2016 Renault Koleos review video

This car is so important to Renault, Australia is the first market to receive the Koleos. With mid-size SUVs continuing to sell big, Renault is hoping to make this model a favourite Down Under.

Unlike the original, slightly odd-looking Koleos, this second-generation version is all new, with sharper looks, a classy interior and strong bang for your buck value.

With an impressive array of equipment, it’s well worth having a look at the latest generation Renault Koleos.

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WHAT STANDS OUT

First off, the exterior styling of the Koleos is much better than its dumpy predecessor, with classy touches like the striking headlight and taillight treatment. It certainly stands out against more traditional designs.

As a bonus, the Koleos has a confident and nimble ride. The electric steering is light, and means you can manoeuvre around tight spaces without breaking a sweat. The Koleos also deals well with rough roads, the suspension soaking up big lumps and potholes with ease.

However, one of the best things about the Koleos is the space within the cabin. It doesn’t matter if you are in the front seats or the rear, anyone that rides in the Koleos won’t be complaining about legroom, headroom, or space in general. The panoramic glass sunroof is an excellent touch.

The addition of heated and cooled seats up front, Bose audio system, and power tailgate make the top-level Intens 4WD a very nice car to spend time in.

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WHAT’S INSIDE

The Koleos doesn’t have as much quirkiness as you may expect from a French manufacturer. However, the cabin is well thought-out, so instead of oddball features, you are treated to smart ideas like a roller shutter to hide the cup holders. It is the small things like the clock which appears when you aren’t using the central infotainment display, and changeable interior lighting which makes the Koleos’s cabin a treat.

Everything is controlled through the 8.7-inch tablet-style touchscreen in the centre console. It is here you can set the satellite navigation, operate parking assist, and decide what you want to listen to.

The high-resolution colour TFT instrument panel is a nice touch, and is easy to read at a glance. A minor let down is the steering wheel and interior plastics. Hard, scratchy surfaces spoil the cabin, and the wheel isn’t quite up to scratch in feel and ease of use.

Boot space has grown in the new-generation Koleos, with 458 litres of seats-up luggage capacity and a total of 1690 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down and cargo stacked to the roofliner.

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CHOOSING YOURS

A naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder powers the entire Koleos range, with a CVT automatic the only transmission option. With a 126kW and 226Nm, there is enough power to shift the Koleos without too much objection. A turbo-diesel engine is expected mid-2017.

There are three levels of spec for the Koleos, starting with the Life which is only available in front wheel drive. The mid-spec Zen model can be bought in either front or all-wheel drive configurations, while the flagship Intens is only available in all-wheel drive. The top-level version gives you the best bang for your buck, with competitive pricing and a swag of equipment as standard, and it is for those reasons the Koleos Intens is the WhichCar pick of the bunch.

SUMMING UP

The medium SUV segment is incredibly competitive. The Koleos is up against worthy rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, and Nissan X-Trail. However, its competitive price point, ample standard equipment, roomy cabin, and comfortable ride make it a well worth your time.