2017 Renault Koleos Review
The SUV that grew up and got serious. It’s basically a Nissan X-Trail in a French frock!
By Shahzad Sheikh
Watch our video review of the all-new 2017 Renault Koleos by clicking below now – thanks to AC Delco Arabia for sponsoring this review (please go LIKE their Facebook page – no really, please do it now before you read any further!)
Remember the old Koleos? It was a worthy little thing, surprisingly competent but a bit pudgy and pod-like, like it never really settled down on its wheels. It was a bit small too, and the quality was not great to be honest. It was, well, a bit French!
Ah but fast forward to today and the car you see on this page remains a Koleos in name only, because everything else is all-new. Well, okay, I say all-new but it isn’t really. Going further, I’ve got to admit, it’s not even entirely French anymore. It’s sort of like French Escargots in noodles drenched in Soy Sauce.
Because underneath its stylish new outfit, this car is actually the Nissan X-Trail launched in 2014, except that it’s cheaper and doesn’t come with the third row of seats – though they’re only for small children anyway. Also it’s built in Korea, by Renault Samsung where it’s also called the QM6.
Beefy good looks with C-shaped DRLs at the front that are the new signature Renault looks – as seen in the Talisman. There’s no doubt it’s expanded, there’s a capacious rear cabin with 289mm of leg room, and the widest rear door opening at 77 degrees.
It’s safe too, as most Renaults are these days – a full 5-star EuroNCAP rating, with lots of kit, just watch the video, you can even play with colours and instrumentation display styles. Not content with that, the range-topper (like this one) comes with good Bose sound system with 8-speakers.
Even the base model comes with rear parking sensors, cruiser control and 17-inch alloys – that’s the PE and it’s priced from just AED74,900 ($20,000) for the two-wheel drive version and AED78,900 ($21,500) for the four-wheel drive.
Step to the SE AWD mid-ranger and you get remote start, rear camera, 7-inch touch screen, 8-speaker stereo and 18 inch alloys. That’s AED86,000 ($23,400).
This one is the LE AWD – is AED96,000 ($26,400) and comes with LED taillamps, park assist, 8.7-inch touch screen, that Bose I mentioned, cooled front seats and two-tone 18-inch rims.
Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder motor putting out 170bhp and 172lb ft – yep the same as the X-Trail. Good enough to wind this car up to 199kph whilst passing the 100kph marker at 9.8 seconds employing a CVT with simulated step changes and returning 6.9L/100km.
Verdict
Definitely one to put on your shopping list if you’re a family in need of a bit more room and don’t want to go with the obvious brands. It’s an excellent all-rounder as a people mover, spacious, practical, usable and with Nissan’s proven drivetrain, reliable too. Plus there are neat surprise and delight features in the cabin electronics, and equipment levels are generous. Handles alright too. What more do you want at the money?
