By Declan Glynn

Following the outstanding sales success of both the Captur and Kadjar SUV’s, Renault launched its largest crossover yet, the second generation KOLEOS. 

Renault stopped production of the first-generation KOLEOS back in 2010, blaming poor sales for its rapid demise. 

However, since then, the SUV market has grown rapidly, partly at the expense of MPV’s.  

Unmistakable Style, Space & Comfort:

Now Renault has launched the second phase of its flagship model, which is available at Renault’s 27 dealerships nationwide. The New KOLEOS retains the unmistakable space, comfort, styling and long-distance refinement of the phase one model, first launched here in summer 2017, while offering customers a reduced purchase price, and more luxurious equipment than ever before.

Refreshed Exterior Styling:

The New KOLEOS features a number of changes to its exterior styling. A new front bumper and full-length lateral satin chrome elements emphasise the width of the car, while new chrome trims on the sides, and new rear bumper, give a cleaner look.   

New Engine Technology:

Bigger changes lie under the skin however, in the form of two new turbo-charged diesel engines. 2WD versions gain a new 1.7-litre dCi 150bhp engine, while the new 2.0-litre dCi 190bhp engine in 4WD versions offers a higher power output than its predecessor. 

Meanwhile, both engines enjoy a significant improvement in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption compared to the outgoing dCi 175 version, and owners benefit from a reduction in motor tax from €570 to €390 as a result. 

Specification Levels:

The new KOLEOS comes in two trim levels – Iconic and GT Line – with both versions coming with an impressive array of standard equipment.  

Car on Review:

My review car was a new Renault KOLEOS GT Line dCi 150 CVT 2WD, which was finished in striking Universal White metallic paintwork. Exclusive GT Line specification includes 19-inch two-tone alloys, full LED ‘Pure Vision’ headlights, an 8.7-inch R-Link 2 Nav touchscreen with a multimedia screen, full black leather seats incorporating heated seats in the front, electrically-adjustable driver seat and a powered automatic tailgate. 

Based on strict new real-world driving (WLTP) test procedures, fuel consumption as low as 6.4l/100km is achievable on a combined driving cycle, while a CO2 emission figure of 162g/km leads to annual road tax of €390. 

Producing 150bhp, and a healthy 340Nm of torque, the 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine in my review car is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 11.8-seconds, while sending all of the available power to the car’s front wheels. Renault’s engineers have produced a car that steers well, with neat and direct responses to inputs from the wheel.

Pricing:

Pricing for the new Renault KOLEOS start at €40,476 for the Ionic model in 2WD guise, while my test car specification costs an additonal €2,500. 

Upgrading to the 4WD model with 190bhp attracts a premium of €2,950, and is available in both Iconic and GT Line trim levels. 

Renault’s 5-year/200,000km warranty is standard on all models for terrific peace-of-mind motoring. 

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