What can we expect from Renault Koleos?

25/06/2011 - 22:53 Renault Koleos, 2012 Renault Koleos, 2012 Koleos, Renault Kaustubh Shinde

If you have been an ardent fan of IAB, then you should be proud of the fact that IAB was the first publication that revealed the facelifted Koleos to the world. With Renault’s ambitious plan to launch 5 products by 2012 and top 3 non-Indian auto manufacturers in India, the Koleos will certainly provide a helping hand to shape the identity of the brand. So what can we expect from the Koleos?

The new Koleos's front is a complete redesign from the older one. Where the older one had very sharp ‘like it or hate it’ design, the new one is much softer on eyes. A big fat chrome grill coupled with slimmer headlights gives it a pleasing appearance. The OVRMS are equipped with LEDs to give it a premium feel.

The 2012 Koleos will be powered by a diesel heart – an 2.0-liter M9R diesel engine to be precise. Mated to a 6 speed automatic, it will have an output of 150 BHP. A Nissan-developed all-wheel drive will give it some off-road capability although don’t expect a short ratio gearbox.

The interiors of the SUV will be premium to justify the premium price tag. We still don’t have concrete details whether it will be a 5 seater or a 5+2 seater although lets hope the later is correct. It will be loaded with tech such as ESP, emergency brake assist, programmed structural deformation, six airbags, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The sunroof and split-opening tailgate will further add to the comfort

The new Koleos will be assembled at the Oragadam facility situated near Chennai. Considering Renault will be offering it as a premium product, expect it to have 20-22 lakh rupees price tag. With that price it will go against – Chevy Captiva, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW X1 and the Honda CR-V.

Do you think the Koleos will be accepted against its competitors?