French-style crossover. Test drive of Renault Koleos

Family in everything

The name Koleos was first tried on by a futuristic Renault concept car at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2000. But the company did not dare to release a production version of this "cosmic" crossover. However, they decided to revive the beautiful name, and in 2006 a much more down-to-earth concept of a new crossover arrived at the Paris Motor Show, which went into production a year later, almost unchanged in design.

But the first model to be launched was the QM5 under the Korean brand Samsung (owned by Renault), and only six months later (in March 2008) the Renault Koleos appeared.

Both models are produced at the same Korean Samsung plant and differ only in sales markets. The presentation of the Koleos in Ukraine took place at the VAAID KYIV AUTOMOTIVE SHOW 2008, but the crossover went on sale only at the end of the year.

The appearance of the Renault Koleos turned out to be quite unusual, but could one expect strictness in design from the French? The model has its own individual style and does not try to look like its competitors. Smooth, rounded body lines and the absence of sharp edges in the exterior tell us that the Koleos is a good-natured family crossover that "does not like" to fly into corners with squealing tires, or dart from lane to lane, pushing everyone away with high beams.

The interior design fully matches the overall style of the model. The elegant cabin greets us with bright door sill trims with the model name and illumination.

Finding even one straight line in the interior is even harder than on the body. Even the climate control unit borrowed from the Nissan Qashqai does not look like a foreign body.

The family nature of the crossover is emphasized by an abundance of various pockets, niches, and hidden compartments scattered throughout the cabin.

Some compartments can even be taken with you.

Finding a power outlet (and more than one) in the Koleos cabin is also not a problem. The front seat backs have convenient tables with cup holders, but a cup of cola from McDonald's somehow does not fit in them.

The maximum trim of our test Koleos has almost everything needed for comfortable travel.

The top trim includes: dual-zone climate control, quality leather interior, Bose audio system with iPod input and subwoofer, front/rear parking sensors, and other useful features.

In addition to the standard equipment, our example is also equipped with a stability control system, which, unfortunately, is only available for the Koleos as an option. Also optionally, you can order a panoramic roof and active xenon headlights that look into corners.

Thanks to the large number of adjustments, you can sit behind the wheel quite comfortably; even lumbar support is adjustable.

But with electric drive, adjusting the seat would be much easier. It is a very controversial decision to place the seat heating buttons on the end of the cushion in the door area; there they can only be found by touch, and it will be quite difficult for the driver to turn off the heating for a forgetful passenger.

Like almost all Renault models, the Koleos is equipped with a keyless entry system.

Having the key card in your pocket, you can open any door (including the trunk), though owners of chip keys from other brands may find the branded "Renault" key card not the most convenient or attractive. We also note that the sensors in the doors do not always work adequately and may not open the door on the first try.

Complete calm

The test Koleos is equipped with the only gasoline engine available in Ukraine, with a volume of 2.5 liters, power of 170 hp, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). But the CVT is the lot of expensive trims; base versions come only with a 6-speed manual. Unfortunately, the diesel version is not supplied to Ukraine, although it could well find its buyer.

The Renault Koleos is built on the basis of two Nissan models - Qashqai and X-Trail. From the latter, the Koleos got the "smart" all-wheel drive All Mode 4x4-i, which, combined with a decent ground clearance of 206 mm, will allow you to tackle not-too-difficult off-road without problems.

At least, the crossover handled a sandy beach almost without problems. But before storming any obstacles, always soberly assess your capabilities.

The power of the 4-cylinder engine is more than enough for the crossover. The CVT makes acceleration very smooth, but at the same time preserves its dynamics. However, you should not expect hurricane acceleration from the Koleos, because after all, it is a family model. Although, just over 10 seconds to the first hundred on the speedometer is a quite decent indicator for a vehicle with increased cross-country capability.

Interestingly, even with "not very calm" driving, fuel consumption does not exceed the stated 12 liters.

Such moderate consumption is the merit of the CVT, which is well trained for economical driving. We note that according to the passport, the version with a manual transmission consumes more than 13 liters in the city.

Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent; the huge rear-view mirrors are practically devoid of blind spots. When parking, not only the front but also the rear parking sensors come to the rescue; for complete confidence, only a rear-view camera is missing, like the Japanese "donor". However, we can note the electronic handbrake, which is activated by a convenient button and releases itself when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

While driving, you immediately understand that this is a real "Frenchman". The soft, comfortable suspension and very light steering wheel allow you to simply relax on the road.

At the same time, the Koleos does not scare with strong body rolls in corners and handles quite well. Drivers not spoiled by such comfort may even get a little motion sickness from the unfamiliarity. You also need to get used to the very light brake pedal with a short free travel.

Unfortunately, along with French comfort, the Koleos also received French "quality" of the interior, in which the rear door pillars creak distinctly.

And the slightly open windows with their rattling seem to remind us that there is a wonderful climate control system with an air filter in the cabin, so it is better to close us.

Japanese-Korean Frenchman

For the base trim of the Koleos, they ask a little more than 200 thousand hryvnias; the top version will cost 254 thousand. True, it should be noted that our test version will cost 6,500 hryvnias more, due to the surcharge for the stability control system and "metallic" color. Today, prices fixed in national currency look like a very attractive offer on our market.

Despite the Japanese filling and Korean assembly, the Renault Koleos remained a true Frenchman.

This is confirmed by the interesting and non-trivial design, soft suspension, light steering wheel, and not very high quality of finishing. The crossover is perfect for the role of a family car for all occasions. And it will especially appeal to those who want a car "not like everyone else's".

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