2017 Renault Koleos (2nd Generation)

Pricing! Refreshed Renault Koleos touches down in South Africa

The refreshed Renault Koleos has arrived in South Africa, with the local range again comprising three variants.

While the facelift revealed overseas in June 2019 included new engines, the SA-spec Koleos soldiers on with an unchanged powertrain. That means the naturally aspirated 2,5-litre petrol engine makes an unchanged 126 kW and 233 N.m, directed either to the front axle or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

The Koleos Expression 2,5 CVT is priced at R424 900, while upgrading to the Dynamique trim level raises the figure to R474 900. The flagship Dynamique 4×4, meanwhile, will cost you R514 900. For the record, metallic paint will add R2 522 to the price, while the base Expression model can be kitted out with leather seats for an additional R12 000.

So, what has the French firm changed? Well, the Koleos gains a “more pronounced” grille featuring extra chrome trim and the foglamps have been redesigned, too. Furthermore, the front bumper has been revised, while also gaining a more prominent skid plate.


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Renault Koleos axed in UK for ‘commercial reasons’

Renault drops flagship SUV from British line-up just three years after relaunching the name

Renault has axed the Koleos SUV from its UK model line-up just three years after it first went on sale, the company has confirmed.

The model remains available to order on Renault’s website, but production of UK models will cease at the end of this month. A spokesman told Autocar the decision is “due to commercial reasons that align with Renault UK’s policy of offering the most suitable vehicles in the UK market for our customers”. It remains on sale in other markets, however.

 
Koleos axed from Renault UK line-up, but could it follow the same fate locally?

• Koleos axed from Renault UK line-up.

• Little more than 1 000 units sold in UK last year.

• Koleos failing to sell in strong numbers in South Africa.

In a market flooded with SUVs, it's easy for one of these vehicles to disappear into the abyss. While some find stellar success, others prod along trying to meet the targets set by its automakers.

One such SUV that has all the ingredients to be a success but is just scraping along, is Renault's Koleos. On price, there are few SUVs in its segment that can compete with what it offers, and it provides a decent ride quality that makes quick work of any long trip.

But news broke that Renault will be axing the Koleos from its line-up in the UK. According to Autocar, a spokesman for the automaker said the decision came "due to commercial reasons that align with Renault UK's policy of offering the most suitable vehicles in the UK market for our customers".

Could this have any bearing on the South African market?

 
DRIVEN: Renault Koleos 2,5 Dynamique CVT 4x4

It is rather puzzling that the Koleos doesn’t enjoy the success a number of its rivals do. It’s a practical, well-equipped and good-looking family SUV that doesn’t do much wrong. Perhaps the lack of a diesel powertrain is putting the traditional buyer off the idea of a Koleos. But at R529 900, there is no denying the excellent value on offer. The French contender is R100 000 cheaper than a similarly equipped RAV4 2,5 VX, and R30 000 cheaper than a Tiguan 1,4 TSI Comfortline. If I were in the market for a midsize SUV I’d certainly consider the value-driven Koleos. Better still is the two-wheel-drive derivative, priced at R489 900.

FAST FACTS

Model: Renault Koleos 2,5 Dynamique CVT 4x4
Price: R529 900
Engine: 2,5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol
Power: 126 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 233 N.m @ 4 000 - 5 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,69 seconds
Top Speed: 199 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 8,10 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2: 192 g/km
Transmission: CVT
Service Plan: five-year/90 000 km

 
Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique 4WD (2020) Review

Fast Facts

Price: R529 900 (September 2020)
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol
Gearbox: CVT
0 to 100 kph: 9.8 sec
Fuel economy: 8.3 L/100 km (claimed)
Power/Torque: 126 kW/233 Nm

Pricing and after-sales support

This top-spec 2.5 Dynamique 4WD retails for R514 900, which includes a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are at 1 year/15 000 km.

Verdict

Some conservative (or risk-averse) buyers may be concerned by Renault's reputation for iffy reliability or below-average after-sales support (not without merit), but don't be fooled by the Koleos' "sophisticated" French exterior styling; it's based on the well-proven Nissan X-Trail. Besides, taste is subjective... consumers are looking for a number of factors, such as safety, practicality and economy when it comes to family SUV shopping.

In most of those respects, the Koleos is more than adequate and, don't forget, it's comprehensively equipped. As we've said in previous reviews, if you are looking for a spacious, well-specced all-rounder, this Renault is worth a closer look. If you're put off by its steep asking price, however, visit our used car section where demo Koleos units with under 2 000 km on their odometers are listed for more than R50 000 off the list price...


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Renault Koleos range revised for South Africa – 4WD model dropped

The Renault Koleos range has been revised for the South African market with a number of changes to the features as well as mild styling alterations. As part of the revision, the French manufacturer has also dropped its all-wheel drive option.

The entry point for the range remains the Renault Koleos Expression 2,5 CVT 4×2 at R484 900 which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED DLRs, fabric upholstery, rear parking sensors, cruise control with a speed limiter, auto headlamps and wipers, dual-zone climate control, cooling and warming cup holders and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The flagship Renault Koleos Dynamique 2,5 CVT 4×2 tops the range off with a price tag of R534 900. With this, you get two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a satin chrome front skid plate, leather upholstery with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, blind sport warning, front, rear and side parking sensors with a rear-facing camera, Pure Vision LED headlamps, ambient lighting, an electrochromatic rearview mirror and electrically folding door mirrors. Keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate and an 8,7-inch touchscreen infotainment system further enhances the package.

Powering both models is the naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a power output of 126 kW and 233 N.m of torque. This is sent to the front wheels via a CVT. The Renault Koleos comes standard with a five-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, six-year anti-corrosion warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/renault-koleos-range-revised/
 
I love the Koleos, I had one long ago.

But Renault SA insist on constantly making the dumbest decisions on the face of this Earth...

Firstly, 2.5 naturally aspirated? Its not 1995. People want turbo-charged petrol or Diesel. And Renault makes both in a Koleos. So why bring in an engine that a 1.2T can outperform in power and fuel efficiency?

Then there's the dropping of the 4x4. Yes, many people will buy a Koleos only for town driving but many want a car that can do BOTH. Especially in a country like South Africa...

It always puzzles me how Renault SA can constantly make dumb decisions. Ever since I bought my first Renault here in 1999 I've been at the receiving end of their disaster-making decisions. Like dropping the Renault Laguna because it didn't sell well - but NEVER actually advertising it anywhere. Nowhere. Were they hoping it would jump out of the showrooms itself?

And don't get me started on the Kiger... while an electric Zoe sits on overseas markets...

its sad, because quality wise Renault was one of the best cars i've owned and i've had a few of them - and they're really great to drive.
 
Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique (2021) Review

Fast Facts

Model Tested: Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique
Price: R534 900 (November 2021, no options)
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 126 kW/233 Nm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel efficiency: 8.1 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 9.5 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 185 kph (limited)
Load capacity: 464–1 795 litres

How much does the Renault Koleos cost in South Africa?

The Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique is priced at R534 900, which is competitive with some of the lower- to mid-level offerings from major rivals, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5. The problem, however, is the Haval H6, which in top-spec Super Luxury form is not only R20 000 cheaper, but adds all-wheel drive, more power, and more features to the mix.

Included in the Koleos’s purchase price is a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

Verdict

If you’re a fan of the French brand and can negotiate a good deal on the model at your local Renault dealer, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with this Koleos. It’s a very likeable, comfortable and easy-going family vehicle. It is, however, dated in some respects and the engine/transmission combination, though smooth, might be too lethargic for some. It’s a middle-of-the-road offering in most respects, which may have been good enough at the price if the competition was restricted to lower-spec offerings from traditional rival brands (such as Toyota, VW and Mazda). But with the arrival of the astonishingly well-priced Haval H6, that’s no longer the case. Sadly, we don’t see the latest (largely cosmetic) updates and line-up positioning as being sufficient to change the fortunes of the Koleos in South Africa…


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TESTED: Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique is let down by sluggish performance

I was looking forward to spending time behind the wheel, especially because it looks good, has a comfortable driving position and has a premium interior experience but sadly it’s let down by the sluggish performance.

The 2021 Renault Koleos comes standard with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a five-year/90 000km service plan and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique

Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl, petrol

Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT)

Drive: Front-wheel drive

Power: 126kW @ 6000rpm

Torque: 233Nm @ 4000rpm

Fuel use: 8.1 l/100km (claimed)

0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)

Boot space: 464 - 1795 litres

Warranty: 5-year/150 000km

Service plan: 5-year/90 000km

Price: R534 900 (2021)

 
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