Renault Koleos October launch confirmed

Its official! Renault will launch the Koleos SUV in India this October. The company’s India website has revealed outline sketches of the Koleos and three other cars scheduled for launch in the next 16 months.

In March 2011, CarToq has reported that Renault has updated its website with the details of Fluence and Koleos confirming the launch of the two vehicles in India. Also read: Renault Duster India launch in July 2012

Renault Koleos

Renault Koleos is an all-terrain crossover that would attract buyers who want an MPV’s interior space as well as an SUV’s off-road capabilities.

Renault claims that the Koleos will offer precise steering feedback, impressive stability, commanding road view and a sedan-like driving feel. Further, the Koleos will have a responsive, 6-speed manual gearbox.

Koleos will be the first vehicle in India to offer a split-opening tailgate wherein users can keep objects that are over one meter wide. With regard to safety, the Koleos, being developed by the Renault-Nissan partnership has scored 5 stars in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Koleos’ engine

We expect the Koleos would be powered by a 1,995 cc (2.0 litre) diesel motor that produces 150 bhp of maximum power and 320 Nm of maximum torque.

A petrol version of the Koleos powered by a 2.5 litre petrol engine could also make its way to India. The 2.5 litre petrol motor produces 168 hp of maximum power and 226 Nm of maximum torque.

The Koleos will likely be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 versions knowing that not all SUV or crossover customers in India would go for off-road adventures. Also read: Renault Fluence and Koleos details updated on India website

Koleos is the ‘QM5’ in Korea

Koleos is currently manufactured by Renault Samsung Motors, a subsidiary of Renault, at its plant in Busan in South Korea. The Koleos is sold in the Korean market as the QM5. The QM5 is equipped with 6 airbags, dynamic control system, a tire-pressure monitor, and an all-new front-and-rear alarm. Whether these features will be available for the India-bound Koleos is unknown.

Koleos vs. competition

The Renault Koleos will lock horns with 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 in India

Renault is yet to open a dealership in India though the company has slated the launch of its first car, Fluence this June 2011. The French car maker, together with its Japanese partner, Nissan have invested Rs. 45 billion for setting up their factory across the 640 acres in Oragadam, near Chennai.

Currently, the Orgadam plant produces Nissan Micra. In future, the plant will manufacture both Nissan and Renault cars.