MOTORING NEWS - By re-introducing the Koleos at the top of their SUV tree, Renault is hoping to snatch more market share away from its competitors. And after initially deciding against offering the 2016-launched second-generation Koleos to South Africa, the French manufacturer is bringing back the model with a bang.

The all-new Koleos boasts a competitive price, it's very spacious, comfortable, highly specced and is capable off-road.

It will be competing against the established Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga.

To keep the price down, Renault SA has only introduced one engine option, a 2,5-litre CVT with a power output of 126kW and 233Nm of torque.

Koleos will be available in two trim options, Expression and Dynamique, with a 4x4 model topping the range.

According to Wayne van der Merwe, Renault SA's senior product manager, a diesel engine and other transmission options would not have been financially viable. "To be able to offer a 4x4 at under R500 000 is a great achievement for us," he said. "The new Koleos is a big car with a special high driving position. Rounded off by the double exhaust design at the back, it makes a powerful impression."The new Koleos will have a 4x4 model topping the range.In terms of looks, the French manufacturer got the design spot-on. In front, the eye-catching C-shaped daytime running lights extend beyond the headlight units themselves to create a forceful look.

At the back, the wide horizontal tail lights amplify the impression of width and draw attention to the centrally positioned Renault diamond.A very stylish interior features comforts like customisable LED cabin lighting.A very stylish interior features comforts like customisable LED cabin lighting to complement the mood of the driver and passengers. The front cup holders can be chilled or heated and a sliding centre console is ideally adjustable for the best driving position.

In addition to having one of the longest wheelbases in its class, the Koleos' overall length of 4 670mm frees up a lot of interior space at the front and back. Rear passengers benefit from class-topping knee room (289mm) while the boot also offers 464 litres of space. This can grow to an impressive 1 795 litres with the rear seats folded down.

In line with its Euro NCAP five-star rating, all Koleos models come standard with brakes assisted by ABS, EBD, EBA, ESP, ASR and HAS, cornering fog lights, electrochromic rear-view mirror, blind spot warning and park assist.

The vehicle has an impressive ground clearance of 210mm and is definitely a cut above a mere "soft roader". The 4x4 model features three driving modes, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive automatic and wheel-drive lock.The eye-catching C-shaped daytime running lights extend beyond the headlight units.In the latter, available torque is split equally between the front and rear axles (50/50) when the vehicle travels below speeds of 40km.

Anybody shopping around in this segment would be foolish not to put the Koleos on their list for consideration.

DETAILS 
Expression 2,5 CVT 4x2 - R399 900; Dynamique 2,5 CVT 4x2 - R439 900 and Dynamique 2,5 CVT 4x4 - R479 900. The new Koleos comes standard with a five year or
150 000km mechanical warranty; plus a five year or 90 000km service plan and a six year anti-corrosion warranty, with service intervals at 15 000km. 

The all-new Koleos is very spacious.

The new Koleos is highly specced.'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'