► Renault Koleos Initiale Paris unveiled
► Koleos set to arrive in the UK in 2017
► Latest pictures, details and specs
Here’s one of the five new Renault models making their European debut at the 2016 Paris motor show – and its name might be one you’d struggle to remember: the Koleos.
The first-gen Koleos was effectively a Nissan X-Trail dressed with a heavy dose of awkward styling. This new second-gen model, however, features the brand’s latest styling –helping it shake off the old model’s awkward Audi Q3-like profile for something more rugged and chunky. Think more Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Kia Sorento.
What’s so special about the Initiale Paris verison?
The plushed-up Initiale Paris version is Renault’s equivalent of a Ford Vignale, if you like. It features a posher-looking deep metallic purple finish, 19-inch wheels and bespoke badging.
You can expect plenty of additional leather and Initial Paris badging to uplift the interior, too, along with a raft of safety tech and a Bose 13-speaker audio system.
Whether this particular model will be available in the UK remains to be confirmed, but the Koleos range is due to arrive in the UK for the summer of 2017. Given its more upmarket looks, it may well appeal to more than just the loyal Renault customers this time around.
Is Renault chasing the crossover coin?
Predictably (and justifiably), yes. The profitable SUV market is increasingly competitive nowadays and Renault does not want to be left out. With the Kwid, Capture (or Kaptur), and Kadjar taking care of the crossover sector, the Koleos will act as the flagship SUV in the Renault range.
It’s got all-wheel drive, and 213mm of ground clearance, too – so it should be capable of effortlessly hopping over kerbs…
There should be plenty of interior space (289mm of rear knee room, to be exact, according to the figures released so far) and it will feature an 8.7-inch R-Link 2 multimedia system.
Find out more about the car in our previous story.
See more from the Paris motor show here