, as the revitalised French company continues its march up the sales charts.

With sales growth of 70.5 per cent to the end of September, the pre-facelift Koleos is Renault’s fastest-growing passenger or SUV in Australia this year, behind only the heavily promoted and discounted Trafic and Master light commercials.

That being said, its 1294 sales YTD are enough to give it only 1.6 per cent share of the market dominated by the likes of Mazda’s CX-5, the Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

Starting from the bottom, the front-drive Expression now costs $27,490 (or $27,990 drive-away for a limited time) in 126kW/226Nm 2.5-litre petrol, six-speed manual guise, or an extra $3000 for the CVT automatic. This is $1000 cheaper than before.

Expression variants gain an alarm, lockable glove box, a new radio interface, new wheel design and new seat trims as well as access to the new ‘Metallic Brown’ exterior colour scheme.

The mid-range Bose variant adds, over and above the Expression, a touchscreen integrated satellite navigation system, illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors, front parking sensors, new two-tone 17-inch alloy wheel design, Blind Spot Warning, Keyless Start and electro chrome interior mirror. A rear view camera is also available as an option.

List pricing for the Bose variants is $35,490 for the CVT 4x2 petrol, $38,990 for the CVT 4x4 petrol and $40,490 for the automatic transmission 4x4 diesel with the newly enhanced output engine.

Flagship Privilege versions get a rear parking camera, new two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable passenger seat and optional brown interior with brown leather upholstery, or optional brown interior with beige leather upholstery.

List prices are $44,740 for the CVT 4X4 petrol, or $46,240 for the CVT 4X4 diesel.

“The Renault Koleos Phase 3 is a modern, stylish and affordable SUV with all the features you need for your everyday escape,” said Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar.

“With these new features and revised pricing we are confident the Renault Koleos will continue to carve a larger niche for itself in the highly competitive compact SUV market.”2013 Renault Koleos pricing*

Expression 2.5L petrol 4x2	$27,490
Expression 2.5L petrol 4x2 (a)	$30,490
Bose 2.5L petrol 4x2 (a)	$35,490
Bose 2.5L petrol 4x4 (a)	$38,990
Bose 2.0L diesel 4x4 (a)	$40,490
Privilege 2.5L petrol 4x4 (a)	$44,740
Privilege 2.0L diesel 4x4 (a)	$46,240

*Excludes on-road costs.