Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique Test Review

The Koleos received a mild update recently in SA and this model landed on our driveway for testing.
There are very few changes to the exterior with neat LED headlights and daytime running lights making the front a bit more aggressive.
Interestingly, the AWD All-wheel drive version is no longer available and the range now consists of 2 models both driving the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission. Both models also have the same 2.5L 4 cylinder petrol engine that delivers 126kW and 223Nm.
Power is more than sufficient and provides excellent cruising ability as well as overtaking when needed. The downside is that it is rather thirsty. On the open road trip to the farm, I averaged 7.5L/100km. After more urban driving, the overall consumption for the test was 7.9l/100km. Somehow I believe that a diesel or downsized turbo petrol engine could provide similar performance with far better fuel economy.
The Koleos is a spacious medium SUV with plenty of space in the rear and boot plus the ability to lower the rear seats in a 60/40 split if more load space is required. The overall ride is smooth and comfortable, slightly harder than many other French cars but excellent on the open road as well as on the long stretch of dirt road heading out to the farm. I even drove around the fields a bit and while being careful, it handled tis easily and comfortably.
Much of the update has concentrated on safety spec and the Koleos now adds blind-spot warning, lane departure warning and cruise control to the recipe. 6 Airbags are standard too.
The large tablet style infotainment screen includes navigation and Apple Carplay/ Android Auto. A small gripe is having to access the air-con controls through the screen instead of having separate controls for this. My other gripes remain the continued use of the "Keycard" and the stubby control behind the steering wheel for audio controls. Both of these are simply outdated but certainly not enough to spoil the overall smoothness and quality.
The current price as tested is R534 900 and this includes a 5 year/ 90 000km service plan.
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[@gazg00]

Nice.........worth a second look!