Renault Koleos crossover: first official pics

The Renault Koleos is also fitted with a Hill Descent Control System which will automatically hold the car’s speed at a maximum of 4pm on gradients of more than ten per cent

These are the first official pictures of the Renault Koleos crossover – the French car maker’s first 4x4.

Developed with Nissan, the Renault Koleos will share the same 4x4 platform as the Nissan X-Trail, where in areas of low grip up to 50 per cent of the car’s pulling power will be transferred to the rear wheels.

The Renault Koleos is also fitted with a Hill Descent Control System which will automatically hold the car’s speed at a maximum of 4pm on gradients of more than ten per cent without the driver having to use their brakes.

Prices will be announced closer to launch, but are expected to start at around £19,000.

Safety features on the Renault Koleos include anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic stability programme and six airbags. Tests show it will brake from 62mph to standstill in just 42 metres – 30 metres less the Highway Code’s suggested distance.

The Renault Koleos hasn’t been crash tested by EuroNCAP, but it’s expected to score highly with all Renaults currently awarded the full five stars. 

Buyers will have the choice of two 2-litre diesel engines producing 150bhp and 175bhp respectively. The 150bhp engine is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox with two or four-wheel drive, while the 175bhp diesel is mated to a six-speed manual and four-wheel drive.

Inside, the Renault Koleos features a host of luxuries including a 15-litre chilled glovebox, dual-zone climate control and a Bose sound system, while buyers can opt for sat-nav, a six-CD autochanger, Bluetooth and bi-xenon headlights.

The Renault Koleos’ 450-litre boot capacity can be extended to a cavernous 1,380 litres by fully folding the rear seats.

On sale in July, the Renault Koleos will go up against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV 4 and recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Renault Koleos will be officially unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. We’ll be reporting live from Switzerland so don’t forget to come back for all the big news.