New Renault Koleos 2019

New Koleos: At a glance

• Latest version of Renault’s flagship SUV
• Choice of two new powerful and efficient Blue dCi engines
• Bold new exterior design with even more distinctive styling, plus new alloy wheels and additional paint finishes
• Sophisticated X-Tronic continuously variable transmission
• Upgraded R-LINK 2 infotainment with full-screen Apple CarPlay
• Enhanced interior with new high-grade materials for increased premium feel
• Full suite of advanced safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control
• Outstanding on and off-road performance thanks to intelligent All Mode 4x4 i four-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance
• Standard Pure Vision LED headlamps that offer 20 percent more light than traditional lights
• Renault EasyLife line-up of Iconic and GT-Line models
• One of Renault’s biggest selling models, with over 100,000 examples sold globally in 2018
• UK pricing to be announced in July with first customer deliveries in October

Introduction

With its premium design, impressive comfort and outstanding performance, the Renault Koleos has established itself as one of the key players in the large SUV segment. Accomplished and assured on the road, it also offers real off-road capability thanks to its advanced  all-wheel drive transmission.

The New Koleos builds on the success of the original by offering even more distinctive exterior design and even greater  interior comfort. Furthermore it now features all-new engines that are both more powerful and efficient than before. In line with Renault’s EasyLife strategy New Koleos is available in well-equipped Iconic and GT-Line trims.

“Sold in more than 93 countries all over the world, Koleos has been a huge success ever since its launch. More than 100,000 units were sold in 2018, making it one of Groupe Renault’s best-selling models worldwide. With its new high-performance engines, more assertive design and more sophisticated interior, the New Koleos is more attractive than ever.”

Julien Peirano, Deputy Global Marketing Director

Exterior

With its elegant appearance, muscular shoulders and stylish bodywork, the Renault Koleos has always been a distinctive presence in the large SUV class.Now the New Koleos has an more assertive style that’s perfectly in keeping with its premium image.

At the front is a even more distinctive  more pronounced front grille, plus new chrome brightwork that stretches the full width of the bumper, extending into the chrome-accentuated fog lamps. Lower down, the bumper has a new and more prominent skid plate that both enhances the Koleos’ upmarket looks and adds valuable off-road protection.

The rear of the  New Koleos has also been remodelled, with a larger skid plate and a similarly bold chrome strip as used in the front bumper, plus the high level rear brake light has been enlarged, improving looks and boosting safety.

New alloy wheels feature across the range, with Iconic models riding on 18-inch “Taika” with a two-tone  grey diamond finish, while the GT-Line is equipped with 19-inch “Kavea” with its distinctive black diamond treatment. Finally, the Koleos’ colour palette is enhanced by the inclusion of  the new “Vintage Red” metallic paint finish, which is optional on all models

All versions of the New Koleos are equipped with LED Pure Vision headlamps, which act as both high and low beam headlights, plus they deliver 20% more light powerful than a standard halogen unit, significantly improving visibility at night. As before the headlamps are surrounded by the distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights, while the rear lamps benefit from 3D effect Edge Light LED technology.

Interior

As ever, meticulous attention to detail has been lavished on the finish of the New Koleos' interior, including satin chrome inserts on the steering wheel, gear lever and air vents, as well as soft touch materials on the dashboard and door trims.

Measuring  4,670 mm long with a 2,710 mm wheelbase, the New Koleos has been carefully packaged to provide as much interior space as possible. In the rear there’s plenty of head, shoulder and elbow room, while the class-leading 289mm of legroom allows plenty of space to stretch out.

Iconic models get the distinctive synthetic leather and cloth trim for the seats, while the GT-Line benefits from a Carbon Black part leather finish, or Sierra Brown at additional cost. Additionally, the GT-Line is equipped with heated front seats and six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Renault’s trademark Easy Break seat folding system uses handy boot-mounted handles for quick and easy stowing of the 60/40 split/fold rear bench. Boot space is generous, running to 579 litres with all five seats in place and extending to 1,795 litres with the rear seat folded. Plenty of thought has gone into the boot itself, with features a boot floor the at the same level as the sill for easy loading and unloading. GT-Line also gains a powered tailgate for hands-free opening and closing.

Elsewhere you’ll find 35-litres of handy storage, including an 11-litre glove box and a 7-litre compartment in the centre console, where you’ll also find cupholders that can either warm or cool your drink.

Powertrains, chassis and driving dynamics

The exterior and interior aren’t the only updates for the Koleos, because there’s also an all-new engine line-up that delivers even more performance and greater efficiency.  As before there’s the smooth X-Tronic gearbox and a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive transmissions, the latter offering genuine off-road ability

The flexible and smooth 150PS Blue dCi 150 is available exclusively on two wheel drive models and returns 52.2mpg while emitting just 143g/km of CO2. With a muscular 340Nm of torque available at just 1,750rpm this engine provides effortless and refined performance.

The more powerful 190PS Blue dCi 190 is an even more assured performer, with a healthy 380Nm of torque at an identically low 1,750rpm. Additionally this engine comes as standard with All Mode 4x4-i four-wheel drive, which offers both secure and agile on road dynamics, and impressive go-anywhere ability in the rough. Yet even so it still only emits 150g/km of CO2.

There are three separate driving modes available, each of which is accessed using a button handily located next to the steering wheel:

• 2WD mode engages only the front wheels, helping to reduce fuel consumption.
• Auto (4WD) allows the electronic control unit to constantly monitor driving conditions and automatically  distribute  torque between the front and rear axles, with an ability to send  up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels.
• Lock (4WD)is for the most extreme conditions. This function locks the centre differential to ensure a constant 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for maximum traction on surfaces such as snow, mud, dirt and sand.

On the road the All Mode 4x4-i system offers even greater stability and safety, and in Auto mode the sensors constantly monitor acceleration, yaw motion and the steering angle to constantly adjust the torque distribution, boosting grip and reducing unwanted understeer or oversteer.

Head off road and the All Mode 4x4-i combines with the 190mm ground clearance - one of the highest in its class - and short overhangs to deliver genuine go anywhere ability, particularly with transmission in Lock.

Both engines are mated to the state-of-the-art X-Tronic continuously variable automatic transmission, which offers a smoother driving experience thanks to its ability to constantly match engine and road speed. For more energetic driving there are are six ‘virtual’ ratios that deliver even more responsive acceleration and engine braking.

Also common to both engines is a a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR), which is proven to be the effective way for reducing nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions without any reduction in engine performance

Technology

New Koleos is packed with the latest safety features, such as pedestrian detection, plus it benefits from the latest on-board connectivity, including the R-LINK 2 infotainment system with full Apple CarPlay compatibility

The Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS City and Inter-Urban) now includes a Pedestrian Detection system, while Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Automatic High/Low Beam Headlights (AHL), a 360° surround view camera and Easy Park Assist (EPA) are all included. All modes also get  Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Tiredness Detection Warning (TDW).

Infotainment is taken care of by Renault’s cutting edge R-LINK 2 multimedia system, which has full-screen compatibility with Apple CarPlay. Featuring  a 7-inch landscape touchscreen on Iconic models and an 8.7-inch portrait layout on GT-Line, this feature allows for both easier reading of the display and quicker, safer access to functions.

In addition, R-LINK 2 provides access to a wide variety of apps, including the Waze navigation system. Plus are two  USB plugs, which for easier access are now located under the centre console at the base of the gear lever. As a further safety boost, the sat nav, telephone, app, email and radio functions can be accessed using voice control by simply pressing a button on the steering wheel.

As ever, audio sound quality is taken seriously, with GT-Line models being fitted with a powerful 13 speaker Bose® sound system  Using Bose Centerpoint® technology this system produces an authentic and clear sound, ensuring driver and passengers are surrounded by a rich and balanced sound no matter where they sit.

UK Specifications

The desirable Koleos is now available with two engine options and either two or four-wheel drive. In line with Renault’s EasyLife philosophy the Koleos can be ordered in lavishly equipped Iconic and GT-Line trims, with each getting a choice of Blue dCi 150 X-Tronic or Blue dCi 190 X-Tronic All Mode 4x4-i powertrains.

Iconic models benefit from a long list of standard equipment, with ‘Taika’ 18-inch alloy wheels, LED Vision headlamps, two stage reclining rear seats, R-Link 2 with full screen Apple CarPlay, seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, keyless entry, a four-speaker Arkamys sound system and dual zone climate control.

Other features include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, powerfold door mirrors, a 60/40 split fold rear seat and rear armrest with two cupholders. There are also comprehensive safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, AEB Active Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection,  traffic sign recognition and automatic operation of lights and wipers.

To this impressive tally GT-Line adds new 19-inch ‘Kavea’ two tone alloys wheels, Carbon Black part leather interior, heated front seats and six-way electric adjustment for the driver. There’s also the R-Link 2 with 8.7-inch portrait screen and a 13-speaker Bose sound system. Further desirable features include a powered tailgate and, the option of an opening panoramic glass sunroof.