Koleos goes automatic After hauling themselves back from the brink of anarchy by their owners a couple years back, Renault have all but overcome the gripes from their buyers and sniggers from their competitors by following through on their aggressive service-level remodelling campaign. Renault SA boss, Xavier Gobille, has been instrumental in turning around the brand’s reputation with the Confiance and 110% service-excellence campaigns, not only allowing existing owners to breathe a sigh of relief, but to also set a receptive stage for an onslaught of new models which started in 2008 and continues up until now. Mix this newfound passion for service and customer attention with Renault’s reputation for producing overall good quality, well priced and technologically advanced vehicles to suit almost every consumer, and there’s probably never been a better time to get yourself a French, diamond shaped keyring.
In amongst the onslaught of completely redesigned Clios and Meganes in 2008, was Renault’s first ever go at producing an SUV, or any four-wheel-drive, for that matter. The Koleos was an attractive soft roader looking to upset the mid-level Sportage/iX35/RAV apple cart by offering an attractive, safe crossover vehicle with perhaps a
more European feel of quality and reputation and solid off-road ability, all coupled with Renault’s habit of throwing in every technological bell and whistle available. The Koleos immediately impressed with its solid build quality and surprising off road capabilities (thanks to their partnering with sister company and long-term off-roaders, Nissan), and both Koleos and Renault have garnered many local and international awards, including best SUV of 2009 and 2010 in numerous markets. South Africa’s initial Koleos lineup consisted of two petrol variants (a manual 4×2 and CVT 4×4), and a 2.0-litre diesel manual 4×4. Unsurprisingly, the Koleos family now welcomes what many customers will have wanted right at the beginning – the flagship automatic diesel 4×4 version.
The Koleos 2.0 dCi Dynamique Premium Automatic 4×4 uses a new version of their direct injection, common-rail 4-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain, linked to a remarkably smooth six-speed autobox. This combination of 110kW and (more importantly) 320Nm at a useful 2 000 r/min will see the Koleos off the mark quickly enough, up to a top speed of 173km/h, while achieving a combined cycle consumption of 7.9-litres/100km. Euro 4 anti-pollution standards are met with its particulate filter and oxidation catalyser, producing just 197g/km of the nasty stuff. An interesting innovation thrown into the Koleos mix is what they term “Trajectory Control”. Basically, it’s an intelligent all-wheel drive system which allows torque to be split between the front and rear axles on the fly. Nothing groundbreaking here, but it displays how Renault has given a bit more attention towards any off-road
ambitions the Koleos may have than its competitor. Ground clearance of 188mm, a 27/31 degree approach/departure angle and hill descent/ascent control further ensure the system can be put to good use in real conditions. Dynamique Premium is the term given to a particularly high trim level within Renault’s range and is the standard package for this auto diesel model – although “standard”, for Renault in the gizmo department, is hardly an acceptable term. Bluetooth hands free, an impressive bespoke Arkamys 6-speaker sound system, a hands-free start/stop/access keycard, heated electric seats and even a TomTom navigation system come standard. The standard features list on this car, notching up both practicality and comfort points, almost reads like a shopping list for its competitors and make it this car’s party piece.
Other creature comforts worth noting are plenty of hidey-hole stowage compartments (including a chilled glovebox), dual zone climate control, steering controls, MP3 player input, auto headlights and wipers, flat folding seats and the split-folding tailgate for appropriate access, whether loading a chest of drawers or just a shopping bag. Renault have also grown and nurtured a reputation for safety across their range, and Koleos, with its Euro NCAP5 label, is no different. All the usual acronyms are on board such as ABS, EBD, EBA and ESC to help out the airbags, crumple zones and many other safety features, should you find you and your Koleos heading in an unplanned and abruptly halted trajectory. The Koleos 2.0 dCi Dynamique Premium Automatic 4×4 retails for R439 900 and includes a 5 year/150 000km warranty and 5 year/100 000km service plan. - Kevin Willemse