Motor Madness Impressive

Ian Lamming assesses the new Koleos

CARY to think it is only autumn, Its bold front end leaves you with an instant While the combination makes it a great drive I S particularly when you see the state of the impression that it could have you in a fight and couldn’t get anywhere near the promised roads. it is a large and imposing vehicle. Trendy LED on-paper 47.9 combined miles per gallon Too late to miss it, the pothole must have lights, signature-style, carry on cues that figure. been caused by an asteroid and was big started with new Megane and it does all echo All the latest safety stuff is under the skin, all enough to swallow a small car. brand Renault. the latest infotainment gubbins is there for Waiting for the impact I winced preparing to Inside is characteristically latest generation adults and kids alike. lose a wheel in the collision. But impact was Renault too and the dash is dominated by the New Koleos is bold, capable, well put together little more than a bump and the big Renault iPad-esque infotainment centre. and is set to put a considerable hole, dent and SUV continued unperturbed – impressive that. Top of the range Signature spoils its crater in the burgeoning SUV market. But then Renault’s resurrected Koleos is occupants with cracking Bose surround sound, impressive in many ways. The biggest of the gorgeous leather and a very up-market and brace of Renault SUVs, that also includes the well put together feel. Impressive again. excellent Captur and Kadjar, Koleos now lives There is also bags of space in what is a large Fact File in a different global market. vehicle. No option for seven seats but bags of The last one was a reskinned version of a room for five sizeable adults and their luggage, • Renault Koleos X-trail and to be honest wasn’t a bad accessed via a natty electronic tailgate. Signature dCi 175 4x4 car. Buyers didn’t agree and it disappeared. Big, yes, but never unwieldy, the Koleos Today SUVs are kings of the road, probably remains sharp and well mannered on the road. X-Tronic because of the state of the roads, and Koleos The 2.0 litre diesel is strong enough and is • Engine: 2.0 turbo returns with a vengeance. mated to an excellent CVT automatic box. diesel • Power: 177HP • 0-62mph: 9.5 secs • Top speed: 125mph • Combined MPG: 47.9 • : 7- speed CVT • CO2 g/km: 156