Renault Korea has set a starting price of 34.95 million won for the new Renault Koleos. The E-Tech Hybrid starts at KRW 3,777,000, while the fully-optioned Esprit Alpine, the top trim level, is priced at KRW 4,567,000 (after completion of the eco-car certification and tax incentives).
New Renault Grand Koleos is available with three powertrains: petrol turbo 2WD, 4WD and E-Tech Hybrid. The E-Tech Hybrid delivers a peak power output of 245 hp. It has a dual-motor system with a 100-kilowatt drive electric motor and a 60-kilowatt high-voltage starter motor. Topped off with a 1.64-kilowatt-hour battery, it can be driven in electric mode for up to 751 TP3T of its total range in city traffic. Even at highway speeds, it delivers class-leading fuel efficiency of 15.8 km/L (in Techno trim).
New Renault Koleos also benefits from a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, the longest in its segment, and generous rear legroom and knee room. The two-position adjustable rear seats can be split 60/40 and offer up to 2,034 litres of luggage space (petrol model) when folded.
A range of advanced driving assistance features are standard on all trims, including Level 2 Autonomous Driving Assist. Real-time T-Map navigation and voice recognition system Nougat Auto are also standard. With a focus on safety design, the body incorporates 24 ultra-high-strength 'hot press moulded' (HPF) components, with a ratio of 181 TP3T. This ensures a high level of safety in the event of a collision.
For the first time, the openR panoramic screen is also available as standard equipment (with the exception of the passenger display, which is standard or optional depending on trim). The openR panoramic screen features three 12.3-inch screens that all function independently, yet are highly connected. The passenger display can also be used independently to access cinema OTT services, music streaming services, and various web services through the NAVER Whale browser.
5G data for infotainment services is free for five years, and you can also use the hotspot setting to connect various electronics in the car via Wi-Fi (20GB per month, then throttled).
The top-of-the-range Esprit Alpine trim level of the E-Tech Hybrid features a number of 'sporty' design cues inspired by the Renault Group's flagship sports car brand, Alpine. The Alpine-specific radiator grille at the centre of the front emphasises its sporty character, while exterior details in Alpine's distinctive blue colour and a metallic black roof are among the highlights. Full options include a BOSE® surround sound system (10 speakers) with active noise cancellation, an augmented reality head-up display and acoustic windscreen glass.
Manufactured at the Busan plant, which boasts the highest level of production quality, the new Renault Grand Koleos will be available at Renault Korea showrooms nationwide from 19 July. Following the completion of the eco-friendly vehicle certification in August, deliveries of the new Renault Grand Koleos will begin on 6 September, starting with the E-Tech Hybrid model.
Article roadtesting editorial (kyuyongk98@gmail.com)
Photo Renault Korea