The Koleos is based on the platform and transmission systems of the X-Trail produced by its partner Nissan, but is a completely different vehicle in style and positioning.
It is built in Korea by Renault-Samsung, and will be sold in Ireland only with the 2.0 diesel engine, in 150hp and 175hp forms.
The car will offer 6-speed transmissions in manual and automatic forms, and there will be a 2WD entry level version.
CO2 emissions are rated from 191-221 g/km, a perceived disadvantage in the Irish market under the upcoming carbob-based VRT regime, but Nissan has ruled out offering the vehicle with a high end variant of its 1.5 dCi because of the car's weight.
Koleos is entering an increasingly crowded segment, which includes established compact SUVs like Toyota's RAV 4, Hyundai's Santa Fe and Kia's Sorento, and newcomers such as the upcoming Ford Kuga and VW's Tiguan.
Although the car has shown itself to be an effective off-roader in the so-called 'soft-road' sub-segment, it has been designed as an alternative to both the traditional SUV and the MPV vehicles for which Renault has established a strong reputation.
Now that the company has dipped its wheels in the 4x4 mud and ruts, it says it is actively planning to expand in the sector with a direct competitor to Nissan's Qashqai and a vehicle in the large SUV group.
