Renault Koleos

Renault is only known for one model here and that is the Megane RS. Somehow the French brand has managed to switch its modus operandi here from selling delivery vans (the Kangoo) to pushing performance cars,and it is doing very well indeed.

So you're forgiven if you have forgetten about its SUV, the Koleos.It is a peculiar looking SUV,mid-sized and all, but actually quite a nice SUV to drive.

Earlier last year the Koleos received a much needed facelift. The redesigned headlights and front grille put it in sync not only with the other Renault models but also with the rest of the market.

In size, the Koleos is slightly shorter than the typical C-segment sedan, for example the Honda Civic, but sits taller and wider. That does fit its SUV image.

lts origins are interesting. Designed by Renault, the Koleos was then developed by Nissan using its X-Trail platform and powertrain. Later, the project was shipped to Busan so that Renault Samsung Motors could assemble it for global consumtion. You can say the Koleos is an international effort,and that is why it holds a special position in many markets.

This crossover focuses more on car-like road handling, hence its unique shape. The rear actually is its most interesting aspect. Half of the hatch opens up while the other half folds down. You can even sit on the bottom half, as long as your weight doesn't exceed 200kg.

Overall, the shape requires some getting used to. lt is not ugly, but it is not as snazzy as the Korean or American makes. The Koleos has a tallish roof and short wheelbase, and the swooping roof does not really make it look balanced. Still, there is a reason for that and once you get in, you will know why. The cabin has a high ceiling and although the front seats are positioned high, there is still headroom for tall drivers beneath the panoramic roof.

The dashboard layout is not as funky as the exterior might suggest. The switches and knobs do have that premium feel but they look and feel Japanese. The centre console is actually cluttered with buttons and it will take a new owner a while to get to know what's what.

The audio head unit and the satellite navigation share space on the display unit. The audio controller is not the easiest to understand but soon you will be able to change channels or tracks using the short stalk on the right hand side of the steering wheel.

The sat-nav can be controlled via the toggle on the console just behind the gear lever. There are buttons surrounding the toggle, ala BMW's i-Drive, but they are a bit more complicated. The audio quality is punchy and that is because Renault uses a Bose system here.

The ALL-Wheel-Drive system is similar to the Nissan X-Trail's, which means that in Auto mode torque can be distributed 50/50 to the front and rear wheels. You can also opt for 4WD Lock where  the torque will always be distributed evenly. If it is highway all the way, 2WD mode can make it a permanent front-wheel-drive.

The transmission system is a CVT unit. It runs quietly and has less of a rubberland effect compared with other similar systems.

More interesting features adorn the Koleos inside. ln true French fashion, there are foldable picnic tables behind each front seat, a plastic bin that you can remove from the centre console (it's either an ice bucket or a rubbish bin) and the armrests on the front doors can be actually flipped open to store five CDs.

Renault's claim that the Koleos is more like a car does hold water. Comfort level is in fact as good as that found in premium sedans. The steering feedback was not the best but it was better than most SUVs. lt allowed us to track quickly around sharp bends.

The offroad session was limited to some slightly muddy Felda trails and some rocky construction areas where the Koleos's AWD system kicked in quietly to provide enough grip. So easy was it that an inexperienced lady driver thought she was ready to tackle the next Camel Trophy Challenge, if they ever bring it back.

Yes, RM198,000 is not cheap but the Koleos provides almost everything you need in an urban soft-roader. It is also a rarity on the road and this will lend you some air of exclusivity, something not many SUV's in this price range can do..