Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic is a feature-rich SUV that brings a certain French flair to the segment. It is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces 173 PS of power and 360 Nm of torque. The SUV comes with a 6-speed automatic torque converter gearbox and offers both 2WD and 4WD drive types. The interior is well-appointed with soft-touch plastics, electrically adjustable front seats, and a comfortable rear bench with reclining seats. The Koleos also features dual-zone air conditioning, a BOSE audio system, and various safety features like ABS with EBD and multiple airbags. While it handles well and is comfortable on long drives, the sluggish gearbox and significant turbo lag at low revs are notable drawbacks. The SUVs ground clearance of 206mm and its 4x4 capability make it capable off-road, but its on-road performance, especially in urban conditions, leaves room for improvement.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic is a mixed bag when it comes to overall performance and driving experience. On the positive side, it offers a well-insulated cabin, comfortable seating, and a feature-rich interior that includes amenities like dual-zone air conditioning, 6-way power adjustable front seats, and a sweet-sounding BOSE audio system. However, the driving experience is marred by a lazy 6-speed automatic torque converter gearbox that lacks urgency and crisp gear shifts. The engine, despite its increased power and torque, feels sluggish at low revs due to significant turbo lag, making it less responsive in urban traffic and during overtaking maneuvers. While it handles well and is comfortable on long drives, especially on highways, the gearboxs sluggishness is a notable drawback.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic, though not available in the current Indian market, has been a topic of discussion due to its global presence. In Australia, the Koleos continues in its current form through 2025, but there are no plans for a new generation beyond that. This decision is due to the vehicle not being a big enough global hit. I think this is a missed opportunity, as the Koleos has a loyal customer base.

For the 2024 model year, the Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic, available in some markets, features a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 129 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT automatic transmission. This combination makes it quite capable off-road and efficient on-road. I believe the smooth CVT transmission is a significant plus for city driving.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic boasts impressive interior space, with ample head and legroom for all five passengers. The boot space is also generous, offering nearly 600 litres with the seats upright and almost 2,000 litres with the rear seats folded. This makes it an excellent choice for families. I think the spacious interior is one of its strongest selling points.

In terms of safety, the Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic has been awarded a full five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP. This includes a range of safety features such as automatic high-beam, rain-sensing wipers, and park assist, which are standard across most trim levels. I believe safety features like these are crucial for any family SUV.

The exterior design of the Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic is sleek and modern, with features like 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome lower side body and rear bumper highlights, and a shark fin antenna. The design is similar to other Renault SUVs but with a more premium feel. I think the design is quite appealing and stands out in its segment.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic was priced in the range of Rs. 26.19 lakh to Rs. 27.75 lakh ex-showroom in India. When considering on-road prices, you would need to add taxes, registration fees, and other costs, which could push the price up to around Rs. 30-32 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing positions the Koleos in a competitive segment, but the value for money is somewhat compromised by the less-than-ideal gearbox performance. Despite its premium features and comfortable ride, the price may seem a bit steep for some buyers given the performance issues.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x4 Automatic offers a mileage of 14.56 kmpl, which is relatively decent but not the best in its class. For buyers concerned about mileage and running costs, this figure is acceptable but not outstanding. It suggests that while the Koleos is not overly thirsty, it does not stand out as a fuel-efficient option either.