Renault Koleos

RENAULT KOLEOS – Overview

In Malaysia, the second-generation Koleos is offered in three variants, priced from RM181,886 to RM206,887 and competes with the Nissan X-Trail 2.5, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 2.5, Subaru Forester, Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan Alspace and Toyota RAV4 2.5.

RENAULT KOLEOS– Exterior

On the exterior, the Renault Koleos certainly is large, in fact, longer than the Nissan X-Trail that has seven seats. Standard features include automatic on-off LED headlights, large C-shaped LED DRLs, satin grey roof rails and Renault Smart Key Card Entry system. The tailgate features a handsfree powered operation too. In the 2021 facelift, the tail lamps were revised to look more premium with more shades of red.

Plenty of chrome is used on the front bumper, grille, doors and even the rear bumper. A large decorative trim can be found on the front doors, which is a design feature that connects to the DRLS. On the more expensive Signature variant, owners get larger 19-inch wheels and a two-piece panoramic moonroof. TCEC also offers satin-silver coloured front and rear bumper spoilers plus side steps on the Signature Plus variant. 

RENAULT KOLEOS– Interior

Dashboard

To increase the sense of quality and ambience in the Renault Koleos, the lower half of the dashboard features double stitching on soft materials. This extends down to the shift lever area, which is furnished with piano black and long satin chrome finishers.

Instrument cluster

Space and practicality

Storage space includes a lower console cup holder with cooling function, which is large enough for 4 cups and also comes with a retractable lid. Underneath the sliding front armrest is another deep console box. A sunglass holder is fitted at the headlining, together with the map lamps.

One aspect that sticks out like a sore thumb is the storage nets at the back of the front seats. We certainly don’t expect something so simple in a large SUV. Perhaps it is useful for parents to keep track of their children’s toys which are usually lost in the seat pockets.

Boot space is the largest at 542 litres. The high placement of the roll-away tonneau cover also means it’s easy to place large items and hidden away from prying eyes.  

RENAULT KOLEOS– Features

Safety features

The driver is alerted of objects in the blind spot via the monitoring system. The rearview camera also projects in the 8.7-inch infotainment display with parking sensors on both front and rear bumpers. Only the Signature Plus variant with the exterior bodykit comes with a Digital Video Recorder. For those who are curious, the Renault Koleos uses a full-sized 17-inch spare tyre.

Comfort features

Key Card access with start-stop button and handsfree powered tailgate operation.
The Signature variants meanwhile add more premium front seats with larger relaxing headrests, adjustable thigh support extension and ventilation function. More light also enters the Signature variant thanks to the two-piece panoramic moonroof.

The driver’s seat also gets massage function as well as storage memory for seat position. As for the material used, Nappa leather in Sand Grey colour is used for upholstering the seats. It looks premium and inviting, certainly requiring extra care with wearing jeans or heavily dyed clothing. There are two USB charging ports for the rear occupants.

Infotainment

Occupants can operate the large display like a tablet, such as swiping, pinching and drag-and-drop the icons/shortcuts. Driving information is also displayed here.
The sound is meanwhile pumped out to an 8-speaker setup with 3D audio processing done by Arkamys. 

RENAULT KOLEOS – Powertrain

Engine

Transmission

Chassis

Drivetrain

RENAULT KOLEOS – Driving Performance

Engine performance

It’s responsive for most of the daily commute and highway driving. However, overtaking will reveal the powertrain’s relaxed demeanour as the CVT delays in bringing up the engine to the peak output.

Transmission performance

Steering and handling

Bodyroll is also kept in check when taking corners at a faster rate of speed. Overall, while the Koleos doesn’t have the get-up-and-go acceleration response, it delivered where it matters which is a refinement on the highway and a feeling of solidness.

Steering response is adequate, sporting character like in the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 is not expected in this segment and the Renault happily pleases. 

RENAULT KOLEOS – Ride Comfort

Soundproofing

Passenger comfort

RENAULT KOLEOS – Fuel Economy

RENAULT KOLEOS – Conclusion

Acceleration is not the most responsive but it gets the job done. It offers occupants a better, isolated ambience and riding comfort compared to other SUVs. TC Euro Cars (TCEC) offers a different ownership experience for the Renault Koleos via a subscription programme. This method allows usage of the vehicle, inclusive of maintenance within a shorter period.