We've always had a bit of a soft spot for Renault's big SUV, the Koleos, even through it lacks the seven-seat layout of some of its key rivals. Well, it's being updated for the 2020 model year, and Renault Ireland has just announced prices for the revised Koleos.
Cheaper than the outgoing Koleos
Those prices start from €40,990 for the most basic mode, which means it's a little cheaper than before. Well, basic is not quite the right word. All new Koleos models come with hands-free parking, two-stage reclining rear seats and full LED headlights. Iconic versions also offer seven-inch touch screen with navigation, rear parking cameras, and blind spot and lane departure warning - all standard on the Iconic version. A higher-spec GT-Line model gains an 8.7-inch touch screen and 19-inch two-tone alloys.
Updated styling
On the outside, the Koleos gets new bumpers, a new, more prominent grille with a giant Renault diamond badge, and more 'satin' chrome trim. There's more chrome down the side, too. We like chrome. Just as well, really...
New 1.7 diesel engine
Under the bluff bonnet, there are bigger changes, with the arrival of a new 1.7-litre dCi diesel engine, with 150hp, plus a revised 2.0-litre dCi diesel which now comes with 190hp, and which also comes in a four-wheel drive version. Both engines have lower CO2 figures than their predecessors, which means that annual tax costs for the 1.7 fall from €570 to €390, compared to the older, basic 2.0-litre model. All versions come with a CVT automatic gearbox as standard.
As the Koleos is arriving into dealerships now, it means that it comes under Renault Ireland's 201-registration offer, which means that you can get 'guaranteed savings' worth as much as €3,500 from Renault Bank if you're buying on finance.