2014 Renault Koleos switches to FWD
An updated version of the Renault Koleos enters the Malaysian market today, launched in conjunction with the opening of TC Euro Cars’ fourth Renault branch in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. Carrying the same level of amenities as before, the 2014 Koleos is nevertheless available at a much more affordable price of RM185,888, a significant reduction from the existing model’s price of nearly RM230k.
This massive drop in price is made possible by the crucial deletion of all-wheel drive from the Koleos’ mechanical make-up, meaning the vehicle is now front-wheel drive, although it is still powered by the same 2.5-litre Nissan QR engine shared with the X-Trail. Outputs remain unchanged at 170hp and 226Nm, channeled to the front axle by Jatco’s X-Tronic CVT.
First unveiled at the Buenos Aires International Motor Show last year, the Koleos launched today is the model’s second facelift since the original debuted in the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Malaysia first received the Koleos in 2010 and the first facelifted version came in 2012.
Despite its considerable reduction in price however, the Koleos is still perched at the mid-sized SUV segment’s upper end of the price scale, and it consequently comes with a considerable amount of kit to justify its asking price. To start with, you get a Bose stereo system, not something that enamours us, but a big enough deal for Renault to put ‘Bose’ badges on the vehicle’s fenders and door skid plates.
Complementing the high-end stereo is Renault’s new R-Link in-dash multimedia system complete with a 7-inch touch screen (which appeared rather far to reach) and a centre console-mounted rotary control knob. The system includes satellite navigation, voice control, Bluetooth handsfree integration, and USB connectivity. Rounding off the equipment list are keyless entry, blind spot warning, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist, and electronic parking brake.
