Renault Koleos 2.5L: Upmarket aspiration

By Ghaith Madadha - Nov 07,2022 - Last updated at Nov 07,2022

Photos courtesy of Renault

First introduced in 2016, the second generation Renault Koleos is a significant step upmarket from its predecessor, and is now positioned at the top of Renault’s SUV hierarchy. Produced by the French manufacturer’s Renault Korea Motors subsidiary — formerly known as Samsung Motors — the Koleos is a mid-size crossover with premium aspirations, which are reflected in its better resolved and more stylishly contemporary and sophisticated design. Larger and roomier, its interior design, appointment and equipment and technology levels are meanwhile similarly improved.

Confident style

Built on a Renault-Nissan platform shared with its Japanese Nissan X-Trail cousin, the Koleos (aka Renault Samsung QM6) is a better fit within Renault’s European and broader global model lines, with a better integrated design and corporate face than its first generation Koleos/QM5 predecessor. Distinctively more dramatic, the Koleos features a high waistline and upright cabin. Confidently elegant, its muscularly ridged clamshell bonnet heavily brows deep-set and slim headlights, while its fascia is framed by a lower LED arc.

With a large diamond-shaped Renault emblem sitting high and protruding slightly above thick grille slats, the Koleos’ chunky style also incorporates prominent wheel-arches. With neat bumper integrated exhaust ports, rear views also includes thick rear lights with a slim LED outline and strips extending towards its tailgate badge. Almost imperceptibly refreshed to include a slightly revised bumper design and restyled grille slats in 2020, the pre-facelift Koleos is however still listed, and presumably still available, locally at time of writing.

Smooth operator

Underneath, the Middle East specification version of the Koleos is powered by proven driveline shared with the X-Trail, and consisting of a transversely-mounted 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, driving either front or all wheels. Producing 169BHP at 6,000rpm and 172 lb/ft of torque at 4,000rpm, the Koleos is reasonably brisk carrying its 1.6-tonne weight through 0-100km/h in 9.8-seconds, and onto a 199km/h top speed. It meanwhile returns 8.3l/100km combined cycle fuel efficiency.

The Koleos’ engine is smooth, refined and eager through revs, and provides progressive delivery and comparatively good throttle control and responses for a comfortable crossover of its class. Constantly adjusting ratios to optimise engine speed and torque for efficiency, the Koleos’s transmission provides seamless delivery and effective on the move versatility. Its wide and continuously altering transmission range meanwhile delivers a “slingshot” effect under hard acceleration, as revs hover while transmission ratios adjust. The CVT’s “manual” mode however allows the engine to rev more freely.

Confident comfort

If not as committed or precise as a traditional gearbox when a specific gear is required during “sporty” driving situations, the Koleos’ CVT instead features fixed ‘manual’ mode ratios to mimic a traditional automatic. Driven in four-wheel-drive guise, the Koleos meanwhile primarily powers the front wheels under normal driving conditions for efficiency, but can divert power to the rear wheels in 4WD Auto mode, when increased traction and grip are needed. Over moderate sandy and gravelly terrain, the Koleos’ lockable four-wheel-drive and generous 210mm ground clearance meanwhile proved effective.

Refined inside with its good noise, harshness and vibration isolation, the Koleos is smooth and comfortable on tarmac for driver and passengers alike. Its combination of large 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/60R18 tyres are meanwhile aesthetically well-suited to its chunky body design, but more importantly deliver a happy medium between ride comfort, grip through corners and steering precision. Comfortable yet confident, the Koleos meanwhile turns into corners in a tidy fashion, for a vehicle of its height and weight, while steering is responsively quick and direct.

Cavernous cabin

Riding on MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, the Koleos is stable and settled at motorway speed, while body control through corners was comparatively good. Providing a high, comfortable and commanding driving position with good adjustability and front visibility, the Koleos also features a rear view camera on higher specification versions, which helps make it easier to maneuver in confined conditions. Spacious and easily accessible for front and rear passengers, the Koleos’ generous boot meanwhile accommodates 550-litres of luggage, which expands to 1,690-litres with rear seats folded.

A comfortable and cavernous crossover with notably good rear legroom, the Koleos’ cabin is elegant and upmarket in design, materials and textures. In addition to a large tablet-style infotainment screen and big storage box and armrest combo, the well-equipped high spec version of the Koleos features dual zone air conditioning, motion sensing auto tailgate operation, blind spot warning, parking assistance, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Safety equipment meanwhile also includes Isofix child seat latches, emergency brake assistance and multiple standard airbags.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS