Renault’s first 4x4 crossover, Koleos, makes world debut in Geneva
Making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Koleos, Renault’s first 4x4 crossover, is ideal for escaping the everyday routine, comfortable, easy to drive and boasts genuine off-road ability. It has been designed to be versatile too, offering the same reassuring drive when motoring in and around town, on open roads and motorways, as it does when it is taken off the beaten track. At the same time, Koleos delivers the same levels of comfort expected in a hatchback, as well as cabin space worthy of a compact MPV.
The launch of Koleos marks a decisive step in the brand's development, not only in Europe but across the world. The release of its first 4x4 crossover is a sure sign that Renault has the capacity to take its own genuine stance and completely fresh approach in segments from which it has traditionally been absent. Koleos offers a unique standard of safety and comfort, a parameter that has become a recognised Renault hallmark which is not only clear for all to see but also highly affordable.
The release of Koleos sees Renault take the wraps off its first-ever 4x4 crossover, a vehicle designed for getting away from it all, combining an efficient all-wheel drive chassis, the dynamic lines of hatchback and the cabin space of an MPV. Renault has made sure that Koleos has all the necessary genes to ensure that all passengers travel first class and that the new car is easy to use. The seating and suspension provide a high standard of comfort and the driver benefits from outstanding forward visibility thanks to the low-mounted dashboard, while Koleos' split-opening tailgate allows for simple loading.
Koleos, the easy-to-use crossover
While 4x4 models are frequently associated with bulky volumes and considered complex to use, one of the key features of Koleos is the speed and ease with which drivers feel at home behind its wheel. The length and width of Koleos are 4.52m and 1.85m respectively and these contained dimensions ensure that it copes as effortlessly with city motoring as it does when taken off the beaten track. Indeed, despite the presence of styling cues from the world of 4x4s, Koleos is a crossover that offers a successful blend of dynamic and balanced lines. Meanwhile, in addition to all-terrain attributes like high ground clearance and skid-plates, the impression of ruggedness exuded by Koleos gives it a reassuring feel.
The cabin is very simple to use. The practical dashboard design and development logic behind the easy-to-operate controls allow drivers to swiftly familiarise themselves with the layout, while use of the navigation, radio, heating and climate controls is intended to be intuitive. Controls for the navigation system, hands-free telephone, audio system and automatic parking brake are all positioned either on the steering wheel or within easy reach of the driver. Information relating to the navigation system and radio is displayed centrally on the upper part of the dashboard to make sure that it is both clearly legible for the driver and easy to read for other occupants.
A raft of equipment aimed at taking the stress out of motoring underpins how effortlessly Koleos fits into the Renault family. Such features include the hands-free card and keyless starting functions, automatic headlamp and wiper activation, cruise control and speed limiter, while the controls for the electric windows, adjustment of the exterior mirrors and central locking are all located on the driver's door. The cabin itself couldn't be more driver-friendly. Careful attention has been paid to ensure that Koleos boasts segment-leading head-up visibility and forward field of vision, while its rearward angle of vision figures amongst the best available in the segment. The driving position can be precisely adjusted thanks to the adjustable seat and height-and reach-adjustable steering column.
The sensation of being in control is felt as soon as the driver settles behind the wheel of Koleos. The power steering is precise, progressive, and accurately feeds back information from the road. Despite its higher ground clearance, Koleos handles like a hatchback thanks to its chassis which was purposely developed to provide an optimal balance between comfort and handling, both of which are of a remarkably high standard. Special attention was paid to cornering performance with the intention of curbing body-roll which can often be a feature of this type of car.
Source: Renault
