The new Renault Koleos SUV has arrived in Ireland with a great entry-level price of €34,490 for the Dynamique S Nav dCi 130.
The good news is that it fits into the B1 tax band with annual road-tax of €270, but Renault Ireland says most of the available allocation for 2017 is already pre-sold.
The D-segment SUV combines assertive styling combined with the refinement and comfort associated with large saloon cars. It also shares a chassis and engines with its cousin, the Nissan X-Trail.
The new Koleos tops Renault’s crossover range alongside Captur and Kadjar, as well as embodying Renault’s higher-end collection together with Talisman, Talisman estate and espace (models only in left-hand-drive so not available in Ireland ).
The new Koleos has a dynamic stance for an SUV, further emphasised by its large wheels and tyres, and low roof line.
Key features of this stylish SUV include acclaimed four-wheel drive technology from partner Nissan and off-road capability thanks to high ground clearance
A refined interior equipped with the segment’s very best journey-enhancing appointments; claimed class-leading cabin space, thanks to a 2.71 metre wheelbase and a 4.67 metre total length and a connected experience with the R-Link 2 multimedia tablet.
The Koleos features a selection of proven powertrains and technologies, with a choice of two four-cylinder diesel engines mated to either the standard manual gearbox or the X-Tronic automatic transmission, which adds €4,000 to the price.
The entry level dCi 130 returns a claimed New European Driving Cycle (NEDC ) fuel economy return of 58mpg or 4.9 litres per 100kms. The bigger dCi 175 has a NEDC return of 50mph or 5.6 litres per 100kms. Add the Auto X-Tronic transmission for a claimed NEDC of 48mpg or 5.9 litres per 100kms.
The up-market feel of Koleos extends way beyond the equipment and technologies. The real luxury is in the space available to both driver and passengers. The Koleos was designed from the outset as a five-seater, and because the seats do not conceal bulky folding mechanisms, or have to disappear into the floor, they are sumptuously padded. As a result, as well as providing exceptional leg and shoulder room, Renault say they offer superb comfort over long distance drives.
In Ireland there will be a six version high-end line-up based on two trim levels that will be familiar to Renault owners – Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. Both trim levels provide a comprehensive standard specification.
Renault’s advanced driver assistance systems, such as advanced emergency braking system (AEBS ), blind spot warning, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition with over-speed prevention. and hill start assist have been applied as standard across the line-up. A rear parking camera with front and rear parking sensors is also included on all versions as well as an electro-chrome rear mirror.
Standard safety features include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, hill start assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats.
Providing an airy feel to the cabin, Dynamique S Nav features an opening panoramic sunroof. Part-black leather upholstery with extra tinted rear windows, ambient lighting, cup holders able to heat and cool drinks for front passengers and a central armrest with in-built cup holders in the rear, maintain a comfortable yet practical feel to the Koleos. Automatic dual-zone climate control, a hands free keycard, and automatic lights and wipers are also standard.
Ensuring all passengers can keep fully charged throughout their journey, four USB and two AUX ports are provided. The Arkamys 3D Sound 4x35W DAB radio with seven-inch touchscreen R-LINK2 multimedia system includes satellite navigation with TomTom® LIVE traffic updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone replications, Western European mapping, Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree connectivity.
Outside, the entry-level new Koleos Dynamique S Nav features sports 18-inch Agapi two-tone alloy wheels and electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors. Longitudinal roof bars provide a hint at the rugged off-road capabilities of the SUV.
The Signature Nav versions start at €36,790, and adds to this specification with 19-inch Galiki two-tone alloy wheels and full LED Pure Vision headlights to the exterior.
Occupants are cocooned inside with full black leather upholstery with heated front seats and the R-LINK2 multimedia system is increased to an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen as seen on the new Mégane and Scénic. A powered automatic tailgate ensures loading the boot is as convenient as possible.
The optional climate pack for an extra €800 offers ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and a heated windscreen, and is available on Signature Nav.
A 13-speaker BOSE sound system (+ €800 ) and hands free parking’(+ €650 ) are available on Signature Nav as well as the possibility of specifying either Sierra Brown or Silver Grey in lieu of the standard Carbon Black leather upholstery for an additional €400. Metallic paint is available as an option on both trim levels for €575 extra.
Finally, Renault currently has a 172 finance offer of three per cent APR available on the new Koleos, with a three year service plan included until the end of July.
