Review: Renault H45 Koleos (2008-15)

Review: Renault H45.I Koleos (2008-11)

Overview

Released in September 2008, the Renault H45 Phase I (H45.I) Koleos was a compact SUV. Manufactured in Busan, South Korea, the Koleos range initially consisted of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, powered by either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Furthermore, the range consisted of Dynamique and better-equipped Privilege variants. In May 2010, however, the range was revised – the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel models were only offered as automatic, AWD Dynamique variants and an entry-level Expression variant was introduced.

AWD system

The Renault Koleos shared the Nissan T31 X-Trail’s ‘All mode 4x4i’ all-wheel drive system which included a limited slip differential and three selectable modes: ‘2WD’ (front-wheel drive), ‘AUTO’ (front-wheel drive but able to re-direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle if the front wheels lost traction) and ‘LOCK’ (permanent four-wheel drive for speeds of up 40 km/h). All modes could be selected via a two-position, three-mode rotary knob located behind the gear lever on the centre console. The system also included Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control functions.

Dimensions and suspension

The Renault H45 Koleos was underpinned by the Nissan/Renault C platform which was also shared with the Nissan J10 Dualis and Nissan T31 X-Trail . As such, the H45 Koleos was 4520 mm long, 1805 mm wide, 1690 mm tall and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the H45 Koleos had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Renault H45.I Koleos included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiting seatbelts for all front and rear occupants.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Renault Koleos with a 2.0-litre dCi engine achieved a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.08 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver, while passenger leg protection was marginal. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and abdomen injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the Koleos Dynamique included 17-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary MP3/iPod connections, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cooled glovebox, cruise control with speed limiter, 60/40-split rear seat, start button, steering wheel audio controls, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking with Renault keyless card, power windows and heated mirrrors, power folding mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, automatic handbrake, roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Koleos Privilege was further equipped with a seven speaker Bose sound system with subwoofer, digital amplifier and subwoofer, beige leather seats, heated front seats, power adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment, front and rear parking sensors, cargo net and an electrochrome rear view mirror. The Privilege variant was also fitted with a ‘Modularity Pack’ (optional for the Dynamique) which included an ‘easy estate’ system that enabled the 60/40-split rear bench to be folded away through the operation of a lever, a forward folding front passenger, adjustable incline on rear seats, a removable centre console insert, rear armrest storage and a 12 volt outlet in the cargo area.

May 2010: Koleos update

Released in May 2010, the Expression was positioned below the Dynamique as the entry-level variant. Compared to the Dynamique, the Expression omitted climate control air conditioning, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, but was fitted with a six speaker sound system.

Furthermore, all variants were fitted with an integrated Tom-Tom satellite navigation system, RCA and USB connections, integrated Bluetooth and a roof spoiler. The Dynamique was fitted with a more powerful six speaker Arkamys sound system, while the Privilege received a power sunroof, black leather seats (previously beige) and ‘carbon-fibre effect’ centre console.

Brochure and specifications

• Brochure: Renault H45.I Koleos (May 2010)
• Specifications: Renault H45.I Koleos (May 2010)

Review: Renault H45.II Koleos (2011-13)

Overview

Released in November 2011, the H45 Phase II (H45.II) Koleos introduced additional features and revised styling. Visually, the H45.II Koleos could be identified by its new bonnet and grille, sleeker headlights, more rounded front bumper and door mirrors with LED indicators. Inside, there were new seat upholsteries, an updated instrument panel and aluminium highlights.

From December 2012, the Privilege variant was available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. The full H45.II Koleos range is given in the table below.

Features

Compared to their H45.I predecessors, standard features for the Expression variant were extended to include dual-zone climate control air conditioning. The Dynamique gained power adjustable front seats and the Modularity Pack, while the Privilege received 18-inch alloy wheels and directional bi-xenon headlights with washers.

Koleos Bose Special Edition

In September 2012, a limited-run Bose Special Edition variant was released. Compared to the Dynamique on which it was based, the Bose Special Edition was differentiated by its Bose audio system with seven speakers (including a subwoofer) and a digital amplifier. Visually, the Bose Special Edition could be identified by its 17-inch dark metal alloy wheels, piano black and ‘carbon fibre effect’ interior trim and Bose badging.

Related links

• Press kit: Renault H45.II Koleos (November 2011)

Review: Renault H45.III Koleos (2013-15)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the H45 Phase III (H45.III) Koleos introduced updated styling and more powerful turbo-diesel engines; the range was also simplified with the omission of Dynamique variants.

Visually, the H45.III Koleos could be identified by its chrome grille (with a large Renault logo at its centre), revised front bumper, door mirrors with LED indicators, chrome side protection strips and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a new steering wheel and seat trim commands.

Safety equipment

Compared to their H45.II predecessors, standard safety equipment for the Bose and Privilege variants was extended to include a blind spot warning function.

Features

Standard features for Expression variants were extended to include a lockable glove box, deadlocking and an alarm.

Beyond this, the Bose variants were further equipped with two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system with a seven-inch touch screen, front parking sensors, illuminated vanity mirrors, push-button start and an electrochrome rear view mirror.

In addition to the features of the Bose variants, the Privilege variants received two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a power adjustable front passenger seat and a reversing camera with parking sensors.

2014 Koleos Sport Way Limited Edition

Released in August 2014, the Koleos Sport Way Limited Edition was available as a front-wheel drive vehicle and with both petrol and turbo-diesel engines. Compared to the Bose variant, the Sport Way Limited Edition had 18-inch Bi-Ton alloy wheels, black leather upholstery with red stitching, heated front seats, a high-definition rear view camera.

Visually, the Sport Way Limited Edition could be identified by its black metallic paint finish and, inside, deep crimson highlights around the centre console and aluminium accents. Australian deliveries of the Sport Way Limited Edition were limited to 100 vehicles.

May 2015 update: features and Bose Premium

In May 2015, the Koleos range was revised as Bose Premium variants replaced the Privilege variants. Significantly, standard features extended to include Renault’s R-Link enhanced satellite navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen and a reversing camera.

The Koleos Bose gained LED daytime running lights and new grey perforated leather upholstery. Compared to the Bose variant, the Koleos Bose Premium featured 18-inch ‘Bi-Ton’ alloy wheels, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers and a power-operated glass panoramic sunroof.

Brochure

• Brochure: Renault H45.III Koleos (December 2013)

Related links

• Specifications: Renault H45.III Koleos Sport Way Limited Edition (August 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: Renault H45 Koleos