Geneva motor show 2008 - Renault Koleos

This is the first fully fledged 4x4 to wear a Renault badge – although it comes with a huge helping of Nissan X-Trail as part of a development agreement.

The Koleos will go on sale with a choice of three engines: 147bhp and 172bhp 2.0-litre diesels and a 167bhp 2.5-litre petrol. Emissions figures have not been released yet.

It will be sold in the UK with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Renault says it has paid particular attention to ensuring that the Koleos handles well on and off road. To underline the car’ all-terrain credentials, it is fitted with an altimeter and barometer.

The four-wheel drive system is designed to put power through the front wheels only in normal driving. When the car detects wheelspin, it switches automatically to all-wheel drive.

For buyers who don’t want to take their car off road, there will also be a version with front-wheel drive only.

Electronic driver aids include Hill Start Assist, which is activated automatically on gradients of more than 10%, and Hill Descent Control, which holds the car at a maximum of 5mph when going downhill off road.

Standard features extend to a split-opening tailgate for easier access, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, keyless entry and engine starting, a tyre pressure monitor and cruise control.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and stability control.

Although no official prices have been released, speculation points to a Toyota-RAV4-rivalling starter price of £19,000.