PETALING JAYA: The new Renault Koleos is launched today and is available at the introductory price of RM172,800 (on-the-road without insurance).
The vehicle is expected to be in Renault showrooms starting mid-October, as the launch unit you see here is the only one available in the country right now.
An initial batch of 30 units are being shipped in from Renault’s Busan plant in South Korea. In the meantime, distributor TC Euro Cars is holding a preview for the general public at Mid Valley Mega Mall, Centre Court, Ground Floor, Kuala Lumpur from Sept 7 to 11.
In July, CarSifu flew to France to test-drive the SUV, and the drive impressions can be found
here
.
The Koleos features Renault’s proven powertrain and technologies. Its 2.5-litre petrol engine is mated to a new X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission for enhanced performance and driving enjoyment while optimising fuel consumption.
This efficient engine is capable of delivering maximum power of 169hp and peak torque of 226Nm. It is also said to be responsive at low and mid-range engine speeds, with 200Nm torque available from as low as 1,800rpm.
The Koleos boasts a record cabin space, an extensive range of equipment and a carefully-appointed interior. It has styling similarities with the Talisman – Renault’s new large family saloon – that still packs all the styling cues and capabilities associated with the SUV segment.
The taut bonnet lines contribute to the car’s powerful design, an impression that is heightened by several chrome embellishments, including strips designed to visually lengthen the front end and exude an impression of dynamism and elegance. Unique in the segment, this feature sets the all-new Renault Koleos apart from other SUVs.
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The 2,705mm wheelbase – for a total vehicle length of 4,672mm – counts amongst the longest in the class and allows the Koleos to boast record-breaking interior space to position itself as a D-segment SUV.
At the rear, Renault’s trademark style is again prominently on display. The wide, horizontal tail lights amplify the impression of width and draw the eye to the Renault logo on the tailgate. Chrome inserts set into the lower part of the rear bumper take the shape of twin exhaust tail pipes, a detail that is complementary with all-new Koleos’ overall exterior design.
With knee room of 289mm, the Koleos outclasses its rivals and provides rear passengers with generous head room, shoulder room and elbow room. It boasts a large modular boot and numerous handy storage solutions such as a 550litres VDA boot, with a clever removable floor positioned at the same height as the boot, which forms a flat floor; “Easy Break” system; handles located inside the boot enable the 60/40-split rear bench seat to be folded in an instant, freeing up a total carrying capacity of 1,690litres VDA and 35 litres of additional storage, including an 11-litre glove box and a seven-litre cubby in the centre console.
The all-new Koleos’ interior subtly blends robust SUV cues with the expression of quality expected of a large family saloon thanks to the use of attractive, scratch-resistant materials such as satin-finish chrome for the steering wheel, gear lever and air vent inserts. The centre console is covered by a protective film that is hardy and pleasing to the touch. The cushion-backed materials selected for the dashboard and door panels also contribute to the cabin’s restful ambience, while leather upholstery and leather-trimmed armrests feature contrasting top stitching.
Travelling comfort is further enhanced by customisable LED cabin lighting, with a palette of hues ranging from green, to blue, yellow red or violet, depending on the mood of the driver and passengers.
The Koleos is equipped with the R-LINK 2 multimedia system. This connected tablet is featured across Renault’s high-end range and coordinates functions like infotainment, navigation, hands-free telephony, radio and driver aids. Key features are:
> An 8.7-inch portrait screen format
> Same tactile functions as personal tablet (two-finger zoom, page scrolling, drag and drop, 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 navigation instructions and telephone use, plus the ability to read e-mails aloud
> Four customisable homepages with widgets for swift access to the most frequently employed functions
> Wide range of applications designed specifically for automotive use available from the R-LINK Store
For additional convenience and safety, some of the key driver aids on the Koleos can be controlled via the R-LINK 2 tablet, such as the blind spot warning, rear view camera and front, rear and side parking sensors.
Driving data (speed, RPM, fuel consumption, etc.) is displayed on a personalisable 7-inch colour screen situated behind the steering wheel, in the driver’s line of sight.
Ingress is facilitated by the wide aperture of the doors, which open to angles of 70 and 77 degrees at the front and rear respectively, figures that position the Koleos amongst the best SUVs in its class.
As a global car, the new Koleos has been conceived to be marketed on every continent, which means its equipment specification is adapted to suit the different climates and parts of the world where it will be driven. It shares underpinnings with the Nissan X-Trail and uses the same engine (albeit retuned) under the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
“As a flagship vehicle, the all-new Renault Koleos will be launched, in stages, in more than 80 countries around the world. And we are very proud that Malaysia is one of the first few countries globally, to introduce this much-anticipated Renault SUV model. As a flagship model for Renault, it will be the principal face for the brand in Malaysia,” said TC Euro Cars CEO Kuan Kim Luen. Among those present at the launch were Renault Design Asia managing director Christophe Dupont, Renault Asean operations director Serge Yoccoz, French Embassy trade commissioner Nasser El Momoune and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd president Datuk Tan Heng Chew.
The Koleos is offered in four colours: Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Meissen Blue. It is backed by a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.
Keyword: New Renault Koleos launched at RM172,800