Renault has given its Koleos SUV a new face for 2012 while retaining the off-road ability and practicality for which the model is well known.
The biggest change is at the front end, where the previous car’s twin-port grille makes way for a large, chrome-louvred item flanked by more rounded headlamps and a revised front bumper with recessed foglamps. The wing mirrors have also been tweaked and now feature integrated LED repeaters.
Along with some minor ergonomic changes to the instrument panel, Renault has now finished the cabin in a variety of new trim materials, including standard leather upholstery. The cabin retains its MPV-esque modularity with 70 dm3-worth of storage space in the facia and centre console, as well as an under-floor storage bin.
Power is still provided by a 2,5-litre, 16-valve petrol unit that develops 126 kW at 6 000 r/min and 226 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min and can be coupled with a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions. The 4×4 Koleos models also retains their suite of off-road technologies, which include three-mode all-wheel drive (auto/lock/2WD) as well as hill start assist and hill descent control.
The list of standard features includes hands-free entry and go, automatic parking brake, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front/rear parking assist, sat-nav/audio system, six airbags and ESP (stability control).
Pricing:
Koleos 2,5 Dynamique 4×2 R289 900
Koleos 2,5 Dynamique 4×4 R314 900
Koleos 2,5 Dynamique 4×4 CVT R339 900
The above pricing includes a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.