For the real world

It’s not that the premium SUV segment - one that comprises of SUVs costing between Rs 15 to 25 lakh - is devoid of choices. You have both petrol and diesel options; the choice of manual and automatic transmissions; and then, the option to seat five or seven. But, when a category sees good demand and growth, there's always scope for a new entrant.

That new entrant is the Renault Koleos. It is a diesel engined, automatic SUV with a monocoque chassis and all time four wheel drive system. It can also seat five. So in that sense, there's nothing new in the recipe, here. But, what is unique though, are its looks.

Highlights –

- Only one version is one sale.

- The engine is a 1995cc diesel that makes 150bhp and 320Nm of torque.

- The Koleos only comes with a lazy six-speed conventional automatic gearbox.

- Feature list for both comfort and safety is quite good.

The Koleos is a very distinct looking SUV and looks fairly large on the road too. Its large chrome and black grille, a coupe type roof line, prominent design lines all round and slightly odd but standout design for the tail lamps, ensure it's hard to confuse with anything else on the road.

The freshness is equally evident on the inside. The dash design in particular is both modern and soothing. We also like the choice of colours which give the insides of the Koleos both a plush and airy feel. Quality levels again, are one of the best in the segment. Even the operability is noteworthy, then be it the functioning of the climate control system or just the stalks that operate the lights and wiper.

The highlight of the Koleos though is its equipment list and of course a high comfort co-efficient. It has everything that the segment offers from electric windows, ORVMs and driver seat to climate control with effective rear AC vents, cruise control, steering mounted controls and lots of leather. But, our pick among it all is the Bose audio system. It sounds every bit as good as you have heard Bose systems do.

Begin driving the Koleos, and the first thing that strikes you is how comfortable the ride is on the Renault. It irons out almost everything that comes its way with the least bit of fuss. There’s very little body movement over rough patches either and the ride is quiet too. Then of course, it has large, cushy and comfy seats and with a light steering and reasonably good visibility all round, it is also quite easy to drive both within the city and on the highways.

We don’t mind the handling too much either. Yes, it’s not as sharp as a sedan and it does roll more than we would have liked when driven around a hilly road, but it’s not scary. You can still point it in the direction you want to go and it will follow. The grip levels aren’t too bad either. And on dirt or gravel, with its predictive rear slides, it can be a great deal of fun too.

Our only grouse, if any, is with the drivetrain. The engine is fine – it has more than adequate power and is refined, but the six speed auto it is coupled to, is just too slow. It’s not game for quick changes at all whether be it going up or down the gearbox. Also, it feels pretty mushy. But, at least it feels better than in the fully auto mode. In the latter, there’s constant search for the right cog that translates into unnecessary revving of the engine. As far as engine goes, as we mentioned earlier, it’s a pretty decent unit and only sounds coarse close to the 4000rpm mark. But honestly, you don’t really need to go there thanks to the good torque spread.

The Renault Koleos is a vehicle that does whatever you ask of it pretty well, then be it highway cruising, daily city commute or a bit of off-roading. Moreover, it does so with finesse. So in that sense, it’s as complete a vehicle for India as it gets. But, it’s just not very exciting to drive. Also, it could have been priced a tad lower.