Renault Koleos (08-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 23 February 2011
The Koleos is a five-seat 4x4 that's based on the excellent Nissan X-Trail. It comes in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions, but it's very much designed for on-road driving refinement, rather than off roading. The styling is quite awkward and not to everyone's taste, but using Nissan's four-wheel drive system and Renault's diesel engines is a strong combination. The Koleos is one of the better cars in its class for long distance driving as it majors on comfort and refinement, but rear passenger space is limited and the cabin doesn't feel as robust or upmarket as the similar X-Trail. A slack gear change is another gripe.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£18,910 - £25,610

Used price range:

£7,040 - £12,992

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Practical cabin, good diesel engines, refined on the move

Bland looks, poor rear seat space, high running costs, vague gearbox

The Koleos is a five-seat 4x4 that's based on the excellent Nissan X-Trail. It comes in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions, but it's very much designed for on-road driving refinement, rather than off roading. The styling is quite awkward and not to everyone's taste, but using Nissan's four-wheel drive system and Renault's diesel engines is a strong combination. The Koleos is one of the better cars in its class for long distance driving as it majors on comfort and refinement, but rear passenger space is limited and the cabin doesn't feel as robust or upmarket as the similar X-Trail. A slack gear change is another gripe.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "There's a straight choice between 150bhp and 175bhp dCi 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines, though the..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "Like the Nissan X-Trail it's based on, the Renault Koleos errs on the side of comfort rather than..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "There's very little engine, wind or road noise in the Koleos which makes it good for long distance..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "Renault's vast experience with people carriers shows in the Koleos. The rear seats split 60/40 and..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "The entry level Dynamique comes with air conditioning and chilled glovebox, cruise control with..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "The driver's seat adjusts for height and the steering wheel moves for reach and height, so the..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "The Koleos may be cheaper to buy than many equivalent off roaders, but weaker used prices and lower..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "Renault is sticking with diesel engines for the Koleos range and the 150 dCi version in front-wheel..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "The Koleos scored a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests along with an impressive..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "This has been a weak spot for Renault in the past, but as the Koleos is based on a Nissan the signs..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

    "Haggle for a discount as the car is a slow seller and used values for this 4x4 will be average at..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "A slow seller when new, so relatively rare on the used market. Much better value though. Some are..."

  • Selling

    2.5 out of 5

    "There’s a lot of competition from established rivals, so a well equipped Koleos with the 150 dCi..."

Gallery

  • Interior Renault Koleos (08-10)
  • Exterior Renault Koleos (08-10)
  • Exterior Renault Koleos (08-10)
  • Exterior Renault Koleos (08-10)

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Owners' reviews