28 Sep 06 11:50
Renault Koleos
Renault's Koleos Concept previews a 4x4 scheduled to go on sale in the first half of 2008. It's going to be a reasonably rugged-looking SUV, though Renault does promise "the roominess and comfort of a crossover", and it isn't quite an all-out mud-plugger.
Developed by Renault-owned Samsung in Korea, where it will be built, it will share some of its underpinnings with the next-generation Nissan X-Trail, as well as its 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine (180bhp, with particulate filter) and six-speed manual gearbox. Design-wise, it's clearly descended from the original Koleos concept (2000), but has been modernised with LED headlights, a more pedestrian-friendly front end, and more production-friendly detailing. That said, this is still very much a show car, with its glass roof, aluminium roof bars, door mirror-mounted lights, 19-inch alloys with bespoke tyres, twin exhausts and bright aluminium skid plates.
Sitting 200mm off the ground, the Koleos has Nissan's electronically-controlled torque-split 4WD system plus hill descent control and ESP. Enough off-road ability for most owners, and a bit of light trailer-pulling, then.
Accessing the interior is made easy by fold-down aluminium door sill extensions, and this show car has a four-seat layout with individual beige leather seats. The glass roof aids a light, roomy atmosphere, and there are numerous storage areas as in Renault's MPVs, and a split-opening tailgate which doubles as a picnic table or seat for two - ideal for doing car-boot sales. And just in case you've forgotten this is a 4x4, the dashboard incorporates data on altitude, gradient, compass bearings and atmospheric pressure; everything an urban adventurer could need to know.
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