by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen February 11, 2008 2:04 PM
Filed Under: European, Renault
First 4x4 crossover from Renault
Renault has finally done it, they have built their own, and very first for the French automaker, crossover vehicle. Renault has named it the Renault Koleos and is a true multi-cultural project. Renault designed the car, Nissan developed the crossover and Renault Samsung Motors manufactured it at their Busan plant in Korea. The Koleos will take its first bow at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The Renault Koleos comes in either two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, measures 4,52 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, has 206 mm (diesel powered 188mm) ground clearance and comes with a choice of two engines. The petrol engine produces 126 kW (175 hp) of power and will be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, while some markets will also see a six-speed automatic. The diesel engine can be had with two power outputs, 110 kW (150 hp) or 127 kW (175 hp) where the 175 hp version is only available as a 4x4 with manual transmission and the entry level crossover is available in 4x4 or 4x2 with either an automatic or manual six-speed.
Besides being the first crossover for Renault, the Koleos is also the first to feature 4-wheel-drive from its launch. As mentioned before, Nissan developed the car which resulted in the Koleos using the Nissan X-Trail's suspension system. The All mode 4x4-I system spreads torque to where it is most needed, so under normal driving conditions only the front wheels receive torque, but when grip decreases up to 50% of torque is directed to the rear wheels.
Please read the attached detailed press release for further details.
Renault is pleased to present Koleos, its first ever crossover. Ideal for escaping the everyday routine, Renault Koleos is 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 about town, on open roads and on motorways as it does when it is taken off the beaten track. Meanwhile, Renault Koleos delivers the same standard of comfort as that expected of a saloon car, as well as cabin space worthy of a compact MPV.
Designed by Renault, developed by Nissan and manufactured in Renault Samsung Motors' Busan plant in Korea, Renault Koleos is the fruit of extremely close collaboration between teams from each of these Renault-Nissan Alliance brands.
Renault Koleos will be on show at the Geneva Motor Show from March 4, 2008. 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 authentic stance and a completely fresh approach in segments from which it has traditionally been absent.
Renault 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 which combines an efficient all-wheel drive chassis, the dynamic lines of a saloon car 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 vehicle 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 greatly facilitates loading.
It's good that Renault are entering this market, but I think the styling is fairly anonymous - You could almost stick any maker's badge onto the front of it, while an Audi badge on the back wouldn't be too out of place.
I think it looks like a Renault, but I hope Ghosn doesn't get obssessed with SUVs like he did with Nissan and let them dominate the range.Hope it has good MPG as that's a key Renault selling-point and it'd be a shame to sacrifice it for SUV fashion
