Photo: SB-Medien
In the last decade, Renault's biggest flop in terms of new models comes in the form of the Koleos compact SUV. Also known as the Samsung QM5, the model was designed by Renault and developed by Nissan, but never became the big seller it was expected to.
Despite everything, the French manufacturer tries to turn the Koleos around, but not with the typical facelift treatment. Instead, Renault confirmed it's developing the second generation Koleos, with the all-new model slated to break cover in 2016. As such, engineers are currently working hard at developing the thing and we got ourselves some spy shots of an early prototype caught testing in sunny Spain.
Despite the heavy, psychedelic camouflage that would make Jimi Hendrix trip his brains out, the Koleos prototype gives us a glimpse at what to expect to find in Renault showrooms two years from now on. The striking front grille design is an evolution of that adorning the Renault Captur B-segment crossover, while the LED headlights appear to be heavily inspired shape-wise by the ones of the Renault Fluence. But the rear hides something way more interesting - C-shaped LED taillights that look really great.
What about the oily bits? Well, the underpinnings are certainly shared with the new Nissan Qashqai, a model we've reviewed only recently. In addition to the Nissan CMF platform, some of the Renault Koleos test mule's body panels appear similarly-sized to those of the 2014 Nissan Qashqai. In terms of powertrain options, we expect the usual six-speed manual and Nissan-sourced CVT transmissions to be mated to a limited range of turbocharged petrol and diesel-fed four-cylinder powerhouses.
Despite the heavy, psychedelic camouflage that would make Jimi Hendrix trip his brains out, the Koleos prototype gives us a glimpse at what to expect to find in Renault showrooms two years from now on. The striking front grille design is an evolution of that adorning the Renault Captur B-segment crossover, while the LED headlights appear to be heavily inspired shape-wise by the ones of the Renault Fluence. But the rear hides something way more interesting - C-shaped LED taillights that look really great.
What about the oily bits? Well, the underpinnings are certainly shared with the new Nissan Qashqai, a model we've reviewed only recently. In addition to the Nissan CMF platform, some of the Renault Koleos test mule's body panels appear similarly-sized to those of the 2014 Nissan Qashqai. In terms of powertrain options, we expect the usual six-speed manual and Nissan-sourced CVT transmissions to be mated to a limited range of turbocharged petrol and diesel-fed four-cylinder powerhouses.
Google News