Renault Koleos Car Review

FamilyCar Review: Model Reviewed: Renault Koleos Dynamique 2.0 litre automatic diesel 4WD $39,990* Other models priced from Dynamique 2.5 litre manual petrol 2WD $29,990* 3 word summary: Stylish family fun

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Review

The Koleos sees Renault jump on board the "cross over" market for the first time to take advantage of people's desire to have the look and functionality of an SUV without the ruggedness and thirst of a full on 4WD. The result is a car that doesn't look like a truck when you pull up to the school gate with good fuel consumption, particularly the diesel version. There are 6 models available with different engines (petrol and diesel) either 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, manual or automatic and a choice of equipment level-Dynamique or Privilege. The model reviewed is the diesel automatic 4WD Dynamique. This offers a smooth, quite drive with plenty of power going up hills and a great ride on the freeway.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

There's good visibility out of the front, side and rear windows. You can also keep an eye on your rear passengers with "child minder" mirror. The dash is pretty large, which adds to the SUV feel of the car. All instruments are in easy reach and are easy to read. The cruise control is mounted on the steering wheel for easy activation. Audio controls are located on a lever on the right hand side of the steering column. Overall the interior is spacious interior and features a high roof to accommodate taller people.

Wheel Drive Capability

The Koleos combines Renault's quality and performance with Nissan's 4 wheel drive expertise. The result is a car with a refined interior that you can go bush bashing in. It's got high approach and departure angles as well as high ground clearance for the steep rocky terrain. Great features for the novice off roader include an automatic Hill Start Assist function. What this does is hold the car in place without a park brake or without rolling back, creating a smoother start on a steep hill. There's also Hill Descent Control. When engaged, your speed down a steep hill is controlled by the car-no brake, no accelerator. Not being a seasoned off roader I found both of these functions not only invaluable and easy to use, but helped me tackle the tough hills with the grace and confidence of a pro!

Safety

The Renault Koleos has the maximum 5 star Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety rating. Standard features that have contributed to this high rating include a full complement of airbags- driver and front passenger front airbags, side and curtain airbags front to rear. Technologies to help you stay in control include Anti Lock Brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program. There's also front and rear parking sensors to help you avoid people and car park poles!

Features We Can't Live Without

Dual zone climate control air conditioning-that also chills the glove box, huge dual sunroof ($1890 option), Bose sound system with 6 stack in dash CD player with 8 speakers, electrically adjustable & heated leather driver's seat, auto headlights and windscreen wipers, remote control central locking, cruise control, 12 volt power outlets in the front and rear.

Storage

One of the best features of the Koleos is the huge amount of useable storage space. This includes a massive glove box, sunglasses holder, door pockets throughout, 4 drinks holders (front and rear) and centre console box in the front and rear. But wait, there's more. You'll also find a storage space under the front passenger seat and storage boxes in the floor of the rear. In the front door armrests there's small lidded boxes for small items like your lippy and coins.

The boot space is generous with 60/40 split fold rear seats for greater luggage options. It's easy to access through the "clam" style boot. This is where you can fold down the rear tailgate don as well as lift up the hatch style boot. While the rear tail gate is light and easy to fold down and up, the hatch style boot is quite heavy to pull shut.

Kids Comfort and Safety

There's a good amount of space in the rear and children can see out of the side windows with ease due to the elevated rear seat and large rear windows. There are integrated sunshades in the rear windows to keep your kids cooler and reduce the sunlight in their eyes. There's plenty of storage for their goodies as well as trays located on the rear of the passenger and driver seats. There are 3 child seat anchorage points which gives you a choice of where to restraint your child seat.

Green Factor

The model reviewed has good fuel efficiency, consuming about 8.3 litres per 100 kms. Its CO2 emissions are 221g/km which is better than the government's goal of 224g/km. The diesel models are more fuel efficient than the petrol models and have lower CO2 emissions. If you're looking for the most fuel efficient model, go for the manual diesel which consumes about 7.9 litres per 100kms.

Overall View

The Koleos has a lot to offer people who like an elevated sitting position, brilliant storage space and doesn't look or sound like a truck! The diesel would be my choice based on fuel consumption and the feeling of more power up hills than the petrol model.

Test Drive Tips

• They key is a square black disc that slides into the dash. You then push a button to start/stop the car.

• The indicators are on the left hand side of the steering wheel.

• The park brake is a small button located in the centre. You simply push down to release. It automatically comes on when you put the car into park.

If you're interested in this car you may also like to consider the Nissan Dualis, Ford Territory, Holden Captiva and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Features of Model Reviewed

* Excludes on road costs
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse Rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Renault dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: September 2008