The Renault Koleos is a very close relation of Ireland’s most popular SUV, the Nissan Qashqai. Although there are similarities, the Koleos is longer, wider, higher and built on a longer wheelbase. My road test Qashqai, away back in July 2007, was powered by a Renault 1.5 dCi diesel engine, whereas this Koleos is powered by the larger 2.0 dCi Renault diesel. While the Qashqai I tested was marginally inferior in top speed and acceleration, when compared to this Koleos, it was significantly better in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Both however, are great driver’s cars. I felt thoroughly at home and at ease behind the wheel of the Koleos. It performed effortlessly, the six speed gearchange was smooth and direct, the steering was precise and effortless and the ride was comfortable and well controlled, in spite of Fingal’s pathetic road surfaces. Driving the Koleos was pure pleasure, whether in city traffic conditions, a suburban environment or out on the open road. Visibility all round is good and the parking sensors, front and rear, make manoeuvring in confined conditions, a simple task.

Renault offer both front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions of the Koleos. My test car was the less complicated front wheel drive version, so while it has a limited off-road capability, it is not intended for difficult off-road conditions. If you refer to the technical data at the end of this test, you will see figures quoted for off road driving, under the heading - Special 4x4 data. While the Koleos has this capability, it is better suited to the 4x4 versions, than this 4x2 model. For example I would not dream of trying to wade through a 450 mm deep water obstacle, with just two wheel drive at my disposal.
I see the 4x2 Koleos as a very comfortable and practical, estate style family car. This creates a dilemma, as I have to ask myself, would I prefer the Koleos to the equally competent Renault Scenic ? I am very impressed with the Koleos, but I am also very impressed with the Scenic !

Koleos is different to most of its rivals in this segment of the market, as it has a horizontally divided rear access door. Initially just the top section opens. Then if you pull a lever conveniently positioned at the top of the lower section, it opens down into a horizontal position. Besides increasing the length of the load floor, this has a number of other advantages. For a start it makes a convenient outdoor seat - it can accommodate a load of up to 200 kg. It makes loading easier and it makes a handy viewing platform.
If you do need the biggest possible cargo space, you simply pull a lever on the right hand side and the right hand rear seat cushion tips up into a vertical position behind the driver’s seat and the corresponding backrest folds down into a horizontal position in the place formerly occupied by the cushion. A similar lever on the left and side does the same for the left hand seat cushion and backrest.

Left : Normal luggage space.

Right : Maximum luggage space.

Below the luggage floor, there is a black, foam plastic tray, suitable for storing smaller items. It sits above the spare wheel. The spare wheel is a Spacesaver, further underlining the limited off-road potential of this particular model. It is interesting as a round BOSE container fits into the well of the upturned spare wheel. This naturally has to be lifted out before the spare wheel can be removed, but as it is wired up to the car it cannot be moved too far, making it a bit of an awkward obstacle when you come to replace the wheel.
Normal luggage capacity is 0.450 cubic metres, which is what one would expect from a large segment family car. That is measured when loading from the floor to the underside of the rear shelf. Maximum capacity is 1.380 cubic metres and that is with the rear seat folded flat, the shelf removed and loading to the roof. If you need more space you can carry up to 80 kg in a suitable container on the roof.
Towing capacity is braked trailers/caravans up to 2000 kg or unbraked trailers up to 750 kg.

Above : Foam storage tray above the spare wheel.

The rear seat backrest is divided 60/40, so you can vary your passenger numbers and still accommodate awkward loads. The 60 section has an armrest/ski-hatch in the centre, which gives further convenience as two adults can travel in comfort on either side, with their fishing rods, water skis, or whatever between them.
Apart from that BOSE container, the only awkward bit in the whole design is the roller blind style tonneau cover. Because the lower section of the tailgate folds down horizontally you have to stretch in rather far to remove the cover unit when necessary. The alternative is to work from the other end and open a rear door. While I found this to be easier, it is still a bit awkward as you have to twist through 90% as you reach in to get a hold of it. A possible course of action may be to remove it before you fold the rear seats down. That way you can kneel on the rear seat cushion which would make the whole operation a lot simpler.

Above : Spare wheel with BOSE container stored in the well.

The instrument panel and driving controls are all well laid out and convenient to use. The test car had a grey interior, with a lot of brushed aluminium trim, which helped to brighten it up. One section, however, does cause a bit of a problem. The strip around the digital information panel and clock, in the top centre of the facia, tends to reflect into the windscreen in certain lighting conditions and this can be very annoying for both driver and passengers.

Apart from that all the instruments are easy to see, the air-conditioning controls and settings are easy to see and reach, as are the audio controls. The steering wheel is leather covered and has a good high quality feel. It also houses the switches for the cruise control.

Right : Front seats

Left : Rear seats

Like most cars on the market today, the rear bench seat will accommodate two adults in comfort, but while you can squeeze in a third, that third passenger sits on a hard cushion, with a hard backrest and simply reduces shoulder room for all three. The two outer places each have their own folding picnic tables and there is a folding armrest in the centre of the seat. This has a padded top which opens upwards to reveal a storage box and two cup holders. The outer positions are also equipped with ISOFIX fittings for child safety seats. It would be possible to carry three children abreast, but remember that centre section is relatively hard and uncomfortable.

This version is credited with a top speed of 180 kph (111 mph), with 0-100 kph acceleration in ten seconds. Perhaps of even more importance for a family car in this day and age, the Urban fuel consumption is 31 mpg (9.0 lt/100 km) improving to 46 mpg (6.1 lt/100 km) on the extra urban cycle. This gives a combined cycle average of 39 mpg (7.2 lt/100 km), which should bring a happy smile to most owners’ faces. Exhaust emissions are said to be 179 gm/km, which at present rates, will cost you 630 euro in annual road tax. That should then wipe that smile off most owners’ faces !
On the basis of these figures the Renault is up against some very serious competition. Ford’s Kuga for example is as fast, but in spite of its all wheel drive, it still offers better fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Its emissions actually put it into a lower tax group, which will make a significant difference to its annual running costs. Opel’s Zafira offers a higher top speed, lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions plus the availability of seven seats. It too is in a lower taxation group.

Technical data