Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
Everything. The new Mercedes-AMG GLA35 and GLA45 are based on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, which is a ground-up redesign.The Mercedes-AMG GLA-class is offered in both GLA35 and GLA45 guise, and both come standard with a host of performance features that turn up the heat on the Benz-branded GLA250. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a sport-tuned suspension. Pricing and option packages haven't yet been officially released, so we aren't sure which one represents the best value. But, that 382-hp version of the GLA's turbo-four makes the GLA45 model the most compelling from a performance standpoint.
AMG waves its wand over the new baby SUV from Benz.
PROS Fierce package Second row fits adults, hurrah Will become the most popular baby AMG for a reason
CONS Front seat is uncomfortable Noisy cabin is far from premium Some will write you off as a wannabe
The GLA has been fully redesigned for 2021.
PROS Smooth ride and comfortable seats Features one of today's best, most advanced infotainment systems Mercedes badge at an affordable price
CONS Most of the GLA's advanced safety features are optional Too much road noise for a luxury SUV Cargo capacity is small compared to Mercedes' GLB
