Renault launches Koleos SUV

The Renault Koleos SUV has arrived at our shores. Priced at Rs 22.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre, 150bhp, all-aluminium common-rail diesel engine with variable valve timing. This is the same M9R unit that powers the X-Trail, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. This diesel motor, like in the X-trail, is quite rev-happy and packs in loads of punch once you cross 2000rpm.

We drove the Koleos in Europe last year and found it a capable and luxurious SUV; the interior fit and finish is not upto German standards, but there’s a solidity to the interiors that is a cut above its Korean peers. The plastics are hardwearing, the switchgear feels solid and the vents don’t flap around. The trim feels tightly screwed down and hence rattles are unlikely to creep in, which bodes well for extended use.

The Koleos comes loaded with 17-inch alloy wheels, a split tail-gate, cruise control, tray tables behind front seats, a Bose sound system with Bluetooth, steering-mounted audio controls, six airbags and a five-year, 10,000km anti-rust warranty.