Renault loads up new Koleos

RENAULT Australia has revealed full pricing and specification details for its all-important new-generation Koleos mid-size SUV, confirming a high level of equipment across a four-variant model range that starts at $29,990 plus on-road costs and tops out at $43,490.

As expected, the redesigned Koleos carries over the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – producing 126kW of power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4400rpm – and drives either the front or all four wheels through a revised ‘Xtronic’ continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Official combined-cycle fuel consumption comes in at 8.1 litres per 100km – well down on the 9.3L/100km with the outgoing 2.5-litre petrol/CVT combination – while CO2 emissions are rated at 188 grams per kilometre, an improvement of 35g/km.

The 4x4 versions return 8.3L/100km (down from 9.5L/100km) and 192g/km of CO2 (falling from 228g/km).

There are now three new model grades that bring Australia in to line with overseas markets – entry-level Life, mid-series Zen and flagship Intens – with Life available only with a 4x2 drivetrain (from $29,990), Zen offering the choice of either 4x2 or 4x4 (from $33,990 and $36,490 respectively) and Intens emerging as a 4x4-only proposition (from $43,490).

By comparison, the previous Koleos Expression was in run-out at $29,990 driveaway, while the mid-range Bose 4x2 petrol was higher than the equivalent new Zen variant at $36,500 plus on-roads. The latter is perhaps partly explained by the Bose’s fitment of a blind-spot warning system as standard, while the Zen includes this key feature in an optional safety pack.

The new Koleos also leaves satellite navigation and an electronic parking brake out from the entry level, kicking in at the second tier, whereas the previous model had both features fitted standard across the range.

The previous top-line Bose Premium was priced from $41,500 but this is where the new Koleos Intens introduces advanced driver-assist technology such as an ‘Interurban’ emergency braking system, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and an electronic parking system dubbed ‘easy park assist’.

The blind-spot warning system is standard here, too, while the optional safety pack in Zen – costing $1490 – also adds the advanced emergency braking and forward collision assist systems.

As was the case in the previous-generation Koleos, there is still no shortage of standard equipment.

For example, six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, automatic dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning and a leather-clad steering wheel are all present and accounted for.

Bumping up the value equation, a tyre pressure monitoring system and LED tail-lights are now fitted across the range, rear parking sensors make it on to the base model, all variants now have front and rear foglights (including a cornering function up front) and the R-Link multimedia system has entered a second generation – still with a 7.0-inch touchscreen on the first two model grades, but at the top end increasing to an 8.7-inch screen and, according to Renault, “offering the same tactile functions as a tablet”.

As well as sat-nav, the R-Link functionality that kicks in at Zen level includes voice control and custom home screens.

Other than the extra features already mentioned, the Zen picks up 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17-inch rims on Life and the previous Bose variant), tinted rear windows, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, soft-touch artificial leather upholstery and keyless entry with automatic walk-away door locking.

Further spec highlights unique to the range-topping Intens include remote engine start, LED headlights, hands-free tailgate, full-grain leather upholstery, heating and ventilation for both front seats, adjustable ambient cabin lighting, electric-powered panoramic sunroof and a Bose audio system with 12-speakers, subwoofer and digital amplifier.

Metallic paint adds $600 across the range and the big sunroof can be optioned on Zen for $1990.

Mechanical details and the finer points in terms of specification are still to be provided, however Renault has confirmed that the new Koleos petrol maintains its 2000kg braked towing capacity.

The French brand also claims it has class-leading cabin space, including 289mm of rear knee-room.

In announcing the details of the new Koleos range today, Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said: “The all-new Koleos is an extremely important model for us.

“The new model is vastly different from anything we have offered in Australia.

“We are the first market to sell the all-new Koleos and performed local pre-series testing. Coupled with the vehicle’s outstanding specification levels and value for money, this demonstrates not only how important the Koleos is for Australia but also Renault’s global commitment to this market and our region.” Sales officially start on August 1, while additional variants anticipated further down the track include the return of a turbo-diesel engine – potentially the 96kW/320Nm 1.6-litre oil-burner used in the related Nissan X-Trail.

2016 Renault Koleos pricing*

Life 4x2 (a)	$29,990
Zen 4x2 (a)	$33,990
Zen 4x4 (a)	$36,490
Intens 4x4 (a)	$43,490

*Excludes on-road costs