New KOLEOS: A high-end SUV with athletic styling and refined comfort for the European market

Donnerstag, 01 Juni 2017 21:55

New KOLEOS: A high-end SUV with athletic styling and refined comfort for the European market

Projekt-Renault

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New KOLEOS: A high-end SUV with athletic styling and refined comfort for the European market

New Koleos, which was unveiled at China’s Beijing Motor Show in 2016, and which is already available for sale in Australia, the Gulf States and certain South American and Asian countries, will hit European markets in June 2017.

This authentic D-segment SUV combines rugged, assertive styling with the elegance, refinement and comfort associated with large saloon cars, plus:

Acclaimed four-wheel drive technology,
Off-road capability thanks to high ground clearance,
A refined interior equipped with the segment’s very best journey-enhancing appointments,
Class-leading cabin space thanks to a wheelbase of 2.71 metres and a total length of 4.67 metres,
A connected experience with the R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet.

In addition to embodying Renault’s high-end collection together with Talisman, Talisman Estate and Espace, New Koleos tops the brand’s crossover range alongside Captur and Kadjar. It is also the fifth Renault model after Clio, Espace, Talisman and Captur to be offered with the Initiale Paris signature. This version packs the very best of Groupe Renault’s expertise in the realms of elegance, comfort, equipment and services.

Finally, New Koleos features a selection of proven powertrains and technologies, with a choice of two diesel engines mated to either X-Tronic automatic transmission or a manual gearbox to meet the demand of customers in European markets.

New KOLEOS: flagship of Renault’s high-end range

“New Koleos completes the styling renaissance of the Renault range that began with Clio in 2012. As a designer, the challenge was to imagine an SUV that was not only elegant, but also dynamic and modern. To achieve this, instead of diluting the traits traditionally associated with SUVs, we accentuated the segment’s familiar cues thanks to taut, powerful, horizontal lines, along with muscular haunches and high ground clearance. New Koleos consequently exudes an inner strength. It is every inch an SUV and every inch a Renault.”
Laurens van den Acker – Senior Vice President, Corporate Design

An embodiment of Renault’s new design language

Distinctive high-end styling

Like Espace, Talisman and Talisman Estate, its D-segment siblings, New Koleos belongs to Renault’s high-end line-up, and this positioning is apparent in its exterior lines.

New Koleos bears far more than just a passing family likeness to Talisman and Talisman Estate, which were also designed by Alexis Martot in-line with a strategy for all three models to complement one another.
The most striking similarities among the three vehicles are their front-end designs, which all feature a prominent, vertically-positioned Renault logo and a chrome grille.
Other family ties between Talisman and New Koleos are their muscular haunches and proportions, including short overhangs, which share the same ratio between overall length and wheelbase.
New Koleos’ dynamic stance is further emphasised by its large tyres (overall-diameter: 730mm) and low roofline (1.68 metres).
These attractive styling features position New Koleos as a high-end Renault at a glance.

Full LED lighting signature

The similarities between Espace and Talisman continue with the design of their front and rear lights that feature Renault’s Full LED lighting signature.

At the front, as on Talisman, the C-shaped lighting signature extends beyond the head light units themselves to create an even more forceful gaze.
Depending on the version, New Koleos is available with Pure Vision Full LED main- and dipped-beam lights.
The Daytime Running Lights provide a unique, piercing gaze. For significantly enhanced night-time visibility, this technology provides a beam that is 20 percent more powerful than that of halogen head lights.
The permanently-lit tail lights feature Edge Light technology that generates a clear, bright 3D effect visible both close up and from a distance.
Again like Talisman, the wide, horizontal tail lights amplify the impression of width (1,840mm) and draw attention to the centrally-positioned Renault diamond.

Assertive personality

New Koleos’ assertive stance and personality are accentuated by a number of innovative design features:

Bright chrome front-end embellishments. For example, the chrome insert extends from the head light across the full length of the wing to visually lengthen the bonnet and ensure that New Koleos stands out from rival models.
The high-end impression is also visible thanks to its narrower body fitting and sharp creases.
As with the rear bumper’s sculpted form, the tail lights wrap over the rear wings to enhance New Koleos’ solid stance.
The chrome insert set into the lower part of the rear bumper draws the eye naturally to the contour of the dual-exhaust tail pipes.

A choice of sophisticated, elegant body colours

New Koleos’ natural elegance and sophistication can be customized with a broad choice of body colours and wheel designs.

Seven body colours: Ultra Silver, Universal White, Metallic Grey, Metallic Black, Mineral Beige, Meissen Blue and Solid White.
Four wheel designs: Silver Grey Esquis 17-inch wheels, Silver Grey Taranis 18-inch wheels, Erbé Grey diamond-effect Argonaute 18-inch wheels and Erbé Grey diamond-effect Proteus 19-inch wheels.

Superior comfort for all occupants

Practical features and uncompromising attention paid to interior design

Inside New Koleos, Renault refused to compromise between passenger comfort and the model’s looks. Its exterior features were consequently designed to deliver the highest standard of travelling comfort for all five occupants.

In addition to having one of the longest wheelbases in its class, New Koleos’ wheelbase (2,710mm / overall length: 4,670mm) frees up record room for occupants.
Rear passengers benefit from class-topping knee room (289mm), plus particularly generous headroom, shoulder room and elbow room.

This record cabin space combines with a large configurable boot and numerous practical storage solutions.

The 498dm3 VDA boot (equivalent to 579 litres) features a clever removable floor positioned at the same height as the sill to form a flat floor.
Thanks to handles located in the boot, the Easy Break system allows the 60/40-split rear bench seat to be folded in an instant to free up a total carrying capacity of 1,706dm3 VDA (equivalent to 1,795 litres).
New Koleos has 35 litres of additional storage around the cabin, including an 11-litre glove box and a seven-litre cubby in the centre console.

Refined travelling comfort for all occupants

Whether they are sitting in the front or rear, all New Koleos’ occupants are pampered when it comes to refined travelling comfort.

Not only are New Koleos’ front seats comfortable and welcoming thanks to their enveloping design and the variable density foam they employ, but they also figure amongst the very biggest in the model’s class.
Depending on the version, the front seats come with six-way power adjustment, lumbar adjustability, heated cushions and seat backs, and integrated ventilation with a choice of two settings.
The centre console slides 80mm fore and aft, an additional setting to enable the ideal driving position to be found.
The curved form of the front seat-back’s shell frees up extra room for rear passengers and enhances the impression of open space.
Rear passengers also benefit from heated seats, a rarely seen feature, even in New Koleos’ segment.
Ingress is facilitated by the wide aperture of the doors – amongst the widest in New Koleos’ class (front doors: 70 degrees / rear doors: 77 degrees) – when fully open.
The design of the doors protects the sills from soiling and prevents passengers’ clothes from getting dirty when they climb in or out of the car.

The wellbeing of all passengers as a priority

Inside New Koleos, every step has been taken to ensure the wellbeing of passengers, down to the tiniest of details.

The connotation of quality aligns with what customers expect of high-end, D-segment SUVs and saloon cars with a selection of robust, status-enhancing materials.
For example, New Koleos features a stylish satin-finish chrome for the steering wheel inserts, gear lever and air vent surrounds, along with a durable and pleasant-to-the-touch finish for the centre console. The interior also features cushion-backed materials for the dashboard and door panels.
The leather upholstery and leather-trimmed armrests feature contrasting top stitching.
Travelling enjoyment is further heightened by customisable LED cabin lighting, with a palette of hues ranging from green and blue, to yellow, red or violet, depending on the mood of the driver and passengers.
New Koleos’ cabin is particularly bright thanks to a large opening glass sunroof (0.80m2) that extends over the rear seats.
Another refined feature worthy of premium models is the front cup holder that can be chilled or heated.

New Koleos Initiale Paris: the very best of Renault for the model’s European version

Specific exterior enhancements

The powerful, athletic exterior design of New Koleos Initiale Paris is embellished by specific exclusive details:

Availability of the Améthyste Black metallic finish in addition to the catalogue’s eight other body colours.
19-inch diamond-cut wheels.
Grille badging, beneath the Renault logo.
Decorative chrome mouldings on the front wings.

Painstaking attention to travelling comfort and cabin appointments

The comfort enjoyed by occupants on board New Koleos Initiale Paris is heightened by its specific finish and standard equipment, including:

Black or grey-patterned full-grain Nappa leather upholstery,
Enveloping front head rests,
Full-grain Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-shift lever,
Specific Initiale Paris dashboard and door panel trims,
Leather-trimmed instrument panel with top-stitching,
Heated, ventilated front seats with six-way electric adjustment, plus two-way lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat,
Laminated side windows for an even more silent ride,
Interior Initiale Paris badging (door sills, steering wheel insert, embossed front seat backs, trim strip on the reverse side of the front head rests),
Exclusive carpet mats,
Induction wireless smartphone charger,
Specific Initiale Paris key,
BOSE© audio with 13 high-performance loud speakers (see page 13 for further information).

New KOLEOS, a large SUV that rounds out Renault’s crossovers range

“New Koleos joins Captur, Kadjar and Espace to crown Renault’s range of crossovers with a high-end 4x4 model. Its SUV breeding is reinforced by its proven platform, plus engines and transmissions that count amongst the very best the Alliance has to offer. Its particularly high ground clearance, high-up driving position and comfortable, occupant-friendly cabin deliver a standard of driving pleasure that is unprecedented in the range and form a coherent package that appeals to customers the world over.”
Ali Kassaï – Head of Groupe Renault’s Product Planning

SUV capability

Powerful, athletic exterior lines

New Koleos is an SUV that packs all the styling cues associated with the segment, including taut lines that combine a rugged stance with head-turning looks, along with:

Side protective mouldings,
Large-diameter wheels (up to 19 inches).

A range of smart, practical accessories is also available to enhance New Koleos’ distinctive character, including:

A fully-integrated sill extension pack,
A removable tow bar (no tools required),
An electrically-folding tow bar (see below for more details),
A range of roof-mounted carrying accessories, including QuickFix aluminium roof bars,
Front air deflectors,
Door and boot sill guards,
A comprehensive choice of boot organiser and load protection accessories,
Induction wireless smartphone charger.

Protective and reassuring

New Koleos’ SUV breeding is also evident inside the cabin, which combines elegance and occupant protection.

The driving position is 150mm higher than that of Talisman, ensuring excellent visibility, an important feature for SUV buyers.
The high, wide, upright tee-shaped dashboard exudes an impression of strength and a reassuring sensation of protection.
The large, vertical, centrally-positioned dashboard display (up to 8.7 inches) is fully integrated and, along with the centre console, forms a central swathe that suggests power and all-wheel drive transmission.
The grab handles either side of the centre console are cues from the world of 4x4 motoring and add to occupant safety while providing a sporty touch.

Off-road ability compatible with everyday use

Ready for adventure and exploring unknown territory

In keeping with the Renault design strategy introduced by Laurens van den Acker in 2010, New Koleos is covered by the ‘EXPLORE’ design pillar, which stands for robustness and a taste for adventure.

This is immediately evident in the model’s ground clearance (up to 210mm) which is amongst the highest in the market.
New Koleos’ go-anywhere ability is boosted by approach and departure angles of 19 and 26 degrees respectively.

Efficient, easy-to-use 4x4 technology

The ALL MODE 4x4-i transmission available for New KOLEOS features technology that has been proved on millions of Renault-Nissan Alliance vehicles worldwide. This all-wheel drive system permanently monitors grip levels to guarantee optimal traction whatever the conditions.

Unlike many rival models, New Koleos continues to feature a control switch that allows drivers to choose the transmission mode. Very easy to use, it is situated to the left of the steering wheel and enables the driver to select one of three modes, namely 2WD, 4WD AUTO or the exclusive 4WD LOCK.

In 2WD mode, New Koleos runs with front-wheel drive, irrespective of the conditions, for optimised fuel consumption.
In 4WD AUTO mode, the ALL MODE 4x4-i system permanently analyses conditions and grip levels and uses the information provided by its sensors to calculate the ideal front/rear torque split. Up to 50 percent of available torque can be transmitted to the rear wheels if necessary.
When travelling off-road or in conditions where grip is at a premium, such as on snow, mud, dirt or sand, the 4WD LOCK mode allows the driver to engage permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40kph to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50). This mode is automatically disengaged at speeds of more than 40kph, or when the engine is re-started.

An SUV in its element in all circumstances

In addition to enhancing New Koleos’ off-road ability, ALL MODE 4x4-i transmission delivers more dynamic performance, plus greater stability and enhanced safety.

In 4WD AUTO mode, sensors permanently monitor both longitudinal and lateral acceleration, as well as yaw rates and steering angles.
This information is processed to optimise front/rear torque split (from 100/0 to 50/50) to provide the most efficient grip possible and eliminate understeer and oversteer.

A platform and powertrains that match the needs of New Koleos’ markets

Acclaimed, versatile architecture

New Koleos is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-C/D architecture that is shared by several other models, including Renault’s Espace, Talisman and Kadjar, and Nissan’s X-Trail and Qashqai.

The use of components employed for all these models demonstrates the Alliance’s expertise in every segment, from saloon cars and crossovers to SUVs.
This approach means that parts and assemblies that are not visible to the customer can be used for different vehicles, while the design and identity of each brand remain distinct.
The resulting savings were reinvested in favour of additional travelling comfort features.

A choice of two diesel engines (130hp and 175hp)

New Koleos’ engines and transmissions line-up has been tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the model’s European markets.

The range comprises a choice of two diesel engines, which deliver 130 and 175 horsepower respectively.
These powerplants can drive through either X-Tronic automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
The two diesel engines available for New Koleos comply with Euro 6b legislation and are equipped with Stop&Start, a NOx trap and a particulate filter.

The first of the two engines is the 1.6 dCi unit, which is acclaimed for its efficiency and driving enjoyment.

The maximum power of this four-cylinder, 16-valve engine is 130hp (96kW) at 4,000rpm, while peak torque stands at 320Nm, available from 1,750 to 2,250rpm.
Its particularly efficient, downsized design (square architecture, turbocharger) is the fruit of the engine expertise Renault has forged in the world of motorsport, especially in Formula 1.
This engine can only be specified with two-wheel drive transmission but it can be mated to either X-Tronic automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, depending on market.

The 2.0 dCi engine is the most powerful powerplant available for New Koleos.

This four-cylinder, 16-valve unit is equipped with a variable-geometry turbocharger, a 1,600-bar fuel-injection rail and piezo-electric injectors.
Maximum power stands at 175hp (127kW) at 3,750rpm, with peak torque of 380Nm available from 2,000 to 3,000rpm.
This 2.0 dCi Alliance block ensures sprightly mid-range response and swift acceleration thanks to the availability of torque across a broad range of engine speeds.
It can be mated to either X-Tronic automatic transmission (two- or four-wheel drive) or a manual six-speed gearbox (four-wheel drive versions only), depending on market.

X-Tronic automatic transmission

X-Tronic automatic transmission was designed to deliver greater driving enjoyment and reduced fuel consumption compared with conventional automatic transmissions.

Its benefits range from instant response when accelerating briskly, to a smoother, quieter ride and optimised fuel consumption at constant speeds.

Unlike former CVT transmissions, New Koleos’ X-Tronic transmission performs more like a multi-ratio automatic whenever the driver needs to accelerate briskly.
At the same time, this continuously variable transmission ensures seamless gear shifts when accelerating gently, as in heavy traffic, for example.
Thanks to its variable ratios, X-Tronic transmission proposes an infinite number of gears to ensure that engine revs and load are constantly optimised for efficient fuel consumption and low noise levels.
The driver has the option to select a seven-speed sequential mode to benefit from engine braking.

A global project plus proven durability

Fine-tuning of New Koleos involved Groupe Renault staff worldwide in an exacting programme of thousands of hours of static and dynamic tests designed to make sure that the model complied with Renault’s high standards and confirm its reliability. Given that New Koleos is available on five continents, it was important that it met drivers’ expectations in all types of weather and on all types of road.

A number of Groupe Renault’s engineering and test centres contributed to the model’s design and development, including the Technocentre, the technical test centres in Aubevoye and Lardy, France, and the Renault Samsung technical centre in South Korea.
In total, to confirm its reliability, New Koleos underwent more than 1,100,000km of intensive testing (equivalent to more than 3,300,000km in real world conditions in terms of wear) at the above technical test centre’s proving grounds.
New Koleos was also tested and put through its paces in real world conditions in Lapland, Finland, and on rough roads in Russia.
Moreover, 20 pre-production vehicles covered more than one million kilometres with the aim of revealing potential defects so that corrective action could be taken as required.
In addition to these dynamic tests, Renault developed a raft of static tests to verify resistance to wear and tear (EDAU test: repeated operation of the seats, electric windows, seat belts, gear lever, hand brake, door mechanisms, etc.)
This procedure was repeated thousands of times, 24 hours a day, to simulate years of use in a period of only a few weeks.

New KOLEOS: an SUV engineered to meet the demands of European customers

“New Koleos has proved a particularly big hit with customers in more than 80 countries on all five continents thanks to its exterior styling and the standard of traveling comfort it delivers. To meet the demands of the European market, its specification has been upgraded with technologies such as AEBS City and Android and Apple smartphone replication. The powertrain catalogue includes a manual gearbox mated to our dCi 130 and dCi 175 engines, increasing the car’s towing capacity to two tonnes. The European New Koleos line-up notably incorporates an Initiale Paris version, which features bespoke styling and carefully selected materials, including Nappa leather upholstery and steering wheel trim. This version offers our customers an exclusive world of elegance and travelling comfort.”
Sandra Gomez – D-segment Program Director

State-of-the-art, connected equipment

A connected experience with R-LINK 2

Equipped from entry-level with a Bluetooth audio system incorporating a landscape-format 4.2-inch display (11cm), New Koleos is fitted with Renault’s R-LINK 2 multimedia system from its second equipment level up. This connected tablet can be found across the brand’s high-end range and coordinates the majority of the vehicle’s functions such as infotainment, navigation, hands-free telephony, radio and driver aids thanks to the following features:

An intuitive interface offering the same tactile functions as a personal tablet courtesy of capacitive technology (two-finger zoom, page scrolling, drag and drop),
Availability of two screen formats (depending on version): 7-inch landscape or 8.7-inch portrait, both seamlessly integrated into the dashboard design,
Realistic GPS navigation display with 3D representation of buildings,
Four customizable homepages with widgets for swift access to the most frequently employed functions,
Voice recognition for navigation instructions, telephone use, radio and other applications, plus the ability to have e-mails read aloud, with safe and straightforward access to all of these functions,
A wide range of applications designed specifically for automotive use available from the R-LINK Store,
Connectivity and charging options for all occupants include Bluetooth® for hands-free use of a telephone and audio streaming, a USB port, a 3.5mm jack socket, a 12V power supply and, depending on version, an SD card slot.

Working in tandem with the R-LINK 2 tablet, key driving data such as speed, engine speed, fuel consumption and navigation instructions (turn-by-turn mode displayed on a customizable 7-inch colour screen situated behind the steering wheel, in the driver’s line of sight.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

In keeping with the other models in Renault’s range equipped with the R-LINK 2 tablet, New Koleos offers a new smartphone replication feature.

This is compatible with both Apple CarPlay for iPhone users and Android Auto for Android smartphones.
This function is incorporated into the vehicle’s capacitive touchscreen display and allows for information to be easily transferred from one display to another.
The applications in question can all be used on the move: telephone, messages, navigation (Google Maps / Apple Plan) and music.
The driver safely and vocally communicates instructions via a steering wheel-activated control.

Since 2008, Bose© and Renault have worked together to design and fine-tune premium audio systems for the brand’s high-end models. To offer this exceptional level of sound quality inside New Koleos, Bose© has developed a tailor-engineered system that takes into account the acoustic properties of the cabin. It comprises 13 high-performance loudspeakers:

One 8cm mid-high-range speaker in the dashboard,
Two 2.5cm neodymium tweeters either side of the dashboard,
Two 16.5cm wide-range speakers in the front doors,
Two 2.5cm neodymium tweeters in the rear doors
Two 16.5cm wide-range speakers in the rear doors,
Two 7cm mid-high-range speakers in the rear pillars,
Two 11.5cm woofers in a custom-engineered enclosure beneath the boot floor.

The tailor-engineered Bose® technology in New Koleos combines crystal-clear quality with a realism close to that of a live performance. Thanks to Bose Centerpoint® 2 technology, occupants are enveloped in a rich, balanced sound wherever they are seated in the car

Uncompromising safety standards

New Koleos benefits from Renault’s vast experience in the realm of passive safety and targets excellence in the independent NCAP tests. First and foremost, the use of very high elastic limit steel for the engine frame and high-strength steel for the passenger safety cell was specified to protect the cabin in the case of a major impact. The following features are standard safety equipment:

Two adaptive front airbags that inflate according to the type of impact and the occupant’s position in the car,
Two lateral thorax/shoulder airbags for front occupants,
Two curtain airbags,
Anti-whiplash front and rear head rests,
Anti-submarining front seats,
Rear Isofix anchorage for i-Size child seats,
All of the seat belts are equipped with pretensioners and load limiters.

When it comes to active safety, New Koleos’ raft of standard equipment – traction control, latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC) electronic brake force distribution and hill start assist – is complemented by a palette of state-of-the-art driver aids (ADAS). These are all accessible via the R-LINK 2 tablet and serve:

To reassure, with Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS City and Inter-Urban).
To alert, with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
To assist, with rear view camera, Automatic High/Low Beam head lights (AHL), front, rear and side parking sensors and hands-free parking assist system (Easy Park Assist).

Designed for Europe

Specific features

New Koleos was also designed from the outset with the European market in mind, with specific characteristics that set it apart from versions sold outside of Europe, including:

Trimmed dashboard (from the Intens equipment level up) and silk-effect door panel trims, plus additional cabin soundproofing to ensure a perfectly restful ride.
Interior appointments like flocked stowage compartments, satin-finish chrome door handles, standard retractable luggage cover, etc.
Distinctive exterior features: painted front skid plate, shark fin roof antenna, chrome boot sill, etc.
Summer tyres (shorter braking distances).
Active emergency braking (AEBS City and Inter-urban).
Specific powertrain options, including dCi 130 and dCi 175 engines mated to a manual gearbox (towing capacity = two tonnes with the 175hp engine).

New Koleos is assembled exclusively in Busan, Korea, for the model’s non-Chinese markets. This factory is one of the best in terms of Alliance excellence, a pledge of irreproachable quality.

An owner-friendly SUV

New Koleos is both a high-end and family-friendly SUV. It is packed with practical touches and ingenious features designed to simplify life for its users, as well as a raft of equipment adapted to the climates of the various regions in which it is sold.

Its tailgate incorporates a smart, hands-free electronic opening mechanism. Even with arms fully laden and the keyless entry and ignition card buried deep in a pocket, the boot can be opened with a simple swipe of the foot underneath the rear bumper.
To tackle particularly low temperatures, certain versions come with a heated steering wheel and a heated windscreen for quick, easy defrosting.
In markets where remote starting is authorised, the above functions can be activated before the driver even gets into the vehicle. Their activation time can be programmed via R-LINK2.
In a first for a vehicle of this type, New Koleos can be fitted in accessories range with a motorised tow bar, for a fully automatic and manual-free installation. With a simple action on a button inside the boot, it appears and is ready to use in just 15 seconds. A blocking system automatically prevents its deployment in the case of an obstruction.

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