2021 Renault Koleos facelift: First impression

Following the introduction of the facelifted Megane RS, Renault’s official distributor in Malaysia, TC Euro Cars now rolled out the all-new 2021 Renault Koleos facelift. Available in three upgraded variants, the brand’s premium SUV gets a refined interior along with a muscular exterior, an updated equipment list, and of course a higher price. The price of the 2021 Koleos starts at RM 181,886, and if you are looking for the subscription package, cheer up, as Renault is offering the new Koleos through a variety of curated plans.

Here we bring our first impression of the new Renault Koleos, but before that let’s have a look at its variant-wise price-list and available subscription plans.

Variant	Price (on-the-road without insurance, including sales and services tax rebate)
Koleos	RM 181,886
Koleos Signature	RM 201,087
Koleos Signature Plus	RM 206,887

The prices mentioned above represent a clear hike over the predecessor; the base variant is now dearer by RM 8,685, while for the top-spec Signature Plus, customers need to shell out an extra amount of RM 19,020. Included in the price is a five-year manufacturer warranty with 150,000 km mileage. Moving to the Koleos subscription packages - 

Variant	3-year Subscription	2-year Subscription	1-year Subscription
Koleos	RM 2,599	RM 2,799	RM 2,999
Koleos Signature	RM 3,099	RM 3,299	RM 3,499
Koleos Signature Plus	RM 3,399	RM 3,599	RM 3,799

2021 Renault Koleos Exterior

The 2021 Renault Koleos sports a striking and elegant exterior design featuring an all-new lighting signature with PureVision full LED head and tail lights as standard. As compared to the previous model, the new PureVision LED technology maintains excellent lighting performance while achieving a 10% bump in energy efficiency, says the automaker. Also new at the back are dynamic turn indicators that incorporate redesigned 3D-style clusters. Besides these, the SUV carries the same Y-shaped horizontally stretched grille with chrome slats at the front and 18-inch Taika alloy wheels (19-inch Kavea alloys in higher variants) on the sides. Hands-free power tailgate comes as standard in all variants.

2021 Renault Koleos Interior

Inside, the new Koleos gets cosmetic tweaks alongside the new tech features. Talking about cosmetics first, the standard version now comes with an elegant black Riviera leather upholstery teamed up with dark striped wood trim. In contrast, the mid-spec Signature and top-spec Signature Plus cabins are decked up with new Sand Grey Nappa leather upholstery and natural grain grey wood trim. Also, their front seats now have wider “relax” headrests and cushion length adjustment. Both higher trims also get a new panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin ambiance.

Moving to hi-tech goodies, Renault introduced the massage and memory function for the driver’s seat for Signature and Signature Plus variants. Standard equipment list includes an R-Link 2 infotainment unit with an 8.7-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium sound system with eight speakers, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a reverse camera. A front and rear dash cam are also available with the Signature Plus.

2021 Renault Koleos Engine specifications

When it comes to powertrain, all the Koleos variants are equipped with the same unit. That’s the same ongoing 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill that kicks out a maximum power of 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 226 Nm at 4,400 rpm. On the transmission front also, the SUV gets the same trial and tested Xtronic CVT that sends power to the SUV’s front wheels. The 2021 Koleos fuel consumption is rated at 12.35 kmpl.

2021 Renault Koleos Safety

Being a premium SUV, the all-new Renault Koleos is loaded with several noteworthy safety bits, including blind-spot monitoring, cruise control, reverse parking camera, hill start assist, parking sensors (front, rear, and side), ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic parking brake, electronic stability program, airbags (front, side, and curtain), and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

At last, we just say that the new Koleos creates a good first impression, if you also find it impressive, you can now take its test drive at selected Renault showrooms.

Also read: Renault Megane R.S. Trophy: Key Highlights