RENAULT KOLEOS 2.5
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| Old meet New. Right is the Koleos. Left is the old Scenic RX4 |
IN GENERAL
Renault Koleos is another SUV attempt from Renault after the
unsuccessful Scenic RX4. In general, it uses the Nissan X-Trail II platform
(chassis, engine, gearbox) but with different body, interior and suspension
settings. The models that were tested I think came from Korea (maybe assembled
there by RSM – Renault Samsung Motors; which also part of Renault Alliance)
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| Looks like an average SUV.. why cant they make it much prettier? |
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| Night shot. Good inside but nothing special. Simple & practical |
FIRST IMPRESSION
The unit loaned to me was owned by TC Euro (franchise holder for
Renault in Malaysia), which have clocked about > 40,000km. Well, the design
is not that beautiful, just ok. The interior quality surprisingly only average
and not that good even compared to new Renault models such as Laguna or Megane.
The overall impression is average or actually below average. Hmmm… not a good
start.
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| Engine & gearbox by Nissan X-Trail II with different settings. Should be much more durable, reliable & cheaper to maintain than Renault units. |
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| Simple & practical meter clusters. Very easy. |
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| Hankook? Korean made. |
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| Also Korean. |
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| a practical features especially for family person like me |
THE DRIVE
Well, don’t judge a book by its cover. Once the Koleos start to move,
the sound insulation is quite amazing for an SUV and feels expensive. It is
quiet inside, maybe not S-Class quietness, but feels very good. Suspension
settings also impressive, giving a very good balance between handling and
comfort. Visibility also good and a nice vehicle to sit inside.
However, the gearchange is a little confusing, tends to select one gear
higher. Maybe it tends to give a smooth and comfortable ride but it hampers the
performance and several times I have to intervene to drop a gear for smoother
acceleration.
Moreover, the build quality and materials seems not that lasting
especially near the gear lever. The shining top part for dashboard (and also
the gear lever) is not helping especially when the sun rays on top of it, make
it shining for the driver’s eye.
Driving at > 140kmh is very possible as the 2.5litre engine is very
capable but the confidence level significantly drop after that speed. Some
floating feel was felt and I am don’t have enough confidence to push it.
The engine is smooth and quiet. However, don’t expect performance such
as the RS250 Megane as it is programmed for comfort rather than speed.
Overtaking is very capable but in a more relax manner.
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| this shiny top part dashboard really give glaring problem especially during shiny days |
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| an SUV with Hill Descend Control, Locking Features and Cruise / Speed Limiter functions. |
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| got ESP also? like hot hatch.. he he |
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| Not only glaring when sun shines, but easy to scratch. |
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| Dashboard gap not good. |
INSIDE
Simple and practical. Nothing much special. Seats are comfortable as
usual, even for long journey. Space is adequate especially rear passengers.
Boot space is ok but not big. Dashboard quality and design is average.
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| split tailgate & flat floor is really practical |
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| Audio also very good. Easy control also from behind steering, Renault standard from 1994. |
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| Looks like an SUV, drives like an expensive car. |
CONCLUSIONS
For nearly RM220,000 per unit with 3 years warranty and 3 years free
service (or 60,000km), this unit is not cheap. A compact SUV with a proven Nissan
underpinnings and combined with Renault superb suspension & safety image,
it is quite a hard and tough effort to sell here. However, the surprise is in
the driving, where it excels. It feels expensive and quiet. It is not perfect,
but to people who like an SUV that is reliable and a little unique compared to
other Japanese SUVs, this models may suits you.
UPDATE ! TC Euro is offering the Koleos for an attractive monthly payments, RM1888 per month.
