Koleos: Renault’s new Malaysian flagship

PETALING JAYA, Sept 2 — TC Euro Cars gave the motoring media a preview of their new flagship model for Malaysia, the all-new Renault Koleos, dubbed as Renault’s “D” segment SUV. Although the Koleos is built on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail (remembering that the two brands are very closely associated), and shares an almost identical drive train, the Koleos certainly looks a larger vehicle.

In truth, the Koleos is 4,672 mm long, 32mm longer than the X-Trail despite sharing the same 2,705mm wheelbase — the additional length is made through the front and rear overhang lengths. The Koleos also has a wider front (+16mm) and wider rear track as well (+11mm), making the overall width of the Koleos 1,843mm, 23mm wider than the X-Trail.

Being clearly wider and longer, a shorter overall height for the Koleos helps to promote even further, the impression that the Koleos is a much bigger vehicle.

The first sight of the Koleos as it was being driven onto the preview area gave me this exact impression — hence prompting me to do a comparison of the exterior dimensions which I have just shared.

The Koleos is powered by a 2.5 litre engine from the Renault group, and the power figures, as well as the bore and stroke are identical to the numbers for the X-Trail, so I would venture to say that although the engine covers may state differently, the engines appear to be identical for both.

You can take this information any way you want — be it bemoaning the fact that a Renault has the same engine as in a Nissan, or is it the other way round? Alternatively, you might be looking at it from a more positive point of view — there will be lesser problems with parts availability.

Anyway, the QR25 engine is found in a few other makes as well, if you know where to look. Just for the record, the Renault Koleos makes 170PS @ 6,000 rpm, and 226Nm of torque @4,400 rpm.

The Koleos offered here in Malaysia at the moment is available with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration only, and drive to the wheels is transferred via a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission).

Suspension is 4-wheel independent, with MacPherson Struts at the front, and a multi-link arrangement for the rear, with coil springs all round — a good formula for a good ride and good handling characteristics.

The Koleos, aimed at the more discerning upper echelon buyers, comes packaged with a long list of features and goodies. In the list are LED headlamps, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Reverse Camera, Keyless Entry with “walk-away lock,” and 18-inch alloy wheels. Upholstery is combination leather, and there are six parking sensors each at the front and rear.

The audio system is a high end R-Link 2 Portrait 8.7 inch touch screen, with GPS and AUX/Bluetooth/USB, and 3D Sound by Arkamys with 8 speakers. The instrument panel is a 7-inch TFT screen. Automatic wipers, auto –dimming rear view mirror, auto climate control, with rear blower are standard equipment.

In addition, there are three 12-volt outlets, for front, rear and also in the boot. If you need to charge your phones, you can do so as the Koleos comes with two USB charging ports.

Safety features that are standard include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ASR, ABS, EBD and EBA . It also comes with Blind Spot Warning and six airbags.

The retail price for the new Koleos is RM172,917.72 (price on-the-road including insurance, private individual registration, P Malaysia). This includes a five-year manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.

Source : Malay Mail Online | All http://ift.tt/2bRp8oG

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