Heightened further by the spotting of two Koleos’ around Johannesburg, which Renault described as homologation models, the automaker has now officially confirmed it as a replacement for the Kadjar by announcing both price and specification details.

On sale since 2016, with an alleged facelift model arriving next month in Geneva, the Koleos rides on alliance partner Nissan’s CMF platform that currently underpins the X-Trail and which measures 4 670mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 710mm, height of 1 678mm and width of 1 840mm. According to Renault, this translates to a boot space of 464-litres or 1 795-litres with 60/40 split rear seat folded down.

Incorporating styling from the Talisman sedan, the updated Megane and more recently, the all-new Clio, the Koleos will initially be offered in a choice of two trim levels, all powered by the same 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine as the X-Trail with a choice of two-or all-wheel drive. A diesel engine will reportedly arrive at a later stage.

Starting the range off, the Expression rides on 17-inch silver grey Esquisalloy wheels and comes with a seven-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen infotainment system incorporating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control and USB, LED daytime running lights, satin chrome roof rails, auto on/off headlights with cornering function, cruise control with speed limiter, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, electric windows all around, rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, an Arkamys 3D sound system, rain sense wipers, rear parking sensors, six airbags, ABS with EBD, BAS and EBA, Traction and Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist.

At the sharp-end, the Dynamique swaps the 17-inch alloys for 18-inch silver grey Taranis rollers and further adds a stain chrome front skidplate, leather seats and steering wheel, the portrait-style 8.7-inch R-Link 2 system with a SD card slot, interior ambient lighting, the Pure Vision LED headlights, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, keycard, electric front seats, Blind Spot Monitor, front parking sensors with a reverse camera, tyre pressure monitor, electrically folding mirrors and ambient dashboard lighting.

Boasting a ground clearance of 210mm, the Koleos, as mentioned, will be limited to petrol power with the free-breathing four-cylinder making 126kW/233Nm. Tipping the scales at 1 498kg, the motor is teamed to a CVT with Renault claiming a top speed of 185km/h, and 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.1-litres/100km.

In Dynamique guise, the Koleos also comes with Nissan’s All Mode 4x4-i system as an option that offers a choice of three modes; 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock, the latter allowing for an even spread of torque when traversing slippery terrain. In four-wheel drive guise, the 1 565kg  Koleos will dispatch the 0-100km/h mark in 9.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 199km/h. Combined consumption is a claimed 8.3 seconds.

At launch, the Koleos will have the option of six colours; Solid White, Ultra Silver, Metallic Black, Mineral Beige, Metallic Grey and Cosmo Blue with a five year/100 000km warranty and five year/90 000km service plan standard across the range.

PRICING