Koleos aims high

The local outfit for French brand Renault has high expectations for its first-time compact SUV Koleos model, aiming for 50 per cent extra sales.

Renault Australia wants to sell 150 Koleos models a month; half its current turnover of around 300 sales per month. "A big move forward for us", admitted managing director, Rudi Koenig at this week's launch of the new car.

The company believes its "extensive" Koleos range will cover all bases for compact SUV buyers. The local line-up includes front-drive and four-wheel drive models, and petrol and diesel options, starting from a competitive $29,990.

"Koleos is a very important product for us," says Koenig. "Probably the most important for Renault since we relaunched in the Australian market in 2001. We're very confident about it."

Koenig says the addition of a small offroader will extend the company's sales scope by entering the healthy local SUV market.

"Koleos carries us to over 40 per cent of the market," says Koenig. "It gives us the chance to tap in to Australia's love affair with SUVs."

Koenig suggests the Koleos will be better received by Aussies than Renault's previous attempt at a crossover -- the Scenic model.

"The Scenic was to get people used to the idea of not needing a four-wheel drive to fit their day-to-day transport needs. It didn't really work against this love affair for SUVs."

Enter Koleos: Renault's first SUV segment contender and also the first vehicle offered in Australia from the Renault-Nissan alliance 'global' line-up.

Koleos uses the Nissan X-TRAIL's underpinnings including the 'All-mode' four-wheel-drive system, and boasts Renault's attention to ergonomics, spaciousness and safety. The vehicle is built by Samsung in the former "Japanese standard" Nissan-Samsung plant in Busan, South Korea, from where it will be exported to over 40 countries.

Renault Australia expects the Koleos' production proximity will benefit the company's turnover, as it takes four months for some models to come from Europe.

The two-wheel drive 2.5-litre petrol model is rated at 126kW/226Nm and available with six-speed manual or CVT continuously variable transmission. The four-wheel drive version is offered with CVT only.

The 2.0 turbodiesel Koleos is available with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, in different outputs. The manual model's diesel is rated at 127kW/360Nm and the auto gets a 110kW/320Nm version. The engine is also used by Laguna and Megane.

According to Renault (combined) fuel consumption for the manual-equipped diesel is 7.9L/100km and the automatic 8.3L/100km. The petrol 4x2 models use 9.6L/100km (manual) and 9.3L/100km (CVT), and the 4x4 version uses 9.5L/100km.

All models are offered in Renault's Dynamique trim. Even at entry level the Koleos' standard-fit list is extensive, including dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, foglights, automatic park brake, seatback tables for rear passengers and 17-inch alloys and full-size spare.

The four-wheel drive models standard come with hill start assist and hill descent control.

The four-wheel drive petrol-engined Koleos is available in the up-spec Privilege trim including leather upholstery, heated front seats and park assist. Koenig told the Carsales Network that Renault Australia would consider offering the specification on other Koleos models if there was sufficient demand.

The company would also consider adding a turbodiesel two-wheel drive Koleos, said Koenig.

Koleos is around the same size as the Scenic, with a longer wheelbase than the X-TRAIL's. Figures for ground clearance (206mm; 181mm for diesel models), and approach (27 degrees) and departure (31 degrees) angles rival that of the laudable Nissan.

Despite the offroad credentials and boasting "the best four-wheel-drive system in the segment", Renault Australia says the Koleos is ideal for the "urban jungle", with a focus on passenger comfort.

The Koleos has generous head, leg and shoulder room all 'round; comfortable seating and clever storage zones, including a super-sized chilled glovebox and underfloor space in the rear.

As noted in our international launch review (see link below), the Koleos' ride is a standout. We can confirm it's as good on local roads, having a soft, comfortable ride without any wallowing effect and the suspension is quiet and compliant at all times, even over poor surfaces.

"Koleos is about the urbanisation of the traditional four-wheel drive [vehicle]", says Koenig.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our local launch review of the Renault Koleos. Also read our international launch review here.

Renault Koleos range pricing
Dynamique 4x2 2.5 petrol, six-speed manual $29,990
Dynamique 4x2 2.5 petrol, CVT $32,990
Dynamique 4x4 2.5 petrol, CVT $36,990
Dynamique 4x4 127 kW 2.0 dCi/six-speed manual $39,990
Dynamique 4x4 110 kW 2.0 dCi/six-speed auto $39,990
Privilege 4x4 2.5 petrol/CVT $41,990

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