All-new Renault Koleos now with all-new drive

A new variant of the popular Renault Koleos SUV has been introduced, with all-wheel drive for improved capabilities under varying conditions.

The new ALL-MODE 4×4-i technology permanently monitors grip levels to ensure optimal traction for more dynamic performance, greater stability and enhanced safety and  has been proven on millions of Renault-Nissan Alliance vehicles worldwide. The system includes an easy-to-use control switch, which allows drivers to choose from three modes – 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock, depending on driving conditions.

In the 2WD mode, the new Koleos runs with a front-wheel drive for optimised fuel consumption, ideal in good to normal driving conditions. In 4WD Auto mode, the ALL-MODE 4×4-i technology permanently monitors both longitudinal and lateral acceleration, as well as yaw rates and steering angles. Based on this information, the system calculates the ideal front/rear torque split (from 100/0 to 50/50) to provide the most efficient grip possible to eliminate understeer and oversteer.

When travelling off-road or in conditions where grip is at a premium, such as on mud and sand, the 4WD Lock mode allows the driver to engage permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40km/h to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50) for maximum stability.

The Koleos features a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission, capable of delivering maximum power of 168 bhp and peak torque of 226 Nm, with 200 Nm torque available from 1,800rpm.

Both the new Renault Koleos 4WD and 2WD variants offer class-leading space and a high-end interior with a long equipment list delivering all that is expected of a premium D-segment SUV.

With a total length of 4,672mm and a 2,705mm wheelbase, the Koleos is amongst the longest in its class which gives it record-breaking interior space. The Koleos also lays claim to having the segment’s most comfortable front seats with dimensions that place it amongst the biggest in its class. Meanwhile, the 289mm knee-room is one of the most generous for rear passengers, as well as good head room, shoulder room and elbow room. The cabin space of the Renault Koleos also allows for a large configurable boot and numerous storage solutions.

The 542-litre boot features a removable floor positioned at the same height as the boot, which forms a flat floor. The Easy Break system, with handles conveniently located in the boot allows the 60/40-split rear bench seat to be folded in an instant, freeing up a total carrying capacity of 1690 litres.

There are also 35 litres of additional storage around the cabin of the Renault Koleos, including an 11-litre glove box and a seven-litre cubby in the centre console.

Getting in and out of the Koleos is made easier by the wide aperture of the doors (70 degrees at the front and 77 degrees for the rear doors) – amongst the widest in the Koleos’ segment. The design of the doors protects the sills from soiling and prevents passengers’ clothes from getting dirty when they climb in or out of the car.

Attention has also been paid to the interior materials which feature stylish satin-finish chrome for the steering wheel inserts as well as gear lever and air vent inserts. The centre console is covered by a tactile, hardy protective film. The cushion-backed materials selected for the dashboard and door panels reduce NVH  while the black leather upholstery and leather-trimmed armrests feature contrasting top stitching to complete the premium look and feel.

The Koleos is equipped with the R-LINK 2 multimedia system, which serves as a connected control centre for coordination of multiple functions including infotainment, navigation, hands-free telephony, radio and driver aids. Key features are:

  • An 8.7-inch portrait screen format
  • Same capacitive touchscreen functions as personal tablet (two-finger zoom, page scrolling, etc.)
  • Realistic navigation display with 3D representation of buildings
  • Connectivity and charging options include Bluetooth® for hands-free use of a telephone and audio streaming, a USB port, a 3.5mm jack socket, a 12V power supply and, depending on version, an SD card slot
  • Voice recognition for telephone use
  • Four customisable homepages with widgets for swift access to the most frequently employed functions
  • Driving data (speed, RPM, fuel consumption, etc.) is displayed on a personalisable seven-inch TFT screen situated behind the steering wheel, in the driver’s line of sight.

Also standard in the Renault Koleos are the following:

  • Six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat
  • Power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat
  • Auto-dimming rear view mirror
  • Keyless entry with automatic “walk away” door locking
  • Automatic wipers and headlamps
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Four USB ports
  • Cooled front cupholders
  • Three 12V sockets
  • Eight speakers
  • Ambient lighting in four colours

The new 4WD variant also has a hands-free power tailgate which can be controlled via buttons from within the vehicle and directly on the power tailgate, as well as the Renault Smart Keycard. Even with arms fully laden and the keycard buried deep in a pocket or handbag, the boot can be opened with by sweeping the foot underneath the rear bumper while the height can be programmed according to individual needs.

Both the 4WD and 2WD versions are equipped with a raft of passive and active safety including:

  • the use of very high elastic limit steel for the engine frame and high-strength steel for the passenger safety cell to protect the cabin in the case of a major impact.
  • Two adaptive front airbags that inflate according to the type of impact and the occupant’s position in the car
  • Two lateral thorax/shoulder airbags for the front occupants
  • Two curtain airbags
  • Anti-whiplash front and rear head rests
  • Anti-submarining front seats
  • Rear ISOFIX anchorage for i-Size child seats
  • All the seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioners and load limiters
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Latest-generation electronic stability programme (ESP) with traction control
  • Braking assist and electronic brake force distribution
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Rear view camera
  • Front, rear and side parking sensors

The Renault Koleos has full LED lighting, front and rear, lights with daytime running lights (DRL) and fog lights that offer cornering function for added safety. The use of Pure Vision LED headlamps that are 20 percent more powerful than a halogen beam offer more energy savings and durability. At the rear, permanently-lit LED tail lights feature Edge Light technology, which generates a clear, bright 3D effect.

18-inch alloy wheels are standard for the Koleos and there is a choice of five body colour options. The special Marron Red which is exclusive to the 4WD variant only, Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Meissen Blue.

The Renault Koleos 2WD is currently priced at RM182,800. The new 4WD version is available at an estimated price of RM201,800. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance.

As with all Renault mainstream vehicles, the Koleos comes with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage. The warranty is fully backed by Renault and not undertaken by any other insurance companies, which means terms and conditions, as well as parts covered, are consistent from the first year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.