Renault Koleos gets a mid-life update

-    The updated Renault Koleos gets a refreshed design, updated equipment and new engine options. 

-    Slated to go on sale in October in the international markets, an India debut is unlikely.

Renault has revealed their biggest SUV with a mid-life update. The Koleos facelift gets a revised fascia while the cabin gets a new infotainment system with added equipment. Meanwhile, under the hood, there are now options for more powerful engines.

Appearance wise, the characteristic Renault grille has been updated with chrome pin design along with additional chrome garnish around the fog lamps. Part of the update ia the bigger 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels with a diamond finish. At the rear, the changes are limited to redesigned skid plate which now matches the one at the front. 

Meanwhile, the changes on the inside are restricted to the revised front seat, panoramic sunroof and added seat functions such as extendable seat cushions, as well as heating and ventilation functions. Additionally, the driver’s seat now gets a massaging system but that comes as an optional extra. On the other hand, the R-Link2 infotainment system also gets vertical smartphone readability. The list of added equipment includes a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Apart from the all the features which were already offered in the SUV, Renault now offers active emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, smart LED Pure Vision headlamps, a 13 speakers Bose sound system and repositioned pair of USB ports. 

Under the hood, the French SUV has gained new diesel engines – a 1.8-litre unit with 150bhp and a more powerful 2.0-litre motor putting out 190bhp. The pair gets the X-Tronic automatic transmission as standard but the latter sends power to all four wheels. 

Following its global premiere, the updated Koleos will hit the streets in October in the international markets. But in India, the Koleos was taken off back in 2016. The SUV – along with the Fluence – didn’t manage to find many buyers in India. Especially in comparison to the recent heavily localised line-up of products. But given the growing demand for high-riding vehicles, Renault should consider reintroducing the Koleos in India. But nothing is certain at the moment.