Renault SUV leaked

UPDATE 21/04/2016 5:30pm: Renault has now confirmed its new Koldeos will debut at the Beijing motor show on April 25 and released the first official image, which is the same as the one leaked earlier today.

In a short press release, it said: "Renault will round out its high-end range with a brand new D-segment SUV, the new KOLEOS. The new model will play a key role in Renault’s product offensive that has seen a record-breaking year with the introduction of 10 new vehicles across the world.

"The new KOLEOS is designed and engineered with global appeal to play a part in boosting Renault’s international growth, including in China where Renault opened a plant in Wuhan earlier this year.

"Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn will reveal the new KOLEOS at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 25, 2016.

"The new KOLEOS delivers a blend of robust SUV design cues together with the refinement and features associated with large sedans.

"The new KOLEOS boasts a powerful stance that sets it apart from its D-segment SUV rivals and provides a refined, comfortable interior with ample room for passengers. The new KOLEOS also delivers all-terrain ability and agility, while ensuring excellent ride, handling and stability."

UPDATE 21/04/2016 1:00pm: New images of the Renault SUV have surfaced, confirming the name of the new SUV's name will continue to be Koleos for now, certainly in China. The leaked image of the rear of the vehicle clearly displays the Koleos name and is now highly likely to be retained by Renault Australia.

The next-generation Renault Koleos replacement will adopt the company's new corporate face if this leaked image is anything to go by.

Originally posted by Autoweek.nl, then hastily removed, the image has now spread like wildfire across the internet. It reveals a premium aesthetic for the reborn, upsized Renault crossover.

The car will premiere next week at the Beijing motor show (April 25) and is another design overseen by Renault's design chief Laurens van den Acker. The Dutch maestro has worked his magic yet again for Renault, the seven-seat SUV presenting a strong, handsome look.

The bigger SUV ties in with other new models from the French brand, including the new Megane. The image appears to be a legitimate photo from Renault, matching up with the teaser image of the new SUV that has unofficially been dubbed Maxthon.

Renault is yet to confirm a name for the Koleos-replacing SUV, with some local media outlets speculating that Renault Australia will dump the Koleos name when the new car arrives as early mid-year.

However motoring.com.au sources believe Renault Australia retains a strong desire to leverage the equity in the Koleos name.

There are already roughly 12,000 Koleos customers in Australia, and the new Nissan X-TRAIL-based SUV will be a key model for the local operations' planned growth.