2018 Renault Koleos SUV Review

Published Date: 25th Apr 2018

The Renault Koleos made an impressive return to the UK recently after it was withdrawn from UK showrooms back in 2010 citing low sales, in reality it was met with a lot of criticism. Instead Renault concentrated on their smallest Crossover/SUV the Captur and the smart looking, mid-range Kadjar. The Koleos was relaunched in the UK recently with a vastly improved vehicle addressing the issues that made it much maligned back in 2010. With sales of their other two SUVs going from strength to strength and the vehicle class in general booming it its been a timely return for the Koleos. If you’re looking for a muscular, spacious SUV then the Koleos should be on your shortlist.

With a 2,705mm wheelbase, the Koleos is larger than many rival SUVs, but despite that it doesn’t offer a 7 seater option, so if 7 seats is a deal breaker move on to other options. The up side is you have a muscular, handsome looking 5 seater SUV here with plenty of space inside for driver, front and rear passengers to stretch their legs and relax on long journeys. There’s also a generous boot (565 litres) for plenty of suitcases, trolleys, prams, golf bags or whatever you care to throw in the there. Fold the rear seats away and you get a massive 1,706 litres which could come in very handy.

Exterior looks of the Koleos are bold and stylish, there are some nice curves and bolder lines with touches of chrome and two-tone 18 inch alloy wheels that give it a premium look. We think it surpasses its close relatives and one of the top-rated Crossovers/SUVs the Qashqai and the meatier X-trail in the looks department.

Inside, the Koleos has its own unique flavour and although it shares the underpinnings of the Nissan Qashqai and X-trail there’s no similarities inside. The design is clean and pleasing to the eye with the uncluttered dashboard centred by a 7 inch or 8.7 inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system.  As we mentioned earlier there’s plenty of leg room passengers and whether you are sat in the front or rear it should be a very comfortable affair for short or long journeys.

The model line-up is a simple affair you get an entry-level Dynamique S Nav, next up is the Signature Nav and then a hefty jump in price to the INITIALE Paris.

There’s no budget entry-level model as such here, if you plump for the entry-level Dynamique S you’ll get levels of equipment and tech not normally associate with an entry-level model including; automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights, electrically heated & folding door mirrors, panoramic sunroof, front fog lights, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and rear parking camera. You also get a very smart 7 inch infotainment system equipped with sat nav, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and there's dual zone climate control, front and rear electric windows and a very long list of safety features.

The S Nav model adds part leather upholstery and seats, a larger 8.7 inch touchscreen, heated front seats and what Renault call ‘Pure Vision’ full LED headlights whilst the grandly named INITIALE Paris adds its own unique styling, larger 19 inch allow wheels, a premium Bose sound system, heated from AND rear seats and hands-free parking.

The Koleos engine line-up is simple choice of three diesels, the dCi 130 (2WD), dCI 175 (4WD) and the dCi 175 Auto X-Tronic (4WD). The dCi 130 is significantly cheaper than the dCi 175 albeit slightly less less punchier and it lacks 4WD. However it is cleaner, more economical and you could pay around £3000 more for the dCi 175 diesel, so if your driving is mainly around town and not too demanding, the 2WD may suit you and you can save yourself approximately £3000.

If you really need more oomph and the 4WD option then skip the dCi 175 and plump for X-Tronic with auto transmission, it offers better speeds  and pull, taking you from not 0-62mph in around 9.5 seconds and is a very impressive engine.

If you’re looking for a large SUV with smart looks, plenty of equipment/tech and a premium feel without an over-the-top premium price tag you should check out the all-new new Renult Koleos.