The Renault KOLEOS made its international debut in 2008 and this is the first facelift the vehicle has received since its launch. The popular KOLEOS registered a 51 percent YOY growth in the first half of 2011. It is currently being sold across five continents and in markets as diverse as Europe, South America and Asia Pacific.

Speaking on the occasion, Marc NASSIF, Managing Director, Renault India said, “It is another proud moment for all of us at Renault India to launch our brand new SUV KOLEOS in the Indian market. The new KOLEOS will make its world debut a few days from now at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We are highly optimistic about the product and we are confident it will cater to the needs of all the customers who are looking for a premium, high-end SUV which combines both style and dynamic abilities.”

The Renault KOLEOS with an elegant and expressive front-end styling, carefully-finished interiors is built on a 4×4 platform with full blooded SUV dynamics which promises to deliver the best in class performance, safety and comfort. Talking further on Renault’s plans for the Indian market, Len Curran, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Renault India, said, “Today, Renault has achieved another milestone in its India journey, by launching the KOLEOS soon after launching the FLUENCE in May. Renault is committed to providing value, globally benchmarked product and service quality, network and after sales service to our Indian customers. We at present have 14 fully operational dealers and will be adding 26 more by end 2011. We expect to have around 100 dealerships in 55 cities by December 2012”.

The Renault KOLEOS will be available with a 2 litre dci diesel engine with a maximum power output of 150PS@4000rpm and peak torque of 320Nm@2000rpm. The Renault KOLEOS has one of the lowest emission standards in its category. The KOLEOS will be available in a 4×4 transmission mode with a six-speed automatic gear box. The 4×4 variant boasts of real off-road capabilities.

The new Renault KOLEOS (4×4 version) is also equipped with Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicle from slipping back on slopes and the Hill Descent Control which automatically holds the vehicle’s speed at a maximum of 7kph. Both are activated on gradients of 10 percent or more.

The power packed Renault KOLEOS comes equipped with the latest gadgets like parking sensors, hands free entry and ignition and a top-of-the-line Bose sound system which is a first for the Indian market in this segment. Renault’s rich heritage of producing quality and comfortable cars are evident in the KOLEOS’ well laid out, spacious interiors which boasts of an MPV like feel. Well thought out cabin space ensures that five adults can easily travel in comfort with ample head and leg room.

Meanwhile, the driver’s environment places the accent on visibility and comfort. The ideal driving position is easy to find thanks to the adjustable seat and the height- and reach adjustable steering column, while the rake of rear seatbacks can also be adjusted. Traveling comfort is further enhanced by the automatic dual-zone heating and climate control system which incorporates separate vents for the rear seats.

The New Renault KOLEOS boasts of 70 litres of stowage all around the cabin. The dashboard includes a cooled, 15-litre glove box, while the cubby in the centre console comes with a removable bin. Extra space at the front is provided thanks to a drawer beneath the front passenger seat. The ‘clamshell’-type split-opening tailgate facilitates access to the boot. The 60/40-split rear seat features Renault’s ‘easy estate’ system which enables it to be folded from the rear in a single operation.

The active safety credentials of New Renault KOLEOS are founded on the model’s chassis design and big brakes. The 320mm diameter front discs and 292mm rear discs bring the KOLEOS to a standstill from 100kph in just 41 metres. In emergency situations, when taking avoidance action or when grip is lost, Renault KOLEOS drivers can count on ABS with electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and ESC with understeer control. Even before the latter kicks in, the all-wheel drive transmission intervenes to adjust the front/rear torque-split as soon as the first signs of oversteer or understeer are detected.

When it comes to passive safety, Renault KOLEOS benefits from the brand’s years of extensive research into real-life accidents. The chassis has been engineered to incorporate programmed front and rear crumple zones, while the cabin’s structure serves as a protective cell in the case of an accident.

The new Renault KOLEOS is equipped with an array of occupant protection features, including six airbags, load limiters for the front and outer rear seat belts, front seat belt pre- tensioners. In case of an impact from behind, Renault KOLEOS’ seats and head rests guarantee an extremely high level of protection against whiplash.

The Renault KOLEOS is an all new Renault design and is being manufactured at its manufacturing facility in Oragadam, 35 Km outside Chennai and will be available immediately at all Renault dealership’s across the country.

To further lay emphasis on the after sales the company is offering its customer the “Renault COMPLETE CARE” service package which is a globally benchmarked offering and provides customers with a host of best-in-class facilities which includes a 4 years/80,000Km warranty, labour free service at 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000Km with 24/7 Roadside Assistance through a dedicated call center.

The cars would be serviced by COTECH technicians who have been specially trained at the Renault facility in France.