This is the new generation Renault Koleos, heavily revised inside and out. It still looks like a simpleton though.

Koleos is a fine crossover and offers lots of good features for not much money. The substantially modified looks of the car at front features an elegant chrome grill and LED indicators. It has nothing to do with the old one, and that is a good thing!

The side view does resemble the old car though, and it has the same sort of profile. The rear-end is also similar to the outgoing Koleos with the steeply-raked rear window which suggests forward movement and provides the model with a particularly original stance. The new one also gets a fancy new color called Cayenne Orange you see here.

The interior is upgraded as well, obviously, and they’ve done a very good job there. Besides the new layout and great materials, it features stowage space of up to 70 litres. Access to the large boot (450dm3 VDA) is facilitated by the split-opening tailgate, the bottom section of which forms a robust bench when lowered, like a Range Rover!

The 60/40-split rear bench seat is equipped with the Easy-Estate system, which means it can be folded in one quick movement to free up a flat floor and boot space of 1,380dm3 VDA. The panoramic opening roof makes the cabin even brighter and more enjoyable. Other features include audio, navigation and dual-zone climate control and you can even specify a Bose sound system.

Engine-wise Renault Koleos can be ordered with the 150hp or 175hp version of the M9R diesel engine, or with the 170hp (TR25) petrol engine. Like before you can have it with two or four wheel drive. The CO2 emissions of the 4×2 version powered by the dCi 150 engine are just 148g/km, which means it is no longer subject to the eco-surtax applicable in France. The emissions of the bigger dCi 175 engine have also been reduced to 166g/km.

Some of the electronic features available include ESP, emergency brake assist, hands-free entry and ignition, an electronic parking brake, automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation and a joystick-operated Carminat TomTom navigation system, as well as Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control for 4×4 models.