Test drive: Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 150 cv 4×4 (Part II)

Continuing with the test of the Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 150 cv 4×4 (Part I), we now turn to the interior spaciousness of the Koleos and the finish of its materials. As far as interior space goes, it is a roomy vehicle with plenty of very practical storage spaces in various locations and with a clear family-oriented character.

In fact, the previous 4×4 model from Renault, the Scenic RX4, was already derived from an MPV. In the case of the Koleos, its aspiration is very similar, although it expands the off-road possibilities of the vehicle, as we saw in the previous part of the test.

Interior spaciousness, comfort and material finish

As I mentioned earlier, it is a roomy car, with many practical storage spaces. Only in the front seats do the doors have small compartments (see image) in addition to the typical ones in the lower part of the doors. The front seats offer a very comfortable and high driving position, with very good visibility (except to the rear, which is somewhat insufficient).

The front seats do not offer good lateral support and on somewhat tight bends they do not hold you as they should, but it is clear that the Koleos was not conceived for fast cornering, but rather for relaxed driving while enjoying the scenery and the Bose sound system. In the rear seats, there is enough space and you travel comfortably in them, with plenty of storage pockets and a detail I like very much: the rear air vents with adjustable airflow from the back.

As for the boot, the Renault Koleos has a capacity of 450 litres and is quite practical. The tailgate opens in two parts, and when loading something you get a flat surface. The only thing I did not like about the boot is the interior tray (above the spare wheel and the BOSE subwoofer), since the tray is made of soft plastic; I think it could have been made of a somewhat harder plastic.

As for the quality of the materials, nothing is out of place. The various materials in the cabin fulfil their function well and feature pleasant-to-the-touch plastics. It is also true that one cannot expect less from a car costing 30,000 euros. In addition, the navigation system is controlled by a joystick that is very easy to use and looks good. The audio controls are the same as those fitted to the new Mégane III, and there are steering-wheel controls for the radio and the Bluetooth hands-free system (very useful and fully integrated).

In short, it is a roomy car with a family character that does not give up its off-road capabilities. Furthermore, ride comfort is high and the model tested came with good standard equipment that makes any journey pleasant and enjoyable. In the next part we will discuss the equipment, costs and overall assessment of the vehicle.