8 February 2011
It has taken a long time for the motoring public of NZ to experience some of the real benefits of the Renault - Nissan alliance as far as the Renault brand is concerned. Formed in 1999, and at a time when Nissan were struggling financially, the turnaround in fortunes through shared technology and management between the Japanese and French automakers has seen the Japanese brand increase their global sales by around 50 percent and post record profits in recent years.
Almost a decade after the historic alliance however, the two brands in NZ have continued to follow different pathways. While Nissan continues to be a consistent player in the market, Renault has hardly fired a shot, the brand being tagged with reliability issues and a uniqueness that only the most loyal could stand by. There are many motorists who love the European flair and styling but look to other makes and models to stamp their preference over the ever popular but often bland Japanese and Korean offerings.
Enter the all-new Koleos, Renault's first crossover 4WD, a vehicle Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Motorcorp Distributors, the importer of Renault in NZ, believes ticks all the right boxes.
What makes the MD so confident is the mixing of European flair with Japanese reliability, a five star Euro NCAP safety rating, the choice of petrol and diesel power units and a six speed automatic transmission (4WD) and competitive retail pricing.
The major point of difference with this Renault is it shares the underpinnings of the popular Nissan X-TRAIL which also released a diesel option to the market in recent weeks. The Renault power unit is in fact the same which is fitted to the 4WD Koleos.
Looking a lot more refined than the X-TRAIL the Koleos is built by Renault Samsung Motors (an 81 percent owned subsidiary of Renault) in Korea for all world markets.
Two models are being launched in New Zealand, a two litre diesel 4WD with a retail price of $44,990 and a 2.5 litre 2WD petrol version for $37,990.
Like the diesel X-TRAIL the 4WD Koleos comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, in which the ratios can be selected manually. In normal conditions the drive is via the front wheels only. However, in 4WD mode the transmission will automatically switch from 2WD to 4WD when any loss of traction is detected. When grip is required, the driver can electronically lock the transmission into 4WD mode with a 50/50 split front to rear by operating a very simple and tasteful dashboard switch.
The diesel power unit produces 110kW's @ 4,000rpm and a useful 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 8.3 litres / 100 km's.
Petrol 2WD models use the Nissan 2.5 litre engine which produces 126kW's @ 6,000rpm and the Nissan CVT transmission. There should be no problems with this choice of transmission as Nissan have become the masters of the CVT technology in recent times from our experience. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 8.3 litres / 100 km's.
All engine and transmissions on offer should help remove the long term reliability doubts the brand has suffered in the past.
MacPherson-type front suspension and fully independent multi-link rear suspension is used to offer an acceptable compromise between mild off road conditions and open highway driving as well as maximising interior rear space. Ground clearance of 188mm and approach and departure angles of 27 and 31 degrees respectively and a wading depth of up to 450mm illustrate the vehicles off-road credentials.
17-inch alloy wheels with a full size spare are standard on both models while Uphill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are standard on the 4WD only.
A very simple and clear dash layout is a feature of the interior. Other standard in-cabin comforts include cruise control, dual zone climate air conditioning, speed limiter, auto parking brake and automatic headlights and front wipers. To make loading simple, a split-opening tailgate is used and the front passenger seat can be folded down to form a table or allow items up to 2.6m long to be carried..
Standard safety equipment on all Koleos models include dual front, side, front /rear curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control with understeer control which can adjust the front-rear torque split on 4WD models as required. The front airbags automatically adapt to the build of driver and passenger by deploying at different speeds depending on the distance the seats are placed in relation to the steering wheel / dash board.
Koleos is the latest Renault model to benefit from a 150,000km / 3-year new vehicle warranty, together with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and a 3-year warranty against paint defects.
Renault has reason to celebrate this model; their biggest challenge however will be how to entice prospective buyers into the showrooms to experience what is a very good all round vehicle.