Who told
that the premium SUV segment – costing between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 25 lakh - is
devoid of choices?? As this category meets good demand, there is a great scope
for the new entrants. And the one which makes the entry is the Koleos SUV, the
Renault India’s first ever SUV offering. I had an excellent opportunity to take
a first look at the car, right in my college campus, well in advance of its market
launch.
Renault
Koleos is a diesel engine, automatic SUV with a monocoque chassis and a permanent
four-wheel drive system. The first impression is that it looks like an urban
SUV with its proportions and unique design. What we have is a face-lifted version,
where the split grille is replaced by a simpler, more modern-looking single-piece
unit. The new projector-type headlamps are smaller and move higher up the
bonnet, and the modern chin has squared-off fog light enclosures. Though the
rear looks almost familiar to the older version, it is complemented by some tweaks
in the waistline and the roofline. On the whole, the car looks much more
premium and exciting that the earlier design.
The interiors corroborate idea of the exterior manifestation. The dash design is fresh and contemporary. The quality is decent, in par with its German rivals, and there is sense of solidity in everything. But the layout is a bit dated, but the operability is noteworthy. The equipment and comfort levels are intimidating and have everything the segment offers. Safety levels are also good with six airbags. The rear seats are incredibly comfortable as a result of a high hip and good under-thigh support. There is no third row of seats, which is a great minus, considering its classmates and the Indian family wants. But there are several brilliant touches like the fold-down trays for rear passengers, split tailgate, etc.
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