2012 Renault Koleos Reviews

The Renault Koleos is a crossover, both in where it can be driven - as well as where it is built. It is a French design using a drivetrain sourced from Nissan in Japan and is built in South Korea.

Graham Smith reviews the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Renault Koleos as a used buy. The French brand’s wagon came from an alliance with Nissan. New The Koleos came from the alliance between Renault and Nissan. It was based on Nissan’s renowned all-wheel drive X-Trail platform, although with its

Peter Huntington is more than happy with his 2009 Renault Koleos 6-speed auto diesel. He says the gear changes are seamless, the ride and handling is superb, and it returns around 8L/100km around the city and even less on country trips. His only quibble is the cost of engine oil and filters, which he says are expensive.Alan Sharp was looking for the flexibility of a wagon when he bought his two-wheel drive CVT Koleos in 2012 and he is happy with his decision. He says it is a pleasure to drive, is comfortable, has adequate performance, and there has been no problems to date. His only criticism is that it can be a tight squeeze with the rear seats occupied plus luggage.Superb is the word Bruce Barber uses to describe his 2009 Dynamique 4WD with the petrol engine and CVT transmission. It is smooth, quiet, comfortable, and powerful. It has done 65,000km and has been trouble-free. Brake pads were replaced at 50,000 km, and the original tyres were replaced at 60,000.Before his 2011 Koleos Expression CVT Bob Brown owned a Renault Scenic, which was unreliable and expensive to service. The Koleos, on the other hand, has done 90,000km and there have been no problem at all, and on top of that he's found the servicing costs to be much more reasonable. He adds that it's comfortable, has great storage, the folding seats allow great flexibility, and he gets 8.5L/100km.Norm Hill has done 65,000 km in his two-wheel drive 2011 Dynamique with great pleasure. The 2.5-litre motor pulls well and he likes the CVT transmission. His average fuel consumption is 9.5L/100km from a mix of city and country driving. To date there have been no problems with it, the tyres were replaced at 52,000km, but it's still on the same set of brake linings. He also loves the vast array of features it has, particularly the very practical two-piece tailgate.NEWThe Koleos was a product of the alliance between Renault and Nissan and made use of much of the all-wheel drive hardware available in the Nissan parts store.It was based on the Nissan X-Trail and used the same all-mode 4x4 running gear from the X-Trail.With its fresh, attractive looks there was little hint that the five-seater Koleos was a close corporate cousin of the conservative X-Trail.Renault introduced the Koleos with two levels of trim, the entry level Dynamique and the better-equipped Privilege, with 4x4 and 4x2 petrol and diesel models. The two-wheel drive Expression was added to the range in 2010 when it became the entry-level model.The petrol engine was a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit producing 126kW at 6000 rpm and 226Nm at 4400 rpm, while the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel was available in two tune variants depending on whether you chose the manual or automatic transmission.When linked to the manual gearbox it put out 127kW and 360Nm, but was detuned for the CVT auto and put out 110kW and 440Nm in that combination.The transmission choices were a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed auto, and a CVT continuously variable transmission.Renault cleverly offered the Koleos in two-wheel drive form, in which it was a regular front driver, or four-wheel drive form when it had Nissan's well respected all-wheel drive 4x4-i system.With the 4x4 system the Koleos could be driven in two-wheel drive mode, auto or four-wheel drive with the flick of a switch.In auto mode, it ran in front-wheel drive until the system detected wheel slip when it would begin feeding drive to the rear wheels as well. The maximum torque split between front and rear wheels was set at 50 per cent.The cabin was stylish and modern, and quite roomy, although tall occupants would find the rear a little cramped.The fit and finish was generally of a good standard, and the materials used looked and felt of a decent quality. NOWAs can be seen from the feedback we've had from Koleos owners they are more than happy with their cars.None report any issues with them in the time they have been driving them, and they also report good mileage from brakes and tyres.Fuel mileage is also on the money with the claimed figures issued by Renault, which should give prospective owners good confidence of what they too can expect to get.No one has complained about the CVT transmission, or reported any problems with it, which should also give prospective owners some comfort in buying cars with this quirky transmission.As always check for a service record. Regular maintenance is critical to a long and reliable motoring life, so make sure the car you're thinking of buying has seen the inside of a workshop on a regular basis.Although the Koleos isn't a hardcore off-roader some owners could have taken them to the beach or down a bush track, and they're quite capable to doing that. Just make sure they haven't been beaten up in the process.Take a look around the body for dings and dents, check the rear bumper to see if it has ever been ripped off, and get down and peer underneath for damage to the underbody and components under the vehicle.SMITHY SAYSRefined, comfortable, safe and reliable. There is a lot to like about the Koleos.AT A GLANCE SPECSPrice new: $29,990 to $39,990Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 126 kW/226 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 110 kW/320 NmTransmission: 6-speed man, CVT, FWD, 4WDEconomy: 9.5 L/100 km (2.5); 8.3 L/100 km (TD)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: Dynamique, Expression, PrivilegeSafety: 5-star ANCAP 

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the 2012 Renault Koleos.

There's much to like about a hook-up between the French and the Japanese. The Nissan Renault team has produced a worthy compact SUV range in the updated Koleos, it's just a shame they've priced themselves out of contention, particularly when considering the opposition.We've spent some time in the turbodiesel Dynamique and - without looking at the pricetag - there's plenty to like, but bring in the damage to the hip pocket and the dynamic abilities of it's immediate opposition and it's a different argument.VALUEThere's a decent features list that includes dual-zone climate control, rear passengers get vents at the rear of the centre console, there's a six-speaker Arkamys sound system with USB input or an optional eight-speaker Bose unit (including a woofer), satnav and Bluetooth phone and audio link.The Koleos also has reach'n'rake adjustable steering, leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats with powered adjustment for the driver, a trip computer, rear side retractable sunblinds, power-adjustable and heated external mirrors, a full-size spare wheel, several 12-volt sockets and 17in alloy wheels.TECHNOLOGYThe diesel Koleos runs a 110kW/320Nm two-litre particle-filter equipped turbodiesel with a "normal" torque-converter-equipped six-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT that is teamed to the petrol-powered vehicles.The little four-pot engine has two balance shafts to counteract engine vibrations and runs common-rail direct fuel injection (running at 1600-bar, says Renault) using piezo injectors and a variable-geometry turbocharger to help reduce lag.The Koleos takes much from its Nissan cousins on this front, with a rotary-switch to flick between 4WD modes - front wheel drive, auto (front-drive biased but varying the torque as required) and locked mode, which puts the drive 50/50 front to rear below 40km/h for the rare moments when you'd take something from this segment off the bitumen.There's also hill start and hill descent assistance systems on the 4Wd Koleos models.DESIGNMost of the design budget for the new Koleos was spent on rhinoplasty, with the updated snout a nicer and less-polarising look than that of the outgoing car.The split rear tailgate will be welcomed by some and loathed by others - it makes for a wide-open load bay (which has remote levers to drop the backrests from the rear) and it's a good place to take a pew for tailgate parties, but shorter folk might lament the long stretch into the cargo area.The seats are comfortable but the front buckets need a little more lateral support. Some of the driver's controls for the sound system and phone (on a stalk behind the steering wheel) are not easy to decipher quickly, although the satnav buttons on the centre console are less difficult to use.There has been plenty of thought put into the storage with the snug-but-comfortable cabin - any space that could be used for storage has been (Renault says there's 70 litres of in-cabin stowage), with other helpful touches including the child-monitor mirror, folding tables for rear seat occupants and side sun blinds.SAFETYRenault was the first brand to score five stars under the NCAP regime and it has plenty of safety gear to maintain that crash-test cred - anti-lock brakes with emergency assist function, traction and stability control, the aforementioned all-wheel drive system and dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags all on the list.All seatbelts are equipped with load-limiters and the front seatbelts are also endowed with pretensioners.There's also a cruise control with speed limiter function, automatic wipers and headlights, and in the event of crash, Renault says the car's doors unlock automatically, the ECU stops the fuel injection system and the hazard lights turn on.DRIVINGThe Koleos has picked tough territory into which it has waded - established players like Subaru, Mitsubishi and now VW have diesel offerings.The VW Tiguan and Mazda's CX-5 promise to redefine diesel engines, the latter with its new Skyactiv-D drivetrain. Toyota's RAV4 doesn't do diesel and neither does Jeep's renewed offerings in the segment, but the Renault feels a little leisurely when compared to its opposition.The payoff comes with reasonably good fuel economy, which was 8.9l/100km when we finished our stint in the car - not far off the claimed 7.6l/100km and suprising given the Koleos was largely used in surburbia.Dynamically it's a cruiser too, endowed with a reasonable ride comfort but not with the dynamic ability that the Volkswagen or the Mazda bring to the fight.With 186mm of ground clearance listed in the specs, it isn't a number that's going to mean peace of mind if you're getting into rougher terrain.That said, the all-wheel drive system does a good job of maintaining grip in loose conditions and it is not shy of getting its wheels muddied more than the soft-roader brigade.VERDICTThe Koleos has plenty of gear and (I think) improved looks but is up against renewed and all-new models in the segment. It's a competent and comfortable machine but is pipped for on-road dynamics by the Tiguan and the new CX-5.If you want to get it dirty doing more than traversing a long unsealed farm driveway then the Koleos can cut it. It also completes metropolitan duties without any issues but it's not a segment-topper.2012 Renault Koleos Dynamique dieselPrice: from $40,990Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kmResale: 50% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 7.6l/100km, on test 8.9, tank 65 litres; 200g/km CO2Safety: Equipment six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability and traction control.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 110kW/320Nm 2-litre common-rail direct-injection particle-filtered turbodiesel four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed auto, four-wheel drive.Body: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4520mm (L); 1865mm (W); 1710mm (H); 2690mm (WB)Weight: 1789kgTyre size: 225/60R17Spare tyre: full size

Renault has been circling the wagons since re-entering the market back in 2001, looking for a way in. It's had limited success with some models, but must be wondering what it needs to crack the Aussie market? The Koleos for example has been a big success overseas but has failed to fire here. We can't understand why because it's got everything going for it.VALUEPrices for Koleos start from $29,990 driveaway for the two-wheel drive petrol model. The 4x4 diesel is offered in the one Dynamique grade, which is middle of the range, priced from $40,990.WHAT YOU GETPretty much everything. Leather, dual climate and satellite navigation are standard with this model. Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, rear parking sensors, cruise with speed limiter, auto lights and wipers, 140W sound system are also standard.Exclusive to the Renault Koleos Dynamique is an innovative child-minder mirror which allows the driver to easily view the rear seat occupants.TECHNOLOGYYou get a choice of 2.5 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel four cylinder engines. The diesel kicks out 110kW of power and 320Nm of torque from a low 2000 revs, compared with the petrol engine's 126kW/226Nm. It's hooked up to a six-speed auto that allows the driver to change gears manually if desired.The benefits of diesel in the compact SUV segment are not quite as apparent. They cost significantly more (in this case $3000) and don't offer nearly as much savings at the pump, but diesel is still our preferred option.The big difference is the diesel's high torque output because it's the difference between relaxed and frenetic driving.  V8s for example produce plenty of torque and that's why driving a V8 is so effortless.With almost 100Nm more torque delivered at much lower revs, it means you don't have to push the diesel as hard to achieve the same result.DRIVINGThe diesel suffers from a bit of turbo lag but not enough to be annoying. Generally it's a very smooth and remarkably fuel efficient engine, with a biggish fuel tank that's going to take you a long way. The unfamiliar controls posed an intial problem and some  getting used to. For instance it took much longer than it should have to pair our mobile phone, basically because the procedure is completely different.FUEL ECONOMYCompared with the original Koleos, the diesel engine offers an 8.5 per cent reduction in fuel economy and emits 9.5 per cent less CO2. Claimed fuel economy is 7.6 litres/100km (equivalent petrol model is 9.5). We've been getting an impressive 6.6 litres/100km from the 65 litre tank.SAFETYRenault has been one of the front runners in making their vehicles as safe as possible and the Koleos benefits from a full array of passive and active safety systems, with a five-star Euro crash rating. Also comes with a full size alloy spare.

We've had a crack at the front wheel drive petrol Renault Koleos Dynamique and the $41,000, 4x4 diesel Dynamique model and now must decide which we prefer. That's easy, the petrol "fronty" wins hands down because it costs less and is nearly as functional as the 4x4. Having said that, people still want or need a 4x4 SUV and as such, the Dynamique dCi diesel Koleos we drove could fill the bill. It's certainly different looking (but underneath pretty much the same as Nissan's X-Trail). Out of Renault/Nissan's Korean factory, Koleos is well-built and has an innocuous appearance. It won't wow you but won't offend either. GOOD STUFFWhat is really good about the Koleos dCi is the `spex' - it's jam-packed with goodies including leather, satnav, a proper six-speed auto, rear park sensors, hands free entry and ignition, auto wipers and lights, hill start assist, decent audio, Bluetooth and audio streaming, multi media connection box, climate control, cruise and more.It really is a generous package for the price. Renault's clever Easy Estate rear seat folding system is handy as is the clamshell two part tailgate. TECHNOLOGYPower comes from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with variable geometry turbo and other technology to boost efficiency. It's good for 110kW/320Nm the latter from 2000rpm. There's a three mode drive system, with auto, lock and 2WD (front) - straight out of X-Trial. The only transmission available is a conventional six-speed auto with sequential shift mode on the selector. It's capable of sipping fuel at 7.6-litres/100km giving a big touring range. The engine features two balance shafts to quell vibes. DESIGNThere's a fairly conservatively styled dash with easy-to-use switches and a TomTom satnav in pride of place. It decided to stop working on test saying "no GPS signal." which we found annoying. The audio is pretty good and the seats are comfy being the right shape and size. But there's a fairly grey look to it all - overpowering. It's roomy for five, has a good size load space and a full size spare under the rear floor. We'd rate the interior better than Japanese but not as good as German and some Koreans. DRIVINGTurbo-lag (tardy acceleration) is a problem off idle especially when you pull out in front of oncoming traffic at an intersection expecting immediate response to get you out of the way. Leads to some white knuckle moments. On the other side of the coin, when the engine hooks up and drives it's pretty good especially on the highway. It's smooth and economical. The auto is good too and we got to use 4x4 `lock' once on a muddy road - not a problem. We like the fact that there's a particle filter in the exhaust and the Koleos passes stringent Euro 5 emissions regulations. Ground clearance is 186mm and the hill descent control would be handy off road. The ride is comfortable and overall dynamics are competent.VERDICTWe're not sold on the new look but it's an improvement. The diesel needs better off-idle launch but Koleos goes well and has plenty of kit for the money - a good, safe (five star), economical compact family wagon.