Face-lifted Renault Koleos SUV may come to India

Renault’s next product for the Indian market is the Koleos SUV. The French car maker has unveiled the face-lifted version of the Koleos in international market and we expect this new version for Indian buyers too.

The face-lifted Koleos receives new exterior styling, interior trim, better fuel efficiency and less CO2 emission. We expect this new SUV to hit India in November 2011.

On the exterior, the front grille of the new Koleos has a bold horizontal chrome grille with a large Renault logo incorporated at the middle. The headlamps are slightly angular and focused, thanks to the attention to details that gives them an enhanced look. The fog lamps get chrome lines above them and the rear view mirrors get LED indicators.

The new Koleos gets high ground clearance, prominent wheel arches and sporty wheels. The rear end of the Koleos has a distinctive tail lamp cluster, the roof rails and reflectors at the rear bumper, parking sensors and rear under body protection renders the SUV, a purposeful stance.

The Koleos measures 4.52 m in length and 1.85 m in width. On the inside, the Koleos has new dashboard and new upholsteries and trims for customers to choose. The boot space is 450 litres and can be extended to 1,380 litres.

Under the hood, the new Koleos will be powered by TR25 petrol motor that makes 170 bhp while the diesel version will be powered by M9R engines that will have a power ranging between 150 bhp and 175 bhp. However, the India-bound SUV may have different engine such as a 2.5 diesel motor producing 168 bhp.

The new Koleos will be available with both 4×2 and 4×4 transmission. It will also sport features like a Bose audio system, navigation, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Dual-zone climate control. Renault has not announced the prices of the face-lifted Koleos.

The Renault Koleos will lock horns with BMW X1, Toyota’s Fortuner, Chevrolet’s Captiva, Ford’s Endeavour and Honda’s CR-V if priced in the same range. Currently, Toyota Fortuner is the top-selling SUV in the Rs. 20 – 25 lakh price range.

Brand reputation, after sales service and performance are the key factors that buyers will look out for in this class of vehicles all of which Renault can provide.

Renault India currently has 14 dealerships across the country and plans to open 40 dealerships by December 2011 in 30 cities and 100 dealerships by the end of 2012 in 55 cities.

(Photo Courtesy: Netcarshow)