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New Renault Koleos makes choosing perfect SUV even harder

renault koleos profile
The highly specified Renault Koleos SUV

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17 July 2017

  • New Renault Koleos makes choosing the perfect SUV even harderJoins Renault Kadjar and Captur SUVs
  • Impressive standard specification
  • 1.6-litre dCi 130 returns 128g/km and up to 57mpg
  • 2.0-litre dCi 175 has All-Mode 4×4-i system and optional auto
  • Available to order – prices from £24,500

 

THE current SUV market is becoming a very crowded place indeed.

This is usually good for company car drivers, who reap the benefits of competition as each new model offers better design, higher specification, and improved efficiency.

Which must be exactly what the brief for the new Renault Koleos called for.

Bigger than the Kadjar and Captur with which it shares its styling ethos, packed with kit, and fitted with a choice of two efficient diesel engines, the Koleos sits at the top of Renault’s SUV range.

Renault has even gone so far as to boast that it “offers the rugged capability of an SUV with the elegant refinement of a large executive saloon”.

Renault has emphasised the signature design elements of their growing range so the Koleos retains the C-shaped LED running lights at the front, the always-on rear LEDs, and the rugged feel you expect from an SUV. It’s not the most adventurous of designs but if we’re being honest that isn’t really the point.

Being inoffensive shouldn’t be a fault. This is by no means a bad looking car, but practicality, comfort and equipment levels are what really entices people in and the Koleos unashamedly concentrates on ticking those boxes.

There is room for five adults to sit in comfort, a large boot that can be trebled in size if you drop the back seats, and thanks to the opening panoramic roof fitted as standard there is lots of light and air squeezed into the interior too.

As well as being spacious the new Koleos is quite luxurious. There are only two trim levels to choose from but even the entry-level Dynamique S Nav features part-leather upholstery, tinted windows, and dual-zone climate control.

There are even – and these should be standard on every vehicle on the road – cup holders that can heat or cool your drink.

Standard kit also includes automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry, rear parking camera, seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with full European SatNav, and smartphone connectivity.

New Renault Koleos makes choosing the perfect SUV even harder
Space and USB ports for passengers

The Koleos also has four USB ports so regardless of whether you’re taking colleagues to a conference or teenagers to wherever teenagers go these days, nobody need be anxious about charging devices.

The higher grade Signature Nav adds different wheels, full LED headlights, full leather upholstery, a larger 8.7-inch touchscreen, and automatic tailgate operation. The Signature trim can also be upgraded with an optional climate pack, hands-free parking, and a choice of brown or grey leather to replace the standard black.

Where the Koleos lays down a gauntlet to its rivals is in efficiency. There are only two engines and two gearboxes and all offer excellent returns with regards to economy, emissions and company car tax rates.

You can opt for either the 1.6-litre dCi 130 with a six-speed manual transmission, or the larger 2.0-litre dCi 175 with either the six-speed manual or seven-speed auto. The smaller engine offers the best returns with around 57mpg, 128g/km, and with prices starting from £27,500 the Koleos carries a company car tax rate of 27%.

If you require more power get the bigger engine. Worst case scenario you can expect figures around 48mpg, 156g/km and a company car tax rate of 33%. It is a more expensive option but the choice of the automatic transmission, and the fact the dCi 175 benefits from Renault’s All-Mode 4×4-i system, could far outweigh the cost for some.

Either way you get a well-equipped, comfortable, and practical SUV for a company car that won’t cost as much as you might think, and that’s never a bad thing.

New Renault Koleos
Two-litre version has Renault’s All-Mode 4×4-i system

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