Renault has officially unveiled the new Koleos SUV at Beijing motor show 2016. The new Koleos is built on the CMF C/D platform, which is shared with the similarly sized Nissan X-Trail, as well as larger Renault-Nissan Alliance models like the Renault Espace, Talisman and Kadjar, and the Nissan Qashqai, all of which are sold overseas.
Two petrol and two diesel engines are available with power outputs ranging between 130hp and 175hp. These will be available with either a six-speed manual or Renault-Nissan’s well-known X-Tronic CVT ‘box. AWD will be available on some variants, offering switchable FWD and AWD modes, as well as full-time AWD for low-speed, low-grip conditions. Renault claims approach and departure angles of 19 and 26 degree respectively and a ground clearance of 213mm.
At 4,670mm, the new Koleos is a fair bit longer than its predecessor. Renault claims ‘record-breaking interior space’, which includes 289mm of rear knee room. In the cabin, the Koleos gets Renault’s 'R-Link 2' infotainment system which is offered in seven-inch landscape or 8.7-inch portrait setups. The dials are replaced by a standard-fit digital display. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are included as standard, and voice recognition also features.
A panoramic sunroof over the front and rear seats will be available, but this is likely to be an optional extra, as are the heated steering wheel and windscreen, electric front seat adjustment, heated and ventilated front and heated second row seats, a rear-view camera with parking sensors all-round, remote starting, and a Bose speaker system.
A wide range of driver aids will be available on the Koleos, including lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot and safe distance warnings, tiredness detection, and easy park assist.
The new Koleos will be built in the existing Koleos plant in Busan, South Korea, for all markets except China, for which the cars will be built in the carmaker's Wuhan plant in China. The SUV will be sold in 80 markets around the world, starting with China later this year, and it could eventually make its way to India too.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
