This is the all-new Renault Koleos, a name you might remember from when the French carmaker tried its hand at SUVs before they became truly fashionable. That one was pulled from sale in the UK back in 2010 due to slow sales (and the fact it was a bit rubbish).New Renault Koleos majors on passenger space and isn’t a bad drive either It seems to be second-time lucky for the Koleos: with its smaller siblings – the Captur and Kadjar – both performing well, Renault hopes that this larger model further boost its fortunes.
Pros Passenger space, standard equipment, driving refinement
Cons Only offered as a five-seater, no auto for smaller engine
The Koleos is stylish and well equipped, but it’s not as spacious or as well made as some of its rivals.
Pros Well equipped Nicely finished inside Lots of safety kit
Cons Lumpy ride No seven-seat option Limited boot space
The exterior changes of this Renault Koleos 2020 with very subtle. Aesthetically there is not a big jump although this facelift will arrive with some changes, especially in the front with new Pure Vision LED headlights available throughout the range and a newly designed lower area of the bumpers and fog lights, an area that also changes slightly In the back. A series of touch-ups with which you want to offer a somewhat more elegant image and also offering the SUV's more off-road appearance . Updates in this exterior section are completed with a new Vintage Red metallic color and two-tone alloy wheels. The interior is also updated with improved softer feel materials , revised inserts and rear seats that receive a reclining backrest in two stages. The R-Link2 infotainment system has also been improved by adding integration with Apple CarPlay that can be accessed through 7 or 8.7-inch touchscreens . In the safety section, you receive a new automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection.
Genuinely capable 4x4 can seat seven and tow big loads.
PROS Tough, rugged and reliable workhorse Far better than previous model Huge boot in five-seat mode Seven-seat version available CONS Ride can be choppy Not much engine/gearbox choice Relatively unknown brand Low fuel economy and high tax
The Rexton is a well-priced SUV that has a lot of boot space for the money and can carry seven people. Reviews are fairly poor though since it’s not good to drive, noisy and has a dull image. It is one of the cheapest ways to move large loads and more people than usual however, so if you’re in that market then it’s worth a look.
Pros Good off-road Practical Long warranty
Cons Poor ride Noisy Outdated
The Rexton’s four-wheel drive system spends most of its life driving the rear wheels only, diverting power to the front when conditions get more slippery. In most of the cars sold in the UK it will be controlled through a Mercedes-sourced seven-speed automatic transmission - but a six-speed manual is likely to be offered on entry-level editions. The dashboard has a clean look - again, with some cues from the Tivoli - but cross-stitched material panels and Nappa leather add a touch of luxury. The equipment on offer will include dual-zone climate control, a powered rear tailgate that opens automatically when the keyholder has been standing behind it for three seconds, and a new level of safety kit for SsangYong, including nine airbags and rear cross-traffic alert.
