The 2017 Renault Koleos is a huge step up for the French brand.The launch of the second-generation Renault Koleos medium SUV in Australia is one of the company’s most significant to date. So significant that we are in fact the first market to get the car — not something we’re used to here in our remote corner of the world. This French rival to the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and imminent new Volkswagen Tiguan is poised to become the company’s top-seller here, which is fitting when you consider the continued rapid growth in this corner of the market. The new Koleos sits on the same proven architecture as the Nissan X-Trail (fruits of the global Renault-Nissan Alliance) and is once again built in Korea as part of Renault’s alliance with Samsung Motors. It’s larger than before, more upmarket and certainly better value.
Pros Interesting cabin design Plenty of interior space Good value The promise of reasonable ownership costs may surprise you
Cons Petrol engine and CVT uninspiring, a diesel would be good Not the rounded dynamic package that class-leaders are
The original Koleos was Renault’ s first crossover ever, and the newest iteration is set to be the brand’s flagship SUV that will compete against the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan X-Trail, among others. As Renault’s flagship SUV, the Koleos is now larger and offers seating for up to seven. It comes loaded with an automatic four-wheel drive system, new technology, and a decent list of driver assistance systems. When spy shots of the new Koleos started surfacing, I was a little skeptical that Renault would do right by the model. The original did well in some markets, but poor in others others . Now that we’ve seen the finished product, it’s pretty clear that Renault went all out on its new flagship SUV. It’s filled with technology that will be used and doesn’t have any of the extra crap that nobody ever uses. The interior is upscale and luxurious, and it is sure to be a hit in most markets.
Pros Updated styling Space for seven Up-scale features
Cons Could be too close to the X-Trail Engine packages might fall short
The all-new 2017 Kia Niro is classified as a compact hybrid crossover SUV, though it really functions more like a hatchback. Your view of the road is marginally higher because of the Niro's elevated stance, but Kia doesn't offer the Niro with all-wheel drive, so don't expect to be a snow-busting trailblazer in bad weather. The Niro's core appeal comes from its traditional exterior design (no "hybrid!" shouting here) as well as a new powertrain that is capable of returning up to an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Pros: Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model Six-speed transmission shifts like a conventional car's One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
Cons: All-wheel drive isn't offered despite the crossover styling Smaller cargo space compared to some rival models The Niro's Touring trim sacrifices some fuel efficiency
By calling it a crossover, the Korean brand also wants to get in the minds of the consumer wanting more utility. We all know crossover sales are booming, and part of their likeability is their higher ride height and boxy, useable interior space. But after spending a full day driving the Niro in Texas Hill Country, the question stuck in my head was whether it is really a crossover. The Niro is just 3.3 inches taller and has the same ground clearance as the Hyundai Ioniq, which it shares its platform with. And in terms of passenger volume, the Niro has only a small advantage, encasing 97.1 cubic feet versus the Ioniq’s 96.2 cubic feet. Although its two-box design might help its case for being a crossover, I suspect most will just see it as a lifted hatchback.
You shouldn’t have any nasty surprises, either. Kia was rated as above average in our most recent reliability survey and the Niro also gets a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – a class-leading feature.
Pros: Low CO2 emissions Spacious interior Long warranty
Cons: More conventional rivals are cheaper Not much fun to drive Firm low speed ride
