Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 175 AWD X-Tronic 2017 first drive

Having axed its first-generation Koleos from the UK in 2010, Renault has decided now is the time to bring this new version back to our shores, driven by booming sales in the large SUV segment, albeit not quite so booming as its smaller siblings.

It also means Renault has a complete family of SUVs, so existing owners of Renault Captur or Renault Kadjar have the option to step up to the Koleos.

It’s a simple line-up for the Nissan X-Trail rival (with which it also shares a platform): there are two diesel engines only, a 1.6-litre dCI 130 in six-speed manual and two-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre dCI 175, which is four-wheel drive and available in both manual and 7-speed Auto X-Tronic. We drove the latter auto, which is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK. There is no petrol option, but Renault says it’s available elsewhere so if there was demand, it could easily be introduced.

The Koleos is a very likeable car. We tested the top of two trim options, the Signature Nav, which has an impressive amount of equipment, including sat-nav, 19in alloys, an 8.7in touchscreen and full leather seats. 

That said, the lower trim, the Dynamique S Nav, will be more than enough for most with rear parking camera, panoramic sunroof, 7in screen and plenty of safety systems. It even has heated and ventilated cup holders, not something many cars can boast.

The Koleos is Renault’s flagship car in terms of interior quality and technology and rightly so; it’s impressive. The infotainment system on the 8.7in touchscreen is well-designed and intuitive, the layout is well-considered, and there are plenty of practicalities – four USBs and lots of cubby holes, for starters. The leathers and plastics are also good quality.

Space is decent. A wheelbase of 2705mm – identical to the Nissan X-Trail – means good rear leg room, although the roof line isn't great for tall bodies. The boot is 579 litres, beating the X-Trail by 29 litres but losing out to the Skoda Kodiaq's 630 litres.

Interestingly, Renault is not offering a seven-seat version of the Koleos, unlike competitor the Kodiaq, for example. Renault’s UK boss Vincent Tourette points to the Grand Scenic as an answer to those families needing a seven-seater, and considers it a key differentiator that maintains the MPV’s relevance in a marketplace so heavily skewed to SUVs.

To drive, the Koleos is a friendly beast. The power is more than enough at motorway speeds, and the 172bhp diesel is a decent engine that will easily haul a fully laden Koleos on long motorway slogs. There is also adequate low-end torque.

Hearing the initialism CVT injects fear into any respectable motoring journalist because, quite frankly, most of these gearboxes are appalling. Renault insists this is an advanced CVT that uses a step system to mimic a sequential gearbox. To some extent, that’s true; it’s infinitely better than most CVTs. It struggled most when gaining ground quickly in first and second gears, inducing a unpleasant growl from the engine.

The suspension is built for comfort rather than dynamism, while handling is stable and predictable. If you’re looking for more direct steering or agility, the Skoda Kodiaq is a better bet, though the compromise there is ride quality, which isn’t as soft as the Koleos.