In September 2018, CARmag.co.za reported that Renault South Africa had opted to stop importing the Kadjar, with the larger Koleos set to replace it. And now the latest version of this crossover has officially arrived in SA, with the local range comprising three derivatives at launch.

The second-generation, five-seater Koleos was revealed back in 2016 and shares its platform with the Nissan X-Trail. In South Africa, it will thus compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5.

Interestingly, Renault SA says the Kadjar was simply too expensive to import from France, while the Korea-built Koleos is cheaper to bring in to SA.

Each of the three variants in the local Koleos range is powered by a naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine worth 126 kW and 233 N.m and mated with a continuously variable transmission. Renault SA says its research suggests there is higher local demand (up to 80 percent) for petrol engines in this segment than for diesel powerplants.

The front-wheel-drive Expression variant will be priced at R399 900 and boasts 17-inch alloys, a seven-inch infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality plus navigation), rear parking sensors and six airbags.

Next is the front-driven Dynamique model, which comes in at R439 900 and adds items such as 18-inch alloys, electrically fold side-mirrors, electrically adjustable leather seats (a R12 000 option on the Expression version), tyre-pressure monitoring, LED headlamps, a larger 8,7-inch infotainment screen, grey bumper protection (fore and aft), blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Finally, for R479 900, Renault offers the flagship Dynamique 4x4 model, with drive sent to all four corners.

Measuring 4 672 mm from nose to rump, the Koleos is a full 222 mm longer than the Kadjar, while at 2 705 mm its wheelbase is 58 mm more generous than that of the Kadjar. Luggage capacity comes in at a claimed 464 litres.

A five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) are also included.

Look out for CAR editor Terence Steenkamp’s driving impression in the next few days…

Original article from Car