Renault will bring a new generation of Renault Koleos to the selected markets in Europe in the beginning of next year. Renault Koleos is the French version of the Nissan X-Trail. Externally, it is similar to the new Talisman, and shares the most of the technology with new Renault models. Renault Koleos will be built in South Korea.

The Renault SUV story continues

In the previous generation, mainly in Europe, Renault Koleos left a bitter aftertaste. Awkward shape and unconvincing driving dynamics ranked it on the tail of the desirability compared to its rivals. This time should be different, if we lean on the first images, that shows us modern, much less controversial form.

The new Renault Koleos SUV will be 22 centimeters longer than Kadjar

Renault fully disclosed the new Renault Koleos in Beijing Motor Show. In comparison to its predecessor, the vehicle truly brings an entirely new design. Despite the not so big success of this model in the past, Renault decided not to choose a new name in its new generation.

The basic concept of the new Renault Koleos will be shared with the Nissan X-trail through the CMF platform. Certain genetic similarities are also inherited from the other models of the Renault-Nissan group, like the Nissan Qashqai and the Renault Espace and Talisman.

The car is 4.67 meters long and will be more than 22 centimeters longer than Kadjar. The wheelbase will amount to 2.71 meters, the luggage compartment will hold 624 liters. The new Renault Koleos will have 21.3 centimeters of ground clearance.

Most of the technology already known from current Renault models

For its new large crossover or respectively SUV, Renault promises a lot of space in the interior. New quality materials, the second-generation R-link multimedia tablet infotainment system with a big portrait oriented digital display and all modern security-assistance systems will be shared with Talisman and Megane.

There will also be a panoramic windshield, heated steering wheel, electronically adjustable seats, reversing camera, entering with the contactless key and similar accessories.

Two petrol and two diesel engines, multiple versions of the all-wheel drive

Renault Koleos will be powered by two petrol and two diesel engines, with power ranging from 130 to 172 hp. Not all the engines will be available for all the countries, they will be selected depending on the market. The power will be transferred to the wheels (of course, permanent all-wheel drive will also be available) through a six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission X-tronic (CVT concept). For all markets, with the exception of China, Renault Koleos will be built in Busan, South Korea.

The first customers who will be able to enjoy the new Koleos will be from Australia, Turkey and some Middle Eastern countries, already at the end of this year. In Europe, expected launch is scheduled for the early next year, at the beginning of 2017.

More than a third of Renault Koleos were sold to the Chinese

As of today, Renault has sold more than 300 thousand examples of Renault Koleos, of which more than 70 percent outside Europe. In China, where the name of the Koleos has a much bigger reputation than in Europe, Renault managed to sell over 135 thousand of these vehicles. The sales target for the new generation is of course very high, mainly due to the fact that nearly one in five new cars sold globally last year was from the SUV vehicle class.

Renault Koleos estimated price and competitors

The official price tag for the new Koleos has not been set yet, but based on the fact that Kadjar has a similar price as Nissan Qashqai, we may expect the price connection between Renault Koleos 2017 and Nissan X-Trail (sold as Nissan Rogue in North America). Therefore a starting price of around 27,000 euros for the European market is very likely.

Competitors:

• Hyundai Santa Fe.
• Kia Sorento.
• Land Rover Discovery.
• Nissan X-Trail.
• Skoda Kodiaq.

Image credit: Renault