The Renault Koleos has a six-speed continuously variable transmission - and it's not for everybody. In fact, the CVT on the petrol 2.5 Dynamique Premium 4x4 model that I tested drew strong responses from other journos.
Some testers enjoyed its smooth and stepless power delivery uninterrupted by pauses during shifts. Others felt this didn't make up for a "slipping clutch" effect which kept the engine hollering at constant high revs during hard acceleration - although this aspect is fixed easily enough by using the car's manual shift.
The CVT also probably plays a role in the Koleos being no ball of fire, but it cruises pretty well. This 2.5-litre SUV doesn't get off the line in a big hurry. So it's not everyone's cup of tea, this transmission, and many buyers might opt for the six-speed manual instead.
A 127kW two-litre turbodiesel is also available to satisfy performance lust a little more.
Gearbox issues aside, how does the Koleos stack up to rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail (with which it shares its platform), Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV 4 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
For a newcomer to the SUV league, I think the French brand's first attempt is a decent one. To make up for not having a 4x4 heritage to fall back on, Renault needed an edge to attract buyers in this brand-conscious market, and one of the Koleos' selling points is its surprisingly accomplished off-roading ability.
The all-wheel drive version we tested has high ground clearance that even makes it through axle-twisters (when a front wheel and diagonally opposite rear wheel are in the air) which would stop some rivals in their tracks.
Driving the path less travelled is made easy and idiot-proof by offering the driver three modes, selected by a button on the fascia.
'Standard' mode varies torque between front and rear wheels through a multiplate clutch as road conditions demand, helped by electronic stability control, that makes sure there's always maximum grip on- or off-road. The other two modes are permanent two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Gradient descent control uses the anti-lock brakes to limit downhill speed to 7km/h and hill-start prevents roll-back on an ascent. There's no low range, however, so the Koleos won't quite follow in the tyre treads of a Land Rover Defender.
WALTZ OVER THE POTHOLES
Back on the road it's all smooth and settled, with the Koleos displaying good bump-absorption abilities. I found it amusing that Renault went so far as to show us a suspension movement chart which "scientifically" proved the Koleos' ride quality is superior to its rivals, but my seat-of-the-pants impression didn't contradict this.
The Koleos waltzed over Gauteng's potholes with impressive grace.
The French vehicle also displayed acceptable agility on twisty tar. Though it had more body roll than the average car it felt less top-heavy than many an off-roader I've driven.
The spacious five-seater cabin comes with most of the bells and whistles (except satnav), combined with reasonably upmarket finishes and eye-catching design.
The rear seats can recline and fold flat and there's 70 litres of cabin storage space, including a refrigerated cubby. The horizontally split tail door is handy when loading in a tight parking space.
The Koleos has a modern but fairly anonymous shape that's a little bland for a company that gave us the futuristic Avantime and Megane.
VERDICT
There's lots to like about this French multi-terrain madame. Its good points are a comfortable ride, decent off-road ability, plenty of features, great practicality and a reasonably competitive price.
However, that CVT is the sticking point. I think I'd be more inclined to give the Koleos a good appraisal if I'd tested the manual version and probably even more so had I tested the more powerful turbodiesel.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Cylinders:
Four, inline.
Capacity:
2488cc.
Fuel system:
Petrol, fuel-injected.
Power:
126kW at 6000rpm
Torque:
226Nm at 4400rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type:
Six-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) with sequential manual mode
SUSPENSION
Front:
Macpherson, gas-filled shock-absorbers, anti-roll bar.
Rear:
Multi-link, gas-filled shock-absorbers, anti-roll bar.
STEERING
Type:
Rack-and-pinion.
Steering column adjustment:
Height and reach
BRAKES
Front:
Vented discs
Rear:
Solid discs
Driver aids:
Power assistance
WHEELS/TYRES
Rims:
17" alloys
Tyres:
225/60
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Length:
4520mm
Width:
1850mm
Height:
1710 mm
Mass:
1622kg
FUEL TANK/CONSUMPTION
65 litres, 9.9 litres/100km.
194km/h.
ACCELERATION
0-100km/h:
13sec.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Automatic aircon; power windows; remote-controlled central locking; radio/CD; trip data computer; leather upholstery; front power seat adjustment; cruise control; power heatable mirrors
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Six crash bags; impact tensioning seat belts (front); stability control; anti-lock; descent control
MANUFACTURER SUPPORT
Three-year or 100 000km warranty.
Five-year or 60 000km service plan.
SERVICE INTERVALS
15 000km.
PRICE
R353 000 .
RIVALS
BMW X3 xDrive 2.5i Steptronic (160kW/250Nm) R484 100
Honda CR-V 2.4i VTEC RVSi (122kW/220Nm) R363 900
Jeep Cherokee 3.7 Limited auto (151kW/314Nm) R342 900
Land Rover Freelander 3.2 i6 S Commandshift (171kW/317Nm) R376 000
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4x4 CVT SE (125kW/226Nm) R363 200
Subaru Forester 2.5 XS Premium auto (126kW/229Nm)
R386 000; Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 auto (122kW/225Nm) R326 900;
VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI 4Motion Tiptronic Sport&Style (147kW/280Nm) R389 800