Renault Koleos Review & Road Test

Pros: Perky diesel engine; capable ride & handling; practical storage; comfortable seating

Cons: Slight turbo lag; split tailgate limits cargo area reach; turning circle; dashboard glare

By Matt Brogan | February 23rd, 2010

Add to shortlist

Price: $23,310 to $37,440

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3.5
Comfort and Interior	3.5
Quality & Design	4
Value & Features	3.5
Safety	5
Green	3

Content to be understated, Koleos is not to be underestimated

Model Tested:

2010 Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi Dynamique 4×4; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed automatic; wagon – $39,990*

Options:

Metallic Paint $800 (Fitted – Black); Premium Sound System $800; Panoramic Sunroof $1,890; Leather Upholstery $2,500; Modularity Pack $650

CarAdvice Rating:

With so many mid-sized SUVs on the market, it may seem we’re a little spoiled for choice, and as is always the case when presented with such an issue, deciding on a vehicle to best suit your needs can be a daunting task.

Wouldn’t it be nice then if an example came along that managed to meet the needs of the family with consummate ease, while at the same time being easy to live with, amply practical, amiably attractive and as comfortable as the family sedan?

It just so happens that one has, although you’d hardly know it.

The Renault Koleos sits quietly in a sea of competition, almost obscured by the fuss of advertising and brand snobbery that abounds across the mid-sized, mid-priced SUV category, and while there have been ads for the Koleos in the past, it’s not until you jump behind the wheel that you find this little number really does tick all the “must have” boxes, without failing in any one key area.

Koleos is a fantastic all-rounder: it’s engine is strong and suitably frugal; it’s suspension arrangement a capable mix between a comfortable ride and confident handling; and it’s cabin an intelligent mixture of easy-to-operate practicality, clear visibility and enjoyable space.

The vehicle feels thoroughly modern too, offering neat touches such as an electronic park brake, power folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control (with separate rear fan control), convex conversation mirror, cruise control (with speed limiter function), power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a punchy single CD tuner with steering column mounted remote control and 3.5mm auxiliary input. Koleos misses out on reverse parking sensors (available as an option) or a rear view camera, satellite navigation and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

The only other downside internally is the amount of glare reflecting from the dashboard’s centre binnacle, with its brushed alloy ring an annoying distraction on the windscreen.

Seating is comfortable in all five positions, even on very long trips, while a chilled glove compartment, deep centre console bin, nifty concealed door storage, generous map pockets, retractable rear sun shades and back-of-seat mounted aircraft-style tray tables all prove very handy on those long haul family excursions.

Up back the Koleos offers 450-litres of cargo space which is accessible via a horizontally split rear tailgate. The cargo area can be accessed by only the top half if so required – great in tight parking spaces – but when used together, can make the reach to any loose items against the rear seats a little bit of a stretch.

The rear seats offer the wagon a 60:40 split fold to increase the cargo area to a very handy 1,380-litres. A retractable security cover is also included as standard, and pops out of place easily when not in use so as not to hinder all that additional space.

Under the bonnet Koleos offers a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine (or dCi in Renault-speak) to deliver strong pulling power and decent fuel economy. The engine develops 110kW of power at 4,000rpm and 360Nm of torque from 2,000 revs, more than enough for most applications.

There’s a hint of turbo lag from a standing start, but this is quickly accounted for with brisk acceleration thereafter. Koleos manages the 0-100km/h run in 10.2 seconds, which is a suitable given the car’s obvious high-riding, family orientation.

Fuel economy returns this week were an acceptable 9.4L/100km (mix of 50:50 city and highway driving).

In this instance Koleos was mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission driving all-four wheels on an on-demand (automatic) basis, though a manual option is also available.

The grip is from the AWD system is suitably impressive meaning Koleos manages to corner quite well for its size and height. On the downside though, the turning circle (not provided) does seems a little on the large side, so many tighter car parks require two attempts.

Sitting 188mm from the ground the Koleos also manages soft-roading with little fuss and even offers a differential lock and hill descent control as standard equipment.

As has become the norm from Renault, Koleos also features a key card in lieu of a traditional car key. The simple unit is approximately the size of a credit card, albeit somwehat thicker, and incorporates the car’s remote control functions. The unit fits nicely in your pocket (or purse) and is accompanied in the car by a docking station and stop-start button which is simply pressed (not held) to start the car.

The key card also offers the ability to activate the headlamps at night making it easy to find your way safely over unfamiliar surfaces.

Koleos offers a very high level of standard safety equipment including front, side and curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) as well as ABS braking with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Anti-whiplash head restraints are fitted as are three-point inertia reel seatbelts (with pyrotechnic pretensioners up front) and ISOFIX child seat preparation. Not surprisingly these features earn Koleos a five-star ANCAP rating.

With a plentiful level of standard equipment, straight-forward functionality, plus high quality levels of fit and finish both inside and out, the Renault Koleos is a worthy contender in the sub-$40K bracket. Four-out-of-five.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Reader reviews of the RENAULT KOLEOS

Write a review for the RENAULT KOLEOS

Do you own this car? Share your opinion and add your own review below.

Add a New Review

The competition

TonyB

I really like this Koleos. Test drove it about 6 months ago, and while not an absolute standout, was a good value all-rounder. Only downside – from my viewpoint – was that the diesel was not available in the higher spec that the 2.5l petrol is. And yes, it has a full size spare!!!

Tony

this is basically an Xtrail isn’t it?

so you have to ask yourself if you like the styling, the warranty and the interior ammenities (I heard Renaults really go for the cubbyholes and stuff)

otherwise get an Xtrail?

Tim

And instead of an Xtrail go for a Tiguan/Forester.

o

isnt the tiguan just a jacked up AWD golf??

Lagoza

Yes Tony, this is made by Samsung in Korea. Nissan/Renault/Samsung make Nissan based cars. The quality is good but the pricing is a bit high. As long as you remember this would be more reliable than most Renaults made in France.

Stu

I disagreed with that pricing is high. Perhaps the RRP is high but in my experience the Renault dealers are willing to move stock.

We were shopping for a new car late last year. The Renault and the X-Trail were our preferred options. Only Renault dealers were willing to do a deal and the Koleos was offered to us at a superior drive away price to a lower spec’d X-Trail. The Nissan dealers were simply not interested in budging from RRP +onroads.

In the end the we decided against the Koleos because the rear luggage area was not large enough for the items we regularly carry, but it was certainly a compelling proposition.

Model T

Yes, it is essentially an X-Trail with better styling and less practicality. The styling is subjective, of course, but I don’t mind either car. Practicality, on the other hand, is something you can measure and the X-Trail does have quite a bit more luggage space with seats both up and down. It also has better ground clearance.

Fuel consumption does get a lot better as the engine is run in, and you should get under 8 for city driving and under 7 for highway cruising. In terms of practicality and flexibility, it ticks all the boxes and would suit a young family just fine.
Aim

I agree with you that renaults have quality issues but that applies to the ones made before 2005, after 2005 (roughly) renault has made huge improvements int their built quality (unlike other french cars eg PSA), this is much better than the X-trail ihave driven them both, they might share the same platform but they are nothing like each other!

Peter Gal

I drove the XTrail and didnt like the seating postion or the feel of the car at all. I had also driven the VW Tiguan, the Captiva, the Kia and the Hyundai and the Renault was so superior in performance, comfort and specifications that I bought it on the spot.

mmmmm

The koleos scored a high 5 star crash rating, the xtrail was a disappointing 3 star

fourl6

xtrail now has a 4 star safety rating, but still less that the koleos

METLA

HI I GOT KOLEOS 2.5L TODAY. I LIKE IT.

Reckless1

Fuel consumption is poor, market for used Koleos non-existant.

Look elsewhere.

PJK

Mine (diesel) is averaging 7.8l/100, for its performance I think thats OK. Have you ever owned or driven one or just offering your insight?

BoySkoda

Skoda have the Yeti 4×2 and 4×4 coming out which by all accounts will be a better car than its VW counterpart and will certainly be a good option to the Koleos. They will also have the TSi engines which reportedly do mid 5′s per 100km as well as diesel options.

If the current Skoda range is anything to go by it, along with the Koleos will be a really good alternative to the SUV market dominated by overprices jap rubbish

fourl6

sorry but that yeti looks absolutely terrible and 99% of koleos buys wont consider the yeti because of it.

dan

Like the rear hatch
Steve-Poyza

I think the Koleos is fantastic. Especially with that unlimited kilometre warranty 3 year warranty. My only problem though is also, I’d like the diesel in the top spec. I don’t know why they haven’t dealt with that. Other manufacturers have dealt with the sorts of problems, like Holden listened and now the Cruze has a diesel in it’s top spec.

Also, has anyone seen pictures of the Koleos White Edition? With those 18″ wheels and that super interior it looks even better! Why don’t they bring it here?
HyundaiSmoke

This looks Horrible. People in France have a weird taste for Auto deisgn. French cars are like Japanese cars, they look cheap, but they arent, and they just look plain weird.

Aim

You cant compare european cars with japanese cars, the materials used are much better. i agree that this is not a very photogenic car, but in reality its awsome (don’t forget that this is korean! made by samsung thats why it doesn’t look very european, but unlike its korean version this styling is much more refiened.

Spitfire

Why is the Suzuki Vitara not on the list of rivals?
vid_ghost

France do have some really ugly cars but they do make nice looking jet fighters i like the Dassault Rafale .. very nice looking jet.

Anyways i would so take a Jap or Korean SUV over a French one anyday. Nissan Marano, Mazda CX7,/ 2010 Kia Sportage or Hyundai ix35 are my pick of the crop for best SUV design.

For big 4×4′s i would go either the CX9 or Santa fe ( again if your just going on looks alone )

come on

The Munaro is made by Renault, the CX7 is made by Ford Europe and the Hyundai/Kia are both cheaply made Korean applicances.

So much for “Japanese”

Shak

My neighbour has one and i can attest that it is very good quality in person and the look is much better in lighter colours.
aLLaNNa1

i think the 4×2 which they’re selling for $31,990 at the moment are terrific value for money.
Simonsez

It would be interesting to learn just what (if anything ) has been done to the Koleos’ suspension since Paul wrote this last year.
“The only real issue with the Koleos is the way it handles – or doesn’t. The body roll is quite vicious, to the point where it feels awkward to push the car into a corner, both intentionally and unintentionally. As you turn in, the car begins to roll on the outside wheel and just keeps going”.
Now we’re told by Matt that “Koleos is a fantastic all-rounder: it’s suspension arrangement a capable mix between a comfortable ride and confident handling;”Koleos manages to corner quite well for its size and height”.
Maybe it’s just that the original was 2wd and this one is 4wd.
Regardless, as a potential buyer I’d really like some further opinions on this if possible.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt Brogan

Hi Simon,

Having driven both, I can tell you there’s a marked difference in the handling (and ride) of the 2WD vs. the 4WD Koleos. Chalk and cheese you might say. If it was my money, I’d take the 4WD.

Simonsez

Matt: thanks very much for taking the time to answer my question. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Button

We were fortunate enough to have owned a Koleos Privilege for just over a year now. We testdrove quite a few brands prior to us buying it. It was well priced, it is handsome, sure footed, comfortable, roomy, reliable with plenty of driver friendly features. The stereo is awesome. It has been out to the bush and countrysides with us and tackled various terrains without any problems.

The only time it went back to the dealer was for the servicing and the roof racks.

Like others, we agree that it would be better served if it has a rear view camera, after all almost all have that as a standard feature or optional extra. As for the lack of Navigation, our own navigation device takes us only 2 minutes to set up so really is not a big deal not to have it.

Really proud to be a Koleos owner.
Steve-Poyza

Very positive thoughts by the owners here. A diesel Privilege would be nice though (as well as an integrated satnav and a reversing camera). In regards to the previous comments about handling, is the two-wheel drive really that much worse than the four-wheel drive?
Ed

Bought a privilege in early feb and it has been fantastic. The drive is smooth and pick up is great for a SUV
norbert.jahn

I have a 2001 Scenic RX4 and a common problem is the gearbox’s fifth and reverse failing. I have spoken to mechanics in Western Australia, the ACT, Vic and NSW. And everybody in the industry knows about this problem. (parts are astronomical as well).

This is a car that is cheap and you will get what you pay for. What happens when you need parts? They will probably be very expensive and the combination of a poor reputation expensive parts and the Koleos is made in Korea should made people think twice about buying a Renault.

PAUL

Running gear and engine are Nissan, servicing costs/interval are inline with the Xtrail, first service is 10k. Parts are ex Korea hence cheap. It’s an Xtrail with different clothes, basically it’s a chicks 4WD like the CX7. It’s one of the only small 4WDs that actually can go offroad with it’s hill control and lock low mode 4WD and lifted rear and front entry approaches, only if does’nt look like a tank. It’s made in Korea so what?

Dim Duck

I owned nine Renaults, 5 new and 4 used before I bought my RX4 in 2001. It is by far the best Renault I’ve ever owned. Reliable, practical, economical, fast on dirt and bitumen and it has the ability to surprise “real” 4×4 owners by joining them in the most unexpected places! I’ve had an absolute ball in my RX4 which has been caned mercilessly for over 160K. Unlike most S.U.V’s, my car has a workout in the Victorian high country on a regular basis and just loves the snow (And I don’t mean the Mt Donna Buang car-park, either!) I never see any of those other “baby” 4×4′s where I go,I must say. If the Koleos is even half the car the RX4 is, it must be pretty good.
CSS

i have been looking around at a new suv for the last few weeks and have narrowed the choice down to 2: mazda cx7 and a renault koleos. the koleos privelage on offer is much better value compared to the cx7 classic (entry level). the problem is just cant decide on which way to go with the issue almost purely based on reliability – mazda: proven track record, selling by the bucket load, excellent build quality but no room to negotiate. koleos: no track record, no assurance (except from the dealer) on availability and cost of parts, slightly quirky styling and plenty of room to negotiate!! has anybody out there bought a koleos and had any issues in relation to reliability, parts etc. help!?!!?

Korean Frog

My wife also narrowed the choice down to the CX7 (luxury) and Koleos Privelege (update with panoramic sunroof, sat nav, bluetooth and multi-media inetrface as standard)so we did a literal side by side test(thanks to Serge and Alex at GWS)to decide. Both fit the 2 baby seats in OK but the Koleos has a wider boot and was able to to fit in the stroller width-wise unlike the CX7 which was a bit more fiddly and it had to be manouvered in. The CX7 looks bigger but there is not much real difference in second row space but the storage spaces including the glovebox are noticably more and bigger on the Koleos. Second row air vents and bigger sun roof make it a more child friendly car.
The choice ultimately came down to resale and reliability v. value for money and practicality/ergonomics.
As I couldn\’t get an extended warranty on the CX7 (as it is a turbo)and the CX7 owners I know drive like me and use 14-15 litres/100k\’s and not the 11.5 claimed, we have decided to go for the Koleos. Got an extended warranty (I know it is not as good as a factory bumper to bumper but it does cover the big ticket items and as the Koleos is built on the Japanese X-trail\’s running gear I am hoping I don\’t need it), and a rear parking camera plus a few extras. All up with both cars spec\’d almost exactly the same the Koleos came in approx. 4k less than the CX7 even with the extended warranty. I may lose more than the 4k on resale compared to the CX7 but the difference in fuel consumption probably brings the gap closer.
I have owned a Megane CC for the last 4-5 years that has only had minor niggles fixed under the first 12 months of the warranty. Parts and servicing have been on par with Ford and Holden and supply has never been an issue. I hope that continues with the Koleos.
Simonsez

The service manager at my localRenault dealer says that they’ve had no trouble at all with the Koleos. I actually know him pretty well and he’d tell me if there was a problem. The only potential problem ( that I can forsee) would be with the plastic bodied”key”which will obviously need to be handled more carefully than your conventional metal one.Took mine (2wd) for a run up the range to Montville in the rain and mist. Behaved itself perfectly and easily took the hill in 5th gear with 2 people on board.Came back down through some really winding roads and no problems relating to the previously alleged severe body roll.I’d think that the CX7 petrol , naturally aspirated, would be a bit underpowered.
The Koleos is actually a fair bit taller than them ( CX7) btw and the ride is extremely comfortable.

TH

To CSS,

We have owned our base model 2wd koleos for 18mths now and done about 20k in it. In that time we have had absolutely no problems whatsoever and would highly recommend the renault. Our main reasons for the purchase was price, safety, and ride comfort. When we weighed up the resale propositon the fact we got such a good deal compared to higher priced alternatives meant that the difference was negligble. We paid just under $33k with a few options included. You also get 3 years roadside assist as standard. Goodluck with your purchase.

daniel

Why do you think the Koleos is so negotiable the re sale is terrible. Parts are through the roof. Even normal ware and tare like changing the clutch costs thousands. The mechanics I work with tell me they are put together backwards and therefore replacing any parts become a nightmare also how many Renault dealers are there in Australia ??? what more proof do you want…they aren’t any good!!

CSS

thanks all for the responses. have decided againts the koleos and now have to decide between the cx7 and vw tiguan. still think the koleos is good value but cant get passed the fact that they cant sell any, resale value and just a little bit of quirky styling.
TH – FYI i negotiated the top spec privelage down to $36k with a few options included. a good result but makes me wonder??
shibu jacob

Hi Matt,

Nice review! I always liked french cars as some of them were built solid and could survive harsh conditions in Africa.Now, you mentioned that the turning radius was large, so does that mean the dyna power is not upto the mark? I do like this vehicle but as mentioned by some of the fellow readers, not a lot of people in Ozland seem to be buying so it has poor resale. Also Ive heard of the poor after sales experiences of a lot of my friends who were Nissan owners, is that true? Why would they be like that? This has always made me get cold feet about Nissan X-trail even though I like it for many reasons particularly its claimed offroading abilities! Thanks in advance. Cheers
Dim Duck

I buy cars to drive around in, not sell! As Korean Frog said earlier, buy a Renault and you’ll usually get a great deal! There are very few vehicles you can buy that would approach being any kind of investment, and I couldn’t be bothered putting up with a sh*tpile for 3 to 5 years just because it was allegedly going to have a great re-sale value! I have bought Renaults in the past because they deliver something special! From my first R10 in 1967, via R16, R16TS, R12 Wagon, and my beloved RX4 Scenic, I’ve enjoyed speed and comfort in my Renaults that few other brands can provide. I’ve just ordered my diesel Koleos, too!
Mike

We’ve had a Privilege grade (beige interior- they are now boring black) for 6 months now and very happy with the car. paid a lot for it though- no room to move with lease payout figure for previous car. Concur with comments above re handling- it’s great. My main quibbles are: the stupid cruise control placement, the info from which overrides everything else in the odometer window. Door handle digs into my knee (a common problem as I’m tall) which wasn’t an issue with previous SUV as it didn’t stick out, and was soft. Fiddley and illogical stereo controls, the Bose unit itself is brilliant, sound-wise. The speaker in the (full sized) spare wheel doesn’t appear to have a plug for taking it out when you fix a flat. Dash colours- red on orange is silly. Economy is only fair- add at least 1 litre/100km to factory figures. Not overly impressed with sunroof- didn’t want one, was fitted to the car and trade-in was a dealmaker. It lets too much light and heat in, despite the “sunshade”

Positives: Handles well, looks great, lots of thoughtful touches, wife loves to drive it unlike previous 4wd/SUV. Servicing can be done by local Nissan dealer (the only “factory” workshop in town, shared with Ford). Considered the Tiguan but boot space ridiculous and no proper spare. Skoda Scout would have been brilliant if auto. The New Yeti would be a winner!
finn

We own a Koleos for 20mos now, it’s a good car. But we had an issue with the gear stick got stucked, so I am going to send it back to the dealer for repair. Service maintenance is a bit pricey. We had a recall once.
finn

…. and ordering the parts will take weeks, from France

Ed

now, thats not true. Renault has a good stock of parts for all its new cars and takes max a week.

Ben

A few interesting comments from so many that know so little.
The Koleos is a very fine ride, well designed and practicle for real average families,its safety credentials speak for themselves.It price and servicing is on par with the likes of Toyota and Honda.
Let up on the stereo typing of ‘French’cars when our local products are inferior.
http://deleted PAUL

Have to agree Ben

I have had a Koleos for a month now. Test drove over ten small SUV’s before that and I can put my hand on my heart and say, it’s the best value out there.
Very negotiable on price at the dealership and surprisingly down to earth and approachable – (Take note HONDA and VW)
Fun car, solid build feel, good ride. happy with the purchase. If you buy a RAV4 or a CRV you are not looking hard enough, there’s better out there. A real 4WD pedigree as well with the Xtrail running gear.
Marvin Castelanos

What do you guys and gals think of the new 29990.00 drive away with 3 free year servicing and unlimited warranty and roadside assist?. For the base model 4X2 Expression. I have owned a Laguna Authentique 2002, as you may know this was the “safest car in the world at the time and won RACV’s best car under 50k back then. The only ting I hate are the exorbitant servicing costs, over2K for the timing belt service at 100k was incredible. But I believe they now have a chain instead so this is no longer an issue, as you can tell we keep our cars for longer than the economy desired 2-3 year desirable life span.
jaimin

hi i test drove mazda cx 7, honda crv and nissan dualis. then saw renault koelos promo and am confused now. i have to test drive to fee for myself but i think the promotion finished tonight….too late or may be I will call the dealership tomorrow. just thought of taking a novated lease for honda but now thinking of getting koelos with 1.9% interest and 3 years free srvicing and road side assist….any recommendation or help will be highly appreciated
gavin

Hi, I just viewed the Koleos and it looks great and feels like a well finished car. The local dealer has them at $29,990 drive away with 5 year unlimited warranty and 1.5% Finance. Pretty attractive offer!