This is Renault’s first proper SUV, caught testing in Spain ahead of its UK launch in 2008. Engineered in South Korea by Renault subsidiary Samsung Motors, the production car will look almost identical to the Koleos concept shown at the Paris motor show in 2006 and the Samsung QMX concept shown at Seoul.The car in our pictures is a mix of both brands; the plinth on the grille is shaped for a Samsung badge, but the steering wheel has a Renault diamond on it. The Koleos is much less radical-looking than previous Renaults such as the Mégane. Company boss Carlos Ghosn is known to have curtailed the flamboyance of design director Patrick le Quement in an attempt to make the firm’s styling less divisive. Underneath is Renault-Nissan’s Alliance C platform, also shared with the new X-Trail and the Qashqai. That means a suspension set-up consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a four-link rear end. Like the X-Trail, the Koleos will have hill descent control and hill start assist, with part-time four-wheel drive. A mechanical coupling engages four-wheel drive and acts like a centre diff lock. Engines will include the Renault-developed 2.0-litre common rail diesel with 147bhp or 170bhp, coupled to a six-speed gearbox, and a 136bhp 2.0-litre petrol.
Add your comment