Renault Koleos Diesel 4x2

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x2 is a premium SUV that brings a unique French flair to the Indian market. It is built on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail and shares many of its underpinnings. The vehicle features a 1995 cc diesel engine producing 147.9 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a manual transmission. It has a seating capacity for five and offers features like dual-zone air conditioning, a Bose music system, and cruise control. The exterior design is characterized by a strong shoulder line, chrome side protectors, and a distinctive rear profile with swollen tail lamps. The Koleos also boasts excellent ground clearance of 206 mm and a generous boot space, making it practical for both city driving and off-road adventures. Despite some drawbacks in engine responsiveness and transmission, it remains a solid choice for those seeking comfort, space, and off-road capability.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x2 is a mixed bag when it comes to overall performance and features. On the positive side, it offers excellent ride quality and handling, making it feel almost like a sedan even on rough roads. The suspension setup is among the best in its class, and the vehicles off-road capabilities are impressive, especially when switched to 4x4 mode. However, the engine, despite being powerful on paper, feels lazy and unresponsive, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. The transmission is another letdown, with slow and sometimes confusing gear shifts. The interior is comfortable with good legroom and headroom, and features like dual-zone air conditioning and a Bose music system are notable. Despite these positives, the sluggish engine and transmission issues make it less appealing for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

Renault Australia has announced that the 2023 Renault Koleos will not include a diesel engine option, marking the end of the diesel variant for this model. This decision aligns with the companys shift towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options. I think this move might disappoint some diesel fans, but its a step towards a greener future.

In a significant update, Renault announced that the 2020 Koleos would no longer offer a diesel engine option. This change was part of a broader facelift that included new styling and capped-price servicing. The loss of the diesel variant was a notable shift in Renaults strategy for the Koleos. I believe this change reflects the industrys growing focus on petrol and hybrid engines.

The Renault Koleos diesel 4x2 variant, when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, had a reduced towing capacity of 1350kg compared to the 2000kg capacity of other variants. This limitation was due to the specific transmission setup. I believe this is something potential buyers should consider if they plan on towing frequently.

While the Renault Koleos diesel 4x2 was primarily a front-wheel drive vehicle, an all-wheel drive option was available for the diesel variants, offering better traction and control. This made the Koleos more versatile for various driving conditions. I believe the all-wheel drive adds significant value to the vehicle.

The Renault Koleos diesel 4x2 boasted a practical and functional interior with up to 70 litres of storage space, including a chilled 15-litre glove compartment. The horizontally-split tailgate was also a handy feature. I think the storage options are very thoughtful and user-friendly.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x2, although discontinued, had an ex-showroom price in India ranging from Rs. 23.48 lakh to Rs. 23.92 lakh, depending on the variant. On-road prices would have been higher, typically adding around 10-15 to the ex-showroom price due to taxes, registration, and other costs. This would have put the on-road price in the range of Rs. 25.8 lakh to Rs. 27.5 lakh. Considering the features and performance, the pricing was competitive within its segment, but the vehicles market reception was not as strong as expected.

The Renault Koleos Diesel 4x2 offers a mileage of 17.15 kmpl, as per ARAI certification. This is quite respectable for a vehicle in its class, making it a viable option for those concerned about fuel efficiency and running costs. However, real-world mileage may vary, but it generally stays close to the certified figure, especially with moderate driving conditions.