2008 Renault Koleos

Press release

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.

Renault Koleos, the easy-to-assimilate crossover

While 4x4 models are frequently associated with bulky volumes and considered complex to use, one of the key features of Koleos is the speed and ease with which drivers feel at home behind its wheel. The length and width of Renault Koleos are 4.52m and 1.85m respectively and these contained dimensions ensure that it copes as effortlessly with city motoring as it does when taken off the beaten track. Indeed, despite the presence of styling cues from the world of 4x4s, Renault Koleos is a crossover that offers a successful blend of dynamic and balanced lines. Meanwhile, in addition to all-terrain attributes like high ground clearance and skid-plates, the impression of ruggedness exuded by Koleos gives it a reassuring feel.

Inside

The cabin is very easy to assimilate. The practical dashboard design and development logic behind the easy to operate man-machine interfaces allow drivers to swiftly familiarize themselves with the different controls, while use of the navigation, radio, heating and climate controls is intended to be intuitive. Controls for the navigation system, hands-free
telephone, audio system and automatic parking brake are all positioned either on the steering wheel or within easy reach of the driver.

Information relating to the navigation system and radio is displayed centrally on the upper part of the dashboard to make sure that it is both clearly legible for the driver and easy to read for other occupants.

A raft of equipment aimed at taking the stress out of motoring underpins how effortlessly Koleos fits into the Renault family. Such features include the hands-free card and keyless starting functions, automatic headlamp and wiper activation, a tyre pressure monitoring system and cruise control/speed limiter, while the controls for the power windows, adjustment of the exterior mirrors and central locking are all located on the driver’s door. The drive station itself couldn’t be more driver-friendly. Careful attention has been paid to ensure that Renault Koleos boasts segment-leading head-up visibility and forward field of vision, while its rearward angle of vision figures amongst the best available in the segment.

The driving position can be precisely adjusted thanks to the adjustable seat and heightand reach-adjustable steering column.

Dynamics

The sensation of being in control is felt as soon as the driver settles behind the wheel of Koleos. The power steering is precise, progressive, and accurately feeds back information from the road. Despite its higher ground clearance, Koleos handles like a saloon car thanks to its chassis which was purposely developed to provide an optimal trade off between comfort and handling, both of which are of a remarkably high standard. Special attention was paid to cornering performance with the intention of to curb body-roll which can often be a feature of this type of vehicle.

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Versatility: a leitmotiv

Running gear

Renault Koleos is a crossover whose roots can be traced back to the worlds of the saloon car, the MPV and 4x4-type vehicle. It successfully blends the best of all three categories to deliver outstanding versatility and driving pleasure on all types of road. In built-up areas, on motorways and on unsealed surfaces, the Koleos chassis conveys a real sense of safety and being in control.

The MacPherson-type front suspension combines with the fully-independent multilink rear suspension seen on New X-Trail. This set-up guarantees comfort and directional stability in all situations, while the dampers and springs have been tuned to match Koleos’ specific dimensions and contribute to the targeted balance between comfort and handling. Ground clearance of 206mm (diesel version: 188mm) and approach and departure angles of 27 and 31 degrees respectively are further illustrations of Koleos’ off-road credentials.

All-wheel drive

Koleos is the first Renault model to feature four-wheel drive from launch. The torque split between the front and rear is automatically calculated as a function of available grip. In normal conditions, torque is delivered to the front wheels only. Should less grip become available, however, up to 50 per cent of torque is transferred to the rear. This front-rear split is ensured by an electronic coupler and controlled by the latest-generation ’All mode 4x4-I’ system developed by Nissan for New X-Trail.

This system, which is designed to optimize traction in all road conditions, is not only acclaimed for its efficiency but also contributes to Renault Koleos’ exceptional off-road ability.

The same all-wheel drive management system also contributes to the vehicle’s active safety performance. The instant it detects even a small amount of oversteer or understeer, it immediately modifies the front-rear torque split, even before a possible intervention from the ESP kicks in. When grip is at a premium, such as on snow, mud, dirt or sand, the driver only has to flick a switch on the dashboard to electronically lock the transmission in 4x4 mode. Alternatively, should the driver so wish, the transmission can also be locked in two-wheel drive mode.

Renault Koleos is equipped with a Hill Start Assist function which can prove a particularly useful asset during everyday motoring. This system is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 per cent with a view to preventing the vehicle slipping back down the slope. It also does away with the need for the driver to switch rapidly from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal which is inherent in most vehicles.

Similarly, Renault Koleos is equipped with a Hill Descent Control system for even safer offroad motoring. This function is activated via a button mounted on the central fascia and automatically holds the vehicle’s speed at a maximum of 7kph on downhill gradients of 10 per cent or more without requiring the brakes to be used. This function works in reverse gear, too.

Koleos’ navigation system has a number of specific off-road features, including an altimeter and barometer. The vehicle’s angle of inclination, the slope and an altitude graph are equally displayed, while a digital compass takes the stress out of finding the correct heading when there are no signposts about.

Renault Koleos will also be available in two-wheel drive form for those customers who are drawn by its adventurer, crossover looks but who have no call for all-wheel drive transmission.

The practical, modular crossover

The versatility of Koleos concerns not only its on-road ability but also a comprehensive list of clever features and equipment in the cabin. To assist loading, Renault Koleos comes with a split-opening, ’clamshell’-type tailgate. The upper part of the hatch permits access to the boot in cramped spaces and allows items of more than one metre wide to be carried. When lowered, the bottom part of the tailgate facilitates the loading of long items and serves as a handy seat for two adults (up to 200kg) when the vehicle is parked. Last but not least, Koleos’ boot aperture of 1.07m is amongst the widest of its category.

Modular layout

Modularity-enhancing features include the so-called ’easy estate’ system which enables the 60/40-split rear benchseat to be folded from the boot thanks to two levers accessible without having to open the rear side doors. With the benchseat in the folded position, the boot floor becomes entirely flat to further facilitate loading. The boot volume of 450dm3 (VDA) with all five seats in the upright position extends to a very generous 1,380dm3 (VDA) once the benchseat has been folded. The available space can also be compartmented thanks to the presence of several hooks which enable the multipurpose retention net to be fixed in a choice of ways. In keeping with Koleos’ calling as a vehicle designed for outdoor leisure activities, its rear benchseat is equipped with a ski trap. The back of the front passenger seat can also be folded down to either form a table or permit the transport of items of up to 2.60m in length.

Stowage

There are plenty of cubbies all around the cabin. The dashboard includes a chilled, 15-litre glovebox, while the stowage space in the centre console is equipped with a removable bin. Extra space is provided in a drawer located beneath the front passenger seat, the lower front door bins will take a 500ml bottle and the lidded stowage space incorporated in the armrest is ideal for CDs. Rear passengers benefit from stowage space in the rear part of the centre console, plus two underfoot lidded compartments of five litres each. The rear door bins can house either a 500ml bottle or up to five CDs, while stowage space is available in the rear central armrest, too.

Underfloor stowage in the boot provides a further 28 litres which takes the total stowage capacity of Renault Koleos to a vast 70 litres (VDA).

Rear passengers benefit from folding tables complete with cup-holder incorporated in the backs of the front seats.

Latest-generation powertrains

Renault Koleos will be available with two types of Alliance engines. The latest-generation 2.0 dCi Euro 4 diesel engine (M9R) is available in a choice of two power outputs, namely 110kW (150hp) or 127kW (175hp). The engine, which has already been seen on upper-range Renault vehicles, Mégane, Nissan’s Qashqai and New X-Trail and Renault Samsung Motors’ QM5, features the very latest diesel engine technologies, including piezoelectric injectors, common-rail 1,600-bar fuel injection, a water-cooled variable-geometry turbo and a periodic regeneration particulate filter.

The 2.0 dCi engine is available with a broad useful rev band, with peak torque of either 320 or 360Nm (depending on version) available from low engine speeds. The 2.0 dCi 110kW engine can be ordered for either the 4x2 or 4x4 versions and mated with either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission. The 127kW version of the 2.0 dCi engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive. The other engine of the Koleos range is a 2.5-litre Euro 4 powerplant (the Nissan TR25) which delivers 126kW (170hp) and torque of 226Nm. Depending on market, it will be available with a manual six-speed gearbox and/or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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Comfort and space worthy of an MPV

Acoustic comfort

Renault Koleos has everything required to travel in outstanding comfort, and particular attention has been paid to one of the most essential comfort-related preconditions: effective damping of both mechanical and road noise.

The diesel engine represents a benchmark in the domain of minimizing vibrations and noise thanks to its balancer shafts and twin-mass flywheel damper. Meanwhile, road noise has been slashed thanks to a package of special features and soundproofing, including an acoustic windscreen and engine subframe filtering, a well as the presence of soundproofing materials between the engine compartment and cabin, under the floor and in the wheel arches. These solutions combine to give Renault Koleos a genuine edge on the acoustic comfort front.

Cabin space

Renault Koleos passengers are also pampered in terms of cabin space, including record headroom and kneeroom for front occupants in the SUV, 4x4 and crossover categories, while rear passengers benefit from a pleasing balance between vertical and transversal space. Given Renault Koleos’ contained overall length, access to both the front and rear seats is astonishingly easy, with ample room for legs and hips alike.

A bright cabin

The Renault range has long boasted the biggest panoramic opening sunroofs available on the market and the Koleos sunroof features a total, transparent glazed area of 0.75 square metres which is unmatched in the SUV and crossover market. For optimal thermal comfort, the high density-weave sunblind can be pulled shut to any position. The sunroof itself comes with an anti-pinch function and, thanks to the hands-free card, automatically closes if the driver walks away from the car.

The combination of a brightly-lit cabin and the promise of hair-in-the-wind motoring with clear views of the sky overhead stands out as one of Renault Koleos’ truly appealing features.

Thermal comfort

To ensure first class travelling comfort for all occupants, Koleos is equipped with an automatic dual-zone heating and climate control system that incorporates specific vents for the rear seats. The driver and front passenger can consequently select the cabin temperature of their choice, while rear passengers, who also benefit from sunblinds, can adjust ventilation using the control located at the rear of the centre console.

Audio system

Music lovers will be won over the comprehensive range of audio systems that is available for Renault Koleos, including a top-end system developed by Bose®. Specifically tailored to the acoustic properties of the cabin, it comprises a digital amplifier, seven loudspeakers and a woofer. The outstanding hi-fi quality means that occupants are able to profit from their favourite music whether it is delivered by the radio, the six-CD/MP3-compatabile multi-changer or an external source such as an iPod connected to the fascia-mounted jack plug.

Equipment

Driving pleasure is enhanced by an array of comfort-enhancing features, from the front and rear proximity sensors for easier parking to the automatic parking brake which is applied whenever the engine is switched off, and then automatically released when the engine is fired up.

Renault Koleos is also equipped with a Carminat Navigation and Communication system incorporating three functions: a GPS navigation system with 7-inch, 16/9 screen and DVD atlas, a radio and six-CD multichanger and controls for a hands-free Bluetooth® telephone. The controls for these functions are located within easy reach on the centre console. For enhanced night-time vision, Renault Koleos is available with bi-Xenon headlamps and fixed bending lights. These additional lights illuminate the inside of corners, thereby permitting the driver to spot a possible hazard or obstacle much sooner. This feature vastly improves the field of vision in risk situations (junctions, corners) and consequently enhances night-time safety and driving comfort.

Active safety

Safety is a fundamental feature built into all Renault models, and Koleos has been engineered to provide impeccable performance on both the active and passive safety fronts. Its active safety is based on its carefully engineered chassis and big brakes which bring the model to a standstill from 100kph in just 42 metres, one of the shortest stopping distances to be found in the SUV/crossover segment.

In emergency braking situations, when taking avoidance action or when grip is lost, Renault Koleos can count on ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and ESP with understeer control. Even before the latter kicks in, the all-wheel drive transmission control system intervenes to adjust the front-rear torque split as soon as the first signs of oversteer or understeer are detected.

Passive safety

The fact that Renault’s range includes eight models that have been awarded the maximum five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating speaks volumes for the brand’s expertise when it comes to passive safety. It goes without saying that Renault Koleos has benefited from the years of extensive research that have gone into studying real-life accidents. Its very structure has been engineered to include programmed crumple zones both at the front and rear, while the design of the cabin’s structure allows it to serve as a protective cell in the case of an accident. Furthermore, Renault Koleos comes with a long list of equipment
committed to optimizing occupant protection, including six airbags (including two adaptive front airbags which adapt to the passenger’s build), load limiters for the front and outer rear seat seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners and Isofix child seat anchorage for the outer rear seats.

The dynamic lines of a saloon with 4x4 styling cues

Renault Koleos’ lines were designed to be both distinctive and expressive. Koleos is unmistakably an 4x4, yet its looks are in no way aggressive and its styling is appealing without being ostentatious. The front end features the logo of the brand flanked by air intakes and modern elliptical headlamps, notably the module which incorporates Xenon headlamps and additional cornering lights.

The side design of Renault Koleos – including high ground clearance and prominent wheel arches – betrays its 4x4 calling. "Koleos has a strong personality. In our programme, it is a unique model that stands out from its rivals thanks to its raked rear screen which is suggestive of propulsion," notes Renault’s Director of Design, Patrick le Quement. The distinctive lines of its hatch form a movement that flows from the bottom of the rear window to converge on the logo which sits on a gloss black finish plaque.

The cabin and drive station are purposely intuitive and the interior design is based on a series of elegantly flowing curves. The bottom of the dashboard forms a wave-like line which gives the impression that the cowling is actually floating on the dashboard. The form of the centre console, which houses all the vehicle’s principal functions, contributes to an inescapable sense of well-being. This is further compounded by the quality of the materials selected for Koleos and by the careful attention that has been paid to the play and mating between panels and components. "The carefully-honed interior of Koleos is of a very high quality," observes Patrick le Quement. "Its graphic design is very pleasing, while special attention has been paid to perceived quality."

For customers who wish to personalize their vehicle, Renault has developed a range of customization accessories, some of which underpin the all-terrain calling of Koleos.

On November 5, 2007, the Busan factory was given the green light to begin the manufacture of QM5, the Korean version of the forthcoming Renault Koleos. A few months later, the first vehicles for the Korean market rolled off the line just as production of Koleos started in readiness for the model’s release in Europe in June 2008.