-
2012 Renault Koleos
August 15, 2012
HOW’S THIS? RENAULT’S 2008 Koleos was a capable soft-roader with a fair amount of 4×4 ability. We know this to be true as underneath it’s essentially a Nissan X-Trail. Predictably, it didn’t sell quite as well as the Hyundais and Kias that have since come in and dominated the segment, and this is where it gets interesting. The Koleos is now built in Korea and enjoys a belated 2012 facelift that looks eerily similar to the new SsangYong Korando, another Korean make that admittedly is the underdog.
Coincidences aside, the new Koleos is a good-looking vehicle with slimmer headlamps flanking its diamond grille, resculpted foglamp recesses and smaller side mirrors incorporating LED indicators. The model range has also seen a significant nip and tuck: effectively you now only have only one trim level and engine type, namely the Dynamique 2.5-litre, 16-valve petrol with a choice of three drivetrain combinations – 4×2 manual, 4×4 manual and a 4×4 CVT.
It’s in the base 4×2 (R289900) that I find myself on the network of gravel roads behind the Simola Golf Estate – almost certainly the model Renault will sell the most of if sales of rival ix35s and Sportages are anything to go by. This engine is rated at 126kW at 6000rpm with 226Nm of torque at 4400 and, here at the coast, delivery feels prompt and unfiltered, allowing me to modulate grunt to the front wheels when the surface and direction of the winding road allows. Despite the elevated helm, the Koleos handles every bit like a car, a fact I’m able to exploit through these Knysna woods.
The interior is largely unchanged, which is not an issue as the original car was well finished and here it’s the same but now with new leather upholstery and other subtle trim updates. A more modern instrument panel has also been implemented, and if you’re the type who travels heavily laden there is a further 98 litres of carrying space courtesy of hidey holes, cubbys in the facia and under-floor compartments. Add to this an array of equipment such as ESP, six airbags, navigation, parking sensors and cruise control, plus Renault’s great service plan and warranty, and the Koleos is looking a better than ever prospect. But I wonder if it’s Korean enough?
-
Popular Posts
-
Audi A3 1.8 TFSI quattro vs BMW 125i
August 15, 2012
-
SA's Best Driving Roads: Part One
August 15, 2012
-
SA's Best Driving Roads: Part Two
August 15, 2012
-
Wheels24
-
Seat reveals 246kW race-bred LeonThe development of the Leon Cup Racer was focused entirely on the pursuit of quick lap times and track performance. Watch the making of the new model!
-
Old cars to be taxed off the roadThe cost of an annual vehicle licence in Britain could force thousands of cars registered since March 2006 on to scrapheaps. See how SA compares.
-
