Renault Koleos crossover -- 08 model preview

[Covert]

I wonder if the melbourne motorshow will see this on the stand... or even when it may come to australia after the previous success of the RX4, a long time between drinks Renault Aust... I wonder when the RenaultSport Koleos version will come out???

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Geneva '08 Preview: Renault Koleos crossover



Kalios Gallery
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-renault-koleos/

The French don't have much history with sport-utes. So when PSA wanted to make an SUV, it turned to Mitsubishi, which rebadged its Outlander to make the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser. Now Renault wants a part of the action too, but fortunately has its own Japanese partner in Nissan with plenty of experience in the truck and crossover market. And so comes the production Koleos, details of which Renault has released ahead of its debut at the upcoming Geneva show next month, based on the concept from Paris 2006.



Underneath its skin you'll find a lot of Nissan Xtrail, with which the Renault Koleos shares its platform, suspension and a range of engines including a pair of 2-liter dCi diesels and a 2.5-liter gasoline four. The all-wheel-drive system channels 100% of the power to drive the front wheels under normal conditions, diverting as much as 50% to the rear when needed. The interior is stylish and packed full of convenience features. The Koleos will be built in a joint venture with Samsung in Korea, where the crossover is already on sale as the QM5.



Early look: Renault Koleos
http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-lo...lt-koleos.html

Renault has released images of its Koleos ahead of the SUV's Geneva Motor Show debut next month. The Koleos is based on the Koleos concept that first debuted at the 2006 Paris Motor Show and uses the same architecture that underpins the Nissan Xtrail.

The Koleos will use the same suspension setup as found in the Xtrail as well as the Nissan's pair of engines — a 2.0L diesel and a 2.5L gasoline four. The Koleos will employ an all-wheel drive system that normally routes 100% of the SUV's power to the front wheels, but can send as much as 50% to the rear wheels if the system detects slippage. The Koleos will also feature a stylish and functional interior. Interior appointments will include a navigation system, automatic windshield wipers and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Check back for more details and images after the Koleos' debut next month.

A bit from the Renault Press Release --->
http://www.renault.com/renault_com/e...cm:1120-722473
PDF 1
http://www.renault.com/renault_com/e...120-722475.pdf
PDF 2
http://www.renault.com/renault_com/e...120-722476.pdf

Koleos, the first 4x4 crossover from Renault

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.

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Nissan X-Trail

http://www.caradvice.com.au/9100/200...-trail-review/

[HONG KONG PUGGY]

I'd have one ina flash if they'd swap it for my Rx4
Great to see Renault putting a bid in for the SUV/Crossover market, as that's where the motoring $$ seem to be at the moment.

A Renaultsport version would be a cracker too


My only comment would be, maybe they needed to time the release so it either beat the new Nissan Dualis to the showrooms or held the Dualis back from sales here until the Koelos got a foot hold?

[Simon]

I must admit I'd rather see another smart thinking uniquely appealing car rather than another small baby crusher on the Australian market. But if it sells in volume, and helps improve the brand, all the better.

[XTC]

Reminds me of a Hyundai Santa Fe ...



Then again there is only so much "design" you can do with cars of this type ... from CRV's to Klugers they are all similar.

- xTc -

[Haakon]

One of the things I always liked about the french makers - they didnt make ******mobiles like this....

Not any more....

[HONG KONG PUGGY]

Originally Posted by Haakon

One of the things I always liked about the french makers - they didnt make ******mobiles like this....

Not any more....

They are becoming all very similar looking aren't they. At least the Scenic and Rx4 were somewhat unique when they were initially released.....look at the competitors for the ScenicRx4 back in 2001, the Rav4 and CRV were the only real competitors size wise and it beat both down very easily on style, looksand equipment

Haakon, Renault are only bowing to global market pressure and see themselves losing $$ if they don't have a stake in the current market. Gone are the days when the French makers could rely on their uniqueness to sell the number of cars needed to make things viable, my . These days it's all about the bottom line(and I don't mean Megane bums either)

[cam740]

Originally Posted by HONG KONG PUGGY

Haakon, Renault are only bowing to global market pressure and see themselves losing $$ if they don't have a stake in the current market. Gone are the days when the French makers could rely on their uniqueness to sell the number of cars needed to make things viable, my . These days it's all about the bottom line(and I don't mean Megane bums either)

Tis true HKP, we all want Renault to survive and do well in Oz, and sometimes that means they need to cater to a different market.

Its like BMW , I love the straight 6s, and the V8s and V12s, but the bread and butter that keeps the whole mob afloat are the pissy little 4cyl cars that infest the road and are driven by people who really dont get what a BMW is, but like having the keychain

[Haakon]

Originally Posted by HONG KONG PUGGY

They are becoming all very similar looking aren't they. At least the Scenic and Rx4 were somewhat unique when they were initially released.....look at the competitors for the ScenicRx4 back in 2001, the Rav4 and CRV were the only real competitors size wise and it beat both down very easily on style, looksand equipment

Haakon, Renault are only bowing to global market pressure and see themselves losing $$ if they don't have a stake in the current market. Gone are the days when the French makers could rely on their uniqueness to sell the number of cars needed to make things viable, my . These days it's all about the bottom line(and I don't mean Megane bums either)

Yeah, i know... Just so over this cynical drive to make a dollar off an outmoded method of propulsion - especially when they put it into these blatently fashion orientated pointless things... Plus, I have extra hate for these things after Kirsty got T boned in her R21 by a normal sized car - one of these would have come through her window instead hitting the intrusion bar!!

I think my ideal car is a Tesla Roadster that I plug into my wind generator on my country estate.

[blue2th]

if porsche and even Ferrari are prepared for the blasphemy, you can't blame the Frenchies...thank god Maserati came to their senses and canned theirs following customer survey.

i'm afraid the dualis and the tiguan will have a foothold of the market by the time the new ford escape replacement and the koleos come around...and with the current state of Renault, lets hope they'll get a decent demand with those not willing to wait for the dualis or tiguan (anticipating some sort of wait list?). their only hope is to release petrol and diesel concurrently and at least out do the captiva, show holden how to do proper korean made cars!

[danielsydney]

Im a bit late here but the first pic looks very like a Hyundai. As for French car brands not doing this. THey are just moving with the times really. A business is a business....

[Covert]

At least Renault have some diesel options with a manual box... it looks like a Samsung QMS to me ;-) or a nike/puma sneaker that may appeal to a certain market, euro followers who want something more than a bland converse VW Tiguan... I would think all these crossover looks, the koreans, asians, euro models is the market segment dimensions on the cars and the restrictions on safety and design rules everyone has to fit into... only so many ways to bend metal to overall world design rules...

2008 Renault Koleos crossover
http://www.caradvice.com.au/10239/20...eos-crossover/









http://paultan.org/archives/2008/02/...008/#more-5550

[Europa]

It looks like what it is, a Nissan X-trail in a different set of clothes.

I do prefer the Renault interior however.

[RickHy]

I must say I really like the interior, very classy. First thing I look for is a good interior layout and design. After all that is what you see when driving.
Biggest plus would be diesel on release. xtrail ...no diesel, CRV and Outlander.....no diesel. These are the cars we will be competing with in Australia. A good powerful turbo diesel and
classy styling will hopefully set this apart from the pack....provided it is marketed...........

[XTC]

Cream for a SUV interior??? Really hope that's just a "show" car and not the real thing - the practicalities of cream in such a vehicle (think families) is a mad decision. Guessing standard will be grey cloth or leather?

It will be interesting to see how it fares against a 147kw Turbo Tiguan.

[HONG KONG PUGGY]

Originally Posted by Europa

It looks like what it is, a Nissan X-trail in a different set of clothes.

I do prefer the Renault interior however.

Have a look at the Dualis on the Nissan website, looks more like that than the X IMHO

[redhotrod]

Mmmmm Good looking car, with good credentials (Nissan input), but will it arrive too late to succeed....

The SUV revolution started 30years ago, in USA, when Fuel was cheap and plentiful... and it is now a VERY 'crowded' market...

GM, who placed too many eggs in the SUV basket have just reported the biggest annual loss in automotive history, at A$42Billion loss for calendar 2007!!!!

Europe was slow in 'catching-on' to the SUV revolution... but Renault may have 'missed the bus'.... as downsizing is now about to engulf the Automotive World, with strong focus on greenhouse gasses, dwindling fuel resources, increasing fuel prices, diminishing city parking places, and impending tax penalties related to Co2 emmissions, size and weight...

Can Renault grab enough of what is an overcrowded, but could soon evolve into a potentially shrinking, world market, to make the model viable????....

I think the jury will be out for some time on that question, I wish them luck, I sincerely hope they succeed.... but if I were renault I would be keeping my fingers crossed.... RHR

[Europa]

Originally Posted by XTC

Cream for a SUV interior??? Really hope that's just a "show" car and not the real thing - the practicalities of cream in such a vehicle (think families) is a mad decision. Guessing standard will be grey cloth or leather?

To my eyes, it's more like a brown colour, but that could be my screen etc.

Usually the trim colours are determined by the specification level and, in France at least, you can choose to have another colour combination.

I'd suspect that pic would be the top spec trim style.

[RickHy]

Honda offer cream....more like pale yellow leather on the CRV Sport Luxury. It is also the only color available depending on exterior color.
Dark interior with some contrasts would do the trick !

[Covert]

What's the dealer gossip on the Koleos??? RickHy I was wondering when the feb sales meeting was and if we may see one of these koleos's at the melb motorshow???

Originally Posted by RickHy

Honda offer cream....more like pale yellow leather on the CRV Sport Luxury. It is also the only color available depending on exterior color.
Dark interior with some contrasts would do the trick !

[SamR]

Originally Posted by Covert

What's the dealer gossip on the Koleos??? RickHy I was wondering when the feb sales meeting was and if we may see one of these koleos's at the melb motorshow???

According to this article, the Koleos will be at the Melbourne motorshow.

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...=47638&IsPgd=0

[icebergstu]

My Dad just put 1000Ks on his brand new X-Trail and they are a fantastic car. The 6 speed tiptronic is wonderful, the stability control is perfect, the ride is great, the drivers position is ideal, its got plenty of go, heaps of space, leather trim is average but normal for a Jap car. Seriously, I cant put a thing wrong with it.
He upgraded from the 1st X-Trail and the difference is extreme!! Its a complete new chassis and body. Longer wider and so much better. Fuel economy has increased hugely.
I really like it! I drove from Young Husband near Mannum on the Murray River - through to Birdwood, Chain of Ponds down to the Gully and I used the manual shift the whole way. Seriously a great car.

Stu

[Covert]

Thanks SamR

I was hoping it would be one we could sit in, like a real car, not a concept
That would say to me renault won't have the Koleos here for ages... they can't even ship a real one here, so we get a year old concept car for melbourne motor show....

Pictures Below for comparison....

Production



Concept




http://www.caradvice.com.au/5823/ren...rt-motor-show/

Originally Posted by SamR

According to this article, the Koleos will be at the Melbourne motorshow.

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...=47638&IsPgd=0

[Europa]

Originally Posted by Covert

I was hoping it would be one we could sit in, like a real car, not a concept
That would say to me renault won't have the Koleos here for ages... they can't even ship a real one here, so we get a year old concept car for melbourne motor show....

Well it will be interesting to see what is shown, it would seem the Koleos launch is scheduled for Geneva - so we'll either get the pre-production version or the original concept.

One thing about the concept car is it is a pretty funky looking vehicle which will probably attract attention more than the "chunky" (to my eyes) production spec version.

[RickHy]

Everyone.....lets just say the Renault stand this in Melbourne will be worth a look .....and bigger (double the size)

I am sure all the good stuff will be there. New Laguna (due in June.....)

I am planning to go up and take a look ............ I am sure you will all like what is on show ....get along and take a look !

[Covert]

So there's going to be some saucy renault stuff on the stand???
I hope it's not double the size and the same amount of vehicles, just more air...
Will you be working on the stand???

Originally Posted by RickHy

Everyone.....lets just say the Renault stand this in Melbourne will be worth a look .....and bigger (double the size)

I am sure all the good stuff will be there. New Laguna (due in June.....)

I am planning to go up and take a look ............ I am sure you will all like what is on show ....get along and take a look !

Koleos Videos online

Here some YouTube Videos of the Koleos - There must be some promo videos everyone is slicing from... some nice stuff
Check them out ...

Studio shots of the Renault Koleos.
Exterior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhvFDxXjnUI
Interior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlljEPJcSJI

Crash test Koleos Renault 4X4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGxEJfF4vw8

Renault Koleos Production Line - Assembling the new Renault Koleos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s3bpw4ontE

Some Review of the Making of the Koleos in a other language... test shots, development etc...
www.avtomanija.com - Renault Koleos je skupni izdelek Nissana, Renaulta in Samsunga
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72PWWrtLrYE

Renault Koleos Driving Footage - Drives through a puddle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw03Ix-BMF0

Renault Koleos in the snow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuHiEfmmc44

2000 Renault Koleos Z10 4X4 Concept promotional video
As Europa Posted ... far from the real thing....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlsw6acgmdI