Renault Koleos revised with a new face and cleaner heart
Introduced back in February as the replacement for the Kadjar, but on sale in other markets since 2016, Renault has pulled the covers off of the facelifted Koleos due to go on sale in Europe next month.
Aesthetically, the changes are minor in that the Koleos receives a new skidplate underneath the front bumper, a slightly altered grille, more chrome detailing, dual exhaust outlets, a revised rear facia made up of an enlarged third brake light, more chrome accents and skidplate placed higher up below the rear bumper.
Rounding the changes off are 18-inch Taika grey diamond or 19-inch black diamond Kavea alloy wheels, a new Vintage Red paint finish and in the case of luxury Initiale Paris model, an exclusive Amethyst Black Metallic hue, model specific 19-inch alloys and special Initiale Paris badging.
Inside, the updates are similarly small and consists of upgraded materials on the doors and dashboard, satin chrome inserts on the steering wheel, around the air vents and on the gear lever, new seats with extended cushion and so-called Relax headrests with heating, ventilation and massaging function on some models, a reclining rear bench and choice of two R-Link2 infotainment systems; a seven-inch or tablet-style 8.7-inch unit, both with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition and USB ports relocated to underneath the facia.
Depending on the trim level, Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection has been added to the range of safety tech.
Moving one step up, the Initiale Paris gains light-sand grey or black titanium Nappa leather upholstery with double top stitching, laminated windows, model specific detailing on the dashboard, door sills, steering wheel and door panels, and a 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround sound system.
Up front, Renault has given the range of engines an overhaul by phasing out the 1.6 dCi turbodiesel motor in favour of the new 1.7 Blue dCi from the Kadjar that outputs 110kW/340Nm.
Also gaining the Blue dCi moniker, and conforming to the stringent Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) emission regulations like its smaller brother, the flagship 2.0-litre oil-burner churns out 140kW/380Nm with both being connected to an Xtronic CVT and in the case of the latter, the All-Mode 4×4-i four-wheel-drive system with three modes; 2WD; Auto and Lock. Ground clearance is once again rated at 190 mm with respective approach and departure angles of 18 and 25 degrees.
Pricing for the revised Koleos has not yet been revealed, wit, no confirmation from Renault South Africa regarding local availability as well.
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