Renault is hoping lower pricing at base level, as well as substantially upgraded equipment, will help lift its Koleos into greater prominence in the X-Trail/CR-V/RAV4 compact SUV segment.
Manufacturer's list price reductions of as much as $1,000 for 4WD petrol Dynamique versions, and the inclusion of standard integrated Tom Tom satellite navigation, Bluetooth and multimedia capability across the board add extra temptation for buyers in a crowded market segment. Base Dynamique models also gain a new premium ARKAMYS stereo.
Add a couple of titillations including a new rear spoiler and a carbon-fibre-look central console on Privilege versions, and the Koleos goes in swinging with a touch of French verve. Four new colours are also introduced across the range.
But while auto petrol Dynamique front-drive and 4WD versions drop by $500 and $1,000 respectively, the top of the range Privilege petrol 4WD version increases by $1,000.
This is justified by standard inclusion of BOSE audio and a power sunroof.
As with a growing number of SUVs, the Koleos offers a 4WD turbodiesel option and is available (at Dynamique level) in front-drive form.
The Koleos has been on sale in Australia since October 2008, but has yet to make a significant dent on the compact SUV segment. It is down slightly on year-to-date sales compared with last year.
As of the end of March 2010, Koleos sales totalled 186, compared with 210 in the same period last year. This compares with 2010 year to date sales of 1,972 Nissan X-Trails, 3,588 Subaru Foresters and 4,191 Holden Captivas.
2010 Renault Koleos manufacturers' list prices (not including government or delivery charges)
4 x 2 Dynamique manual: $31,490
4 x 2 Dynamique auto: $33,490 (-$500)
4 x 4 Dynamique auto: $36,990 (-$1,000)
4 x 4 Dynamique Diesel auto: $39,990
4 x 4 Privilege auto: $43,990 (+$1,000)
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi.