Renault Koleos [2014-2017]

Summary

Renault Koleos is the only SUV that this French auto maker offers in India. Driving on the success of Duster, Renault launched this SUV to attract buyers looking for mid-range utility vehicles that will be fit according to Indian conditions. Currently, it offers six models in India including Koleos. Available since 2011, the car comes in 3 versions. One 4 WD version is equipped with a manual transmission system while the other is equipped with an automatic gearbox. 2 WD variant comes with a manual transmission only. The designing of Koleos was done by Renault, but it was developed by its Japanese counterpart Nissan. Koleos is not manufactured in India but assembled here at the company’s Oragadam plant.

Further to this, read Renault Koleos Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

Koleos comes with projector headlamps and rear view mirror indicators. From the sides, it closely resembles Porsche Macan. The front grille has three lines with a big metallic logo of the manufacturer in the centre. Company’s logo takes space at the back too, just below the wiper. A little spoiler above the C-pillar gives it a sporty look. The g lamps are finished in chrome and LED turn indicators are electronically controlled. Each Koleos comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. The company gives wind deflectors as extra, and anti-theft nuts are also available. These nuts can only be opened by a special tool provided by the manufacturer and protects your wheels from being stolen. Muffler Extension and mud flaps are also available on the options list. The car is available in 4 colors namely, maple red, white pearl, metallic black and ultra silver. 

Interior

The dashboard is made of plastic with a console in the centre. Steering wheel mounted controls can be used to handle the music system produced by Bose. It has a 4.5-inch woofer fitted in its boot area, and a total of 8 speakers are distributed throughout the car. It can easily seat three adults at the back. The illuminated glove box is not only practical but adds to the style of the interiors too. Rear seats are foldableand make more space for luggage. All handles are made of chrome that and the car is equipped with analog speedometer with a small digital display. With AC vents at the rear, the climate can be separately controlled there. The driver and passenger seat can be manually adjusted. It has an engine start/stop button and three power outlets of 12 V each. You can add carpet mats to your car along with trunk mats. These two options come as extra, and you have to pay for them separately. The front section has glove box that keeps things cool too.

Engine and Transmission

Only the diesel variant is offered in India. The 1998 cc, four cylinder engine produces 172 bhp and 360 Nm of torque in the 4X4 variants while the 4X2 variant gets 150 bhp from the same mill. All variants get a 6-speed gearbox, and it is automatic in one of them.

Performance and Handling

The company claims that its 4X4 AT variant will hit 100 mph from astandstill in 11.9 s and will run 14.5 km for every liter of diesel it consumes. Performance figures of the 4X2 variant do not match the other variants in terms of speed, but it is claimed to run 17.15 km per liter. With features like hill descent and hill start control, the car can handle all kinds of terrain.

Braking System

ABS and EBD make stopping the car a lot safer. You can apply full brakes even in therain, and your car would not slide. It also comes with brake assist. The car has four-wheel disc brakes wheels.

Mileage

The 2000 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 14 kmpl in city and 16 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

The car has been rated five stars by Euro NCAP. It comes with eight airbags distributed throughout the car. ABS, EBD and brake assist all add to its safety. ESP gives a better steering control by applying brakes automatically when a driver is taking a sharp turn. Features like automatic emergency unlock and speed sensing door lock makes it a lot safer. Parking assistance comes as standard, and you can set a speed of 7 kmph while you are trying to crunch your car safely in a tight space.

Verdict

Koleos has not been able to create the same amount of buzz as its rivals did. Not even 100 of them have been sold between July 2014 and April 2015. Overall it is a practical car but loses against the rivals because it lacks a rear camera and eye-catching looks.

Competition

When Renault was unable to sell even 100 units of the car, Toyota was able to sell more than 15,000 units of its Fortuner. Even Hyundai Santa Fe, which is priced higher than this one, fared better in terms of sales. BMW X1 and Audi Q3 also compete with Koleos because of its price tag.

Pros

1. Safety Features
2. Hill Descent

Cons

1. Lack of rear view camera
2. Loses against its rivals in terms of looks