French Flair
The Renault Koleos has recently received a model refresh. The outgoing 2018/19 model was already a good-looking and competent vehicle and Renault has upped the game by making the incoming 2020/2021 year model even better.
Related: Under the SUV radar – The Renault Koleos
We take a look at the few changes that have been made that ice the cake that is the Koleos.
1. Exterior
Starting up front, the Koleos gets a new grille with new chrome inserts, chrome inset foglamps and a redesigned skid plate. The C-shaped lighting signature stays the same but is now available in a Pure Vision LED depending on the model variant. Koleos retains the chrome trim on the front fenders that extends down the side of the vehicle where you can now find new 18-inch wheels.
Around the rear, refined c-shaped taillights wrap around the rear fenders and are linked by a more defined chrome strip and the Renault badge. A redesigned rear skid plate and twin chrome exhaust tips finish off the details nicely.
2. Interior
The interior has seen a few small touches that elevate the fitment. There is now satin chrome inserts on the airvents, steering wheel and gear lever and cushion backed trim for the dashboard and door inserts. The new model also sees the addition of customisable cabin ambiance lighting and a heated or cooled front cup holder.
3. Technology
Renault has pushed the boundaries when it comes to including tech with the new Koleos receiving a hefty dose. The new Koleos gets BSW (Blind Spot Warning) and 360 degree Park Assist that is used through the 8.7" infotainment screen and the two USB ports have been moved to the base of the centre console near the gear level.
4. Drivetrain
The new Koleos is still powered by the 2.5 Petrol Engine connected to a CVT (4x2 & 4x4), with a power output of 126kW and 233Nm of torque, but it is the new addition of Renault's ALL MODE 4x4-i transmission that really sets of the Koleos' off-road credentials. This all-wheel drive system permanently monitors grip levels to guarantee optimal traction whatever the conditions. When travelling off-road or in conditions where grip is at a premium, such as mud, dirt or sand, the 4WD LOCK mode allows the driver to engage permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40km to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50 distribution).
5. Pricing
With all the changes that have been made the overall pricing of the Koleos hasn't increased by much.
| Koleos Expression 2.5 CVT 4x2 | R 424 900 |
| Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4x2 | R 474 900 |
| Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4x4 | R 514 900 |
New Renault Koleos comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty; plus, a 5-year/ 90 000km service plan and a 6-year anticorrosion warranty
*Pricing correct at time of publication
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