Renault Koleos Review
29 Jan 2009|20,269 views
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It's also paired to the group's continuously variable transmission (CVT) that came as standard on our 4x4 tester.
Originally made for the Korean market, it is currently sold as the "Renault-Samsung QM5." Differences are subtle with the main one being a mandatory snout change as Renault's main brand identifier. Other than that, we can't really comment much on appearances, because this crossover isn't exactly a looker of the bunch.
Inside
But it appears that practicality sits high up on the Koleos' priority list.
Both Mr and Mrs "driver" will find all controls firmly within reach when seated comfortably in their preferred driving position. We like the fact that we weren't seated high over the steering wheel and dashboard.
The positively flowing dashboard has been finished in materials that are soft and pleasing to touch. This extends to the leather wrapped seats, a wonderfully sized tilt-reach adjustable steering and gear shifter.
Renault has also decided to include a keyless card and start button system, automatic handbrake, headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and dual-zone climate control. The list continues with cruise control, a speed limiter, power windows, a child-minder mirror located on the ceiling, electronic child locks and under-seat heaters (not like you'd need them in this sort of climate).
Even the rear passengers aren't spared, with two speed-adjustable air-conditioning ducts mounted on the car's B-pillars. Sizeable folding tables were also to be found at the back of the front seats.
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As for luggage space, the Koleos includes Renault's 'super-fold' 60/40 rear-split system. This enables the seat base to lean forward while backrests fold down with the flick of a switch located in the boot, revealing a flat, uninterrupted floor.
Boot volume is rated at 450 litres with the rear seats up, but in the abovementioned configuration, one is able to get up to 1,380 litres. And if that isn't enough, the front passenger's seat also folds down in order to form a table or to carry objects of up to 2.6 metres in length.
Driving Impressions
No surprise. We already knew of the Koleos' excellent X-Trail-related underpinnings.
First, the 4x4 system - there's an 'auto' mode for everyday driving, where the Koleos operates as a front-wheel driven car. In the event of traction-loss, up to 50 percent of torque will be automatically allocated to the rear wheels by means of an electromagnetic clutch located in the rear differential.
When the going gets tough, there's an option to lock the wheels, turning the Koleos into a very useable off-roader. In this mode, torque is split 50-percent for both front and rear axles. We were able to get the Koleos out of situations where our relatively high-profile tyres were completely engulfed in mud. Without the backup of a tow truck, we dared not push things further. But under such conditions, this soft-roader did not have much of a problem coping with such terrain.
So, all's good for the Renault's off-road abilities. But under normal driving situations, expect its performance to suffer a little. We clocked its 0-100 km/h acceleration at 11 seconds - not too bad in hot Singapore weather, but a little lacking when paper values were taken into account.
That's half the story though, as the 2.5-litre has a good amount of mid-range reserves. Couple that with the CVT and things don't look even half as bad. Overtaking on moderate up-slopes with a firm prod of the loud pedal never once presented a problem.
While it's nowhere near Forester levels of agility, the lack of body roll was simply a surprise. There's plenty of grip and the Koleos' stance remains pretty much flat when pushed harder.
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Its soft, comfortable ride presented an absence of any wallowing effect, while the steering had a startling amount of feedback. The suspension remained literally unfazed when driven fast over poor surfaces off-road.
But of course, don't push too hard because something as comfortable as this has to give. But it's probably fine, because anyone who buys the car would keep a civil mind.
A downside - the brakes were a little too grabby and over-assisted on initial bite. Unlike its compliant ride, this might not go down too well with anyone who wants to spend more time driving over loose ground, although it might be somewhat off-set by the four-wheel drive and traction control.
Any reason why you might want one?
Well then, the Renault Koleos is certainly more soft-roader than off-roader. It's more hard-core than a Toyota RAV4 we'd tested recently, but lacks a certain amount of "sportiness" and firmness found in the excellent Grand Scenic mini-MPV. The compliant ride and easy steering surprised us with good response and feel, although Renault's focus on passenger comfort might have compromised the driving dynamics somewhat.
If anything, this certainly emphasizes how much effort was spent in order to make all passengers very comfortable for those long drives. Both road and wind noise were near-absent. Storage and cargo facilities are both cleverly designed and easy to operate. The light-filled, roomy cabin is definitely a place that you want to spend time in.
So as far as quality is concerned, there are absolutely no qualms about the Renault-Samsung-Nissan joint venture. In fact, we dare say things have even improved - the interior plastics did not squeak or rattle even after driving continuously on poorly surfaced and very unsettling terrain. Like the Laguna, we think that Renault's substantial investment in globalisation has boosted the quality and durability of its product.
At S$100,500 for the 4WD, the Renault Koleos doesn't have a clear-cut competitor. That's a good thing for now, because the local buying crowd needs a little time to warm up to what we might call, the "new and changing face of Renault."
![]() |
It's also paired to the group's continuously variable transmission (CVT) that came as standard on our 4x4 tester.
Originally made for the Korean market, it is currently sold as the "Renault-Samsung QM5." Differences are subtle with the main one being a mandatory snout change as Renault's main brand identifier. Other than that, we can't really comment much on appearances, because this crossover isn't exactly a looker of the bunch.
Inside
But it appears that practicality sits high up on the Koleos' priority list.
Both Mr and Mrs "driver" will find all controls firmly within reach when seated comfortably in their preferred driving position. We like the fact that we weren't seated high over the steering wheel and dashboard.
The positively flowing dashboard has been finished in materials that are soft and pleasing to touch. This extends to the leather wrapped seats, a wonderfully sized tilt-reach adjustable steering and gear shifter.
Renault has also decided to include a keyless card and start button system, automatic handbrake, headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and dual-zone climate control. The list continues with cruise control, a speed limiter, power windows, a child-minder mirror located on the ceiling, electronic child locks and under-seat heaters (not like you'd need them in this sort of climate).
Even the rear passengers aren't spared, with two speed-adjustable air-conditioning ducts mounted on the car's B-pillars. Sizeable folding tables were also to be found at the back of the front seats.
![]() |
As for luggage space, the Koleos includes Renault's 'super-fold' 60/40 rear-split system. This enables the seat base to lean forward while backrests fold down with the flick of a switch located in the boot, revealing a flat, uninterrupted floor.
Boot volume is rated at 450 litres with the rear seats up, but in the abovementioned configuration, one is able to get up to 1,380 litres. And if that isn't enough, the front passenger's seat also folds down in order to form a table or to carry objects of up to 2.6 metres in length.
Driving Impressions
No surprise. We already knew of the Koleos' excellent X-Trail-related underpinnings.
First, the 4x4 system - there's an 'auto' mode for everyday driving, where the Koleos operates as a front-wheel driven car. In the event of traction-loss, up to 50 percent of torque will be automatically allocated to the rear wheels by means of an electromagnetic clutch located in the rear differential.
When the going gets tough, there's an option to lock the wheels, turning the Koleos into a very useable off-roader. In this mode, torque is split 50-percent for both front and rear axles. We were able to get the Koleos out of situations where our relatively high-profile tyres were completely engulfed in mud. Without the backup of a tow truck, we dared not push things further. But under such conditions, this soft-roader did not have much of a problem coping with such terrain.
So, all's good for the Renault's off-road abilities. But under normal driving situations, expect its performance to suffer a little. We clocked its 0-100 km/h acceleration at 11 seconds - not too bad in hot Singapore weather, but a little lacking when paper values were taken into account.
That's half the story though, as the 2.5-litre has a good amount of mid-range reserves. Couple that with the CVT and things don't look even half as bad. Overtaking on moderate up-slopes with a firm prod of the loud pedal never once presented a problem.
While it's nowhere near Forester levels of agility, the lack of body roll was simply a surprise. There's plenty of grip and the Koleos' stance remains pretty much flat when pushed harder.
![]() |
Its soft, comfortable ride presented an absence of any wallowing effect, while the steering had a startling amount of feedback. The suspension remained literally unfazed when driven fast over poor surfaces off-road.
But of course, don't push too hard because something as comfortable as this has to give. But it's probably fine, because anyone who buys the car would keep a civil mind.
A downside - the brakes were a little too grabby and over-assisted on initial bite. Unlike its compliant ride, this might not go down too well with anyone who wants to spend more time driving over loose ground, although it might be somewhat off-set by the four-wheel drive and traction control.
Any reason why you might want one?
Well then, the Renault Koleos is certainly more soft-roader than off-roader. It's more hard-core than a Toyota RAV4 we'd tested recently, but lacks a certain amount of "sportiness" and firmness found in the excellent Grand Scenic mini-MPV. The compliant ride and easy steering surprised us with good response and feel, although Renault's focus on passenger comfort might have compromised the driving dynamics somewhat.
If anything, this certainly emphasizes how much effort was spent in order to make all passengers very comfortable for those long drives. Both road and wind noise were near-absent. Storage and cargo facilities are both cleverly designed and easy to operate. The light-filled, roomy cabin is definitely a place that you want to spend time in.
So as far as quality is concerned, there are absolutely no qualms about the Renault-Samsung-Nissan joint venture. In fact, we dare say things have even improved - the interior plastics did not squeak or rattle even after driving continuously on poorly surfaced and very unsettling terrain. Like the Laguna, we think that Renault's substantial investment in globalisation has boosted the quality and durability of its product.
At S$100,500 for the 4WD, the Renault Koleos doesn't have a clear-cut competitor. That's a good thing for now, because the local buying crowd needs a little time to warm up to what we might call, the "new and changing face of Renault."
Car Information
Renault Koleos 2.5 4x2 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.7km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
226 Nm
Acceleration
9.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Renault KoleosRenault Koleos 2.5 4x4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.5km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
226 Nm
Acceleration
10.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Renault KoleosThank You For Your Subscription.