2019 Renault Koleos - First impression

Inspired by the design language offered on the Renault Mégane, the Koleos SUV now has a much more intimidating silhouette as compared to the relatively smaller Kadjar. Equipped with its Nissan X-Trail underpinnings, this is an SUV that can take on rough terrains even without the optional four-wheel-drive system.

The new Koleos is a unique contraption and a formidable contender in the price bracket. It stands its ground impressively well against other adversaries in the segment, like the fellow French carmaker Peugeot’s 3008 SUV, which is also offered in a front-wheel-drive setup. In the following Koleos first impression, we will take a look at some of the car’s feature highlights and see if it has what it takes to become the market leader.

How does the new 2019 Renault Koleos look?

The overall styling, as we mentioned earlier, is like that of the Renault Megane. The front of the Koleos gets huge C-mold LED daytime running lights that primarily characterize the SUV’s general fascia, while higher-grade Signature models get full-LED headlights that exude a futuristic vibe.

Chrome accents run across the grille, the front wing, and onto the front doors, while the side windows and door handles are encompassed in chrome surrounds. The SUV is available with both 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels depending on which variant one opts for. The hood of the SUV features prominent creases, and at the rear, we find a dual exhaust layout.

What’s new on the inside of the 2019 Renault Koleos?

One of the main obstacles that the new Renault Koleos faces is the SUV’s five-seat layout. Most of its opponents in the segment like the Nissan X-Trail, which is an offering Koleos is based on, and the Kia Sorento offers seven seats. So, Renault has a handicap straight out of the gate that constrains its customer base. Obviously, as a result of an absentee third-row, the SUV does come with a lot of room.

There’s also sufficient room for passengers in the back, which might even make rival carmakers reconsider the positioning of their offerings in the category. Renault only goes on to fortifying its position even further in the segment by offering a plethora of features and hardware as standard that only adds to the SUV’s competitive edge along with its abundance of space.

Renault Koleos also gets features like a motion-activated electric boot that can be opened by waving your foot underneath the car. Other standard creature comforts include power-adjustable driver’s seat, TFT instrument cluster, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control. Other premium features like keyless entry are not offered in Koleos, even on the more expensive trim levels.

Are there any changes under the hood?

Renault’s offering comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive setup only, and unlike its previous iteration which was powered by 2.0-liter dCi mill generating 148 bhp of power at 4000 RPM and 320 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm, the new Koleos comes equipped with a petrol motor.

Under the hood, the all-new Koleos features a 2.5-liter petrol motor that sends power to the front wheels. This powerplant churns out 169 bhp of power and 226 Nm of peak torque. Both new Koleos variants share the same engine option and get a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Are there any changes in the 2019 Renault Koleos safety features?

The 2019 Renault Koleos specs sheet comes equipped with a wide range of standard safety features. It include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability, And Control System, Crash Sensors, Traction Control, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbag-Front, Child Safety Locks, Rear Seat Belts, Seat Belt Warning, Day & Night Rear View Mirror, Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts, Rear View Camera, Parking Sensors, Engine Check Warning, Front Impact Beams, Side Impact Beams And Door Ajar Warning.

The 2019 Renault Koles also manages to secure a 5-star crash test safety rating by the EURO NCAP.

2019 Renault Koleos colors -

The all-new Renault Koleos is available in a total of 5 different color schemes, which include three new options. The new color schemes are Ultra Silver, Amethyst Black, and Millesime Red. The Black Metallic and Universal White color schemes have been carried forward from the previous generation model.

2019 Renault Koleos price list-

In Malaysia, Renault Koleos is only offered in two models, and the price for the SUV starts at RM 179,888. Following is the complete Koleos price list. It is also worth noting that Renault offers a very competitive 100,000 km or 5- year (whichever comes first) complimentary service package. The carmaker also offers a 5- year, unlimited mileage factory warranty on the 2019 Renault Koleos, all of which is included in the price.

Variant	Price (on-road w/o insurance)
Standard	RM 179,888
Signature	RM 189,888

 

Also Read: Renault Koleos facelift: Which variant to buy?