RENAULT KOLEOS 4X4 REVIEW

My car

We bought this car as an Ex Renault to go vehicle from a dealer(17,500mls) who's Sales manager used it for transport to and from home. The vehicle is great to drive and the cabin is roomy enough in the front but lacks a little rear seat leg room.The plastics in the cabin are adequate and easily wipe clean. The Sat Nav is a little dissappointing in detail and doesnt cover minor B roads. The ride is comfortable and the body lean when pushed round country lanes is not excessive and quite acceptable.The fuel figures are a lot worse than advertised and even driving it sedately still do not exceed 38mpg.

The only trouble we have had is something you don't expect at that mileage and that was the Engine Blew up at 18,356 WHILST DOING 40MPH. The service of Renault customer Services need a lot to be desired with help to keep me mobile A complete new engine was fitted by my local dealer eventually after Renault made there mind up at last to replace it.The Dealer was great and leant me a car for the 3wks it was off the road.Pity Renault dont take a leaf out off there dealers Customer Care Manual.They were excellent.

My car

Took a risk with the Koleos after 4 years (and endless faults!) with a Scenic. Different league. Well thought out design and well put together. The cabin design and equipment level is good. Agree it's not the most strikingly attractive vehicle, but it doesn't follow the mould. Would also agree to previous points about media roadtest comments. Handling/ride are great. Clutch is not an issue. Re-positioned handbrake is a delight. Rear space is a bit lacking, but we're adjusting after the Scenic. Rear boot also smaller but the split tailgate is superb. Running costs around town are edging on poor, but it's a big car. All-in-all, no regrets whatsoever. Just hope reliability lives up to expectations.

My car

Picked up this car for less than £14,000 new, with metallic paint so value is great! Very impressed with the quality, fit and finish of everything, no undue squeaks or rattles and nice, tactile materials. Performance is not rocketship, but it goes well enough for what it is. The engine is smooth with bags of torque from 1500 rpm upwards. Very quiet in the cruise. The gearbox is slightly notchy between 1st & 2nd, but not a problem once you get used to it. Clutch bites slightly early which may be what others have alluded to in road tests. Comfort is excellent - the ride is "French", so the handling does feel a bit soft (but never worrying). Leg room is good in the front, average in the back. Loads of practical nooks and crannies for storage and the kids love the pop-up trays. Drop down tailgate is a nice idea and works well in practice. Instruments are clear and the lights are excellent. Averaging between 39 and 43 mpg so not as bad as some reviews would make you think. All in all, I'm very pleased and agree with Peter Malkin - if you want something sportier, spend another £10K (and the rest) on an Audi, BMW or Land Rover!

My car

Well - I'm not a petrol head (just so you know!) Originally went to look at Kuga and LR Freelander. LR could not have been less helpful. On way back - pondering what to do - saw a brand new Koleos at a renault garage. Test drove - did a deal and now own! Firstly it is the ugliest car ever (but thats OK!) it is however extremely well put together - no rattles/creaks - very cleaver storage - everywhere! Comfortable driving position, plenty of equipment. We live off an unmade road - so genuinely need the 4x4 - and its good! trying to remember its a new car has tempered me slightly!. Most of the engine parts have Nissan labels on them !. The clutch has been mentioned as 'jerky' - not had a problem. Electric brake takes a little getting used to but once you get the hang its easy! So far in 300 miles Av mpg showing at 42.8 mpg All in all cant find anything I dont like ! Very pleased with it! Only one issue - dealer had inflated tyres to 45psi (why???) now down to 33 as per book - and ride is even better!