TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault cars in Malaysia today held a media preview of Renault’s new flagship SUV called the Koleos.
Unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in April this year, Malaysia is one of the first few countries to launch this much-anticipated Renault SUV model ahead of other countries like Thailand and Vietnam. It is assembled in Busan, Korea for all markets worldwide excluding China.
According to the automaker, the Busan plant boasts industrial tooling that is both effective and very flexible. It also meets Renault’s stringent manufacturing quality standards and currently produces vehicles built on the CMF-C/D architecture for brands belonging to Groupe Renault and its partner, Nissan.
“As a flagship vehicle, the all-new Renault Koleos will be launched, in stages, in more than 80 countries around the world. And we are very proud that Malaysia is one of the first few countries globally, to introduce this much-anticipated Renault SUV model. As a flagship model for Renault, it will be the principal face for the brand in Malaysia,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars.
The introduction of the Renault Koleos in Malaysia marks Renault’s bold re-entry in the D-segment SUV. It offers the refinement, comfort and premium features associated with larger flagship saloon cars.
The Koleos shares styling similarities with the Talisman sedan but at the same time it still packs with all the styling cues and capabilities associated with the SUV segment.
The taut bonnet lines contribute to the car’s powerful design, an impression that is heightened by several chrome embellishments, including strips designed to visually lengthen the front end and exude an impression of dynamism and elegance. Unique in the segment, this feature sets the all-new Renault Koleos apart from other SUVs.
The 2,705mm wheelbase – for a total vehicle length of 4,672mm – counts amongst the longest in the class and allows the all-new Renault Koleos to boast record-breaking interior space to position itself as a D-segment SUV.
At the rear, Renault’s trademark style is again prominently on display. The wide, horizontal tail lights amplify the impression of width and draw the eye to the Renault logo on the tailgate. Chrome inserts set into the lower part of the rear bumper take the shape of twin exhaust tail pipes, a detail that is complementary with all-new Koleos’ overall exterior design.
Inside the cabin, the all-new Koleos feature attractive, scratch-resistant materials such as satin-finish chrome for the steering wheel, gear lever and air vent inserts. The centre console is covered by a protective film that is hardy and pleasing to the touch. The cushion-backed materials selected for the dashboard and door panels also contribute to the cabin’s restful ambiance, while leather upholstery and leather-trimmed armrests feature contrasting top stitching.
Travelling comfort is further enhanced by customisable LED cabin lighting, with a palette of hues ranging from green, to blue, yellow red or violet, depending on the mood of the driver and passengers.
Ingress is facilitated by the wide aperture of the doors, which open to angles of 70 and 77 degrees at the front and rear respectively – figures that position the all-new Renault Koleos amongst the best SUVs in its class. The design of the doors protects the sills from becoming soiled and minimises the width of the sills to make climbing on-board even easier.
For the Malaysian market, the all-new Renault Koleos will be powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a new X-Tronic automatic transmission. This efficient engine is capable of delivering maximum power of 171PS and peak torque of 226Nm. It is also extremely responsive at low and mid-range engine speeds, with 200Nm torque available from as low as 1,800rpm.
In terms of safety, the all-new Koleos benefit from 6 airbags, blind spot warning system, anti-whiplash front and rear head rests, ISOFIX child seats as well as pretensioners and load limiters for all seat belts. On top of that, the Renault Koleos comes with electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, braking assist, electronic brake force distribution and hill start assist as standard equipment.
For additional convenience and safety, some of the key driver aids on the all-new Koleos can be controlled via the R-LINK 2 tablet, such as the Blind Spot Warning (BSW), rear view camera and front, rear and side parking sensors.
Available in four body colours namely; Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Meissen Blue, the all-new Renault Koleos is expected to arrive at all Renault showrooms nationwide beginning mid-October 2016. Buyers can now place their bookings for the all-new Renault Koleos with an introductory price of RM172,800 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM116,800 in Langkawi (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance and for private registration).
Just like all Renault mainstream vehicles, the all-new Koleos comes with a 5-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage. This warranty is fully backed by Renault and not undertaken by any other insurance companies, which means terms and conditions as well as parts covered are consistent from the 1st year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.
You can get and an up close and personal look at this new SUV during a public preview held at Mid Valley Mega Mall, Center Court, Ground Floor from 7 to 11 September 2016. To find out more info about the all-new Renault Koleos, visit www.renault.com.my.