First launched in Malaysia in front-wheel drive guise only, the Renault Koleos range has now been expanded to include a new four-wheel drive variant. The Koleos 2.5L 4WD is available at an estimated price of RM 201,800 on-the-road without insurance, and comes with five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and complimentary one-year RENCARE Roadside Assistance membership.

Powering the Koleos 2.5L 4WD is the familiar 2.5 litre QR25DE naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with 171 PS and 226 Nm, which is identical to the one used on the 2WD variant. The mill is paired with an X-Tronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with drive going through the SUV’s All-Mode 4×4-i four-wheel drive system. Drivers will have three modes to choose from – 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock – and they can be cycled through via switch to the right of the steering wheel. The first mode (2WD) allows the Koleos to run in front-wheel drive in the interest of keeping fuel consumption down.


In 4WD Auto, the system monitors both longitudinal and lateral acceleration, as well as yaw rates and steering angles to determine the ideal front/rear torque split (from 100:0 to 50:50) to provide the maximise grip and minimise understeer or oversteer. Lastly, 4WD Lock is best used when traversing more demanding terrain like mud and sand, with the system engaging permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40 km/h to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50:50) for maximum stability.

The Koleos 2.5L 4WD is nearly identical to the 2WD variant, except with the addition of a hands-free power tailgate and shark fin antenna. Standard items include full-LED Pure Vision headlights, 18-inch ‘Argonaute’ alloy wheels, 8.7-inch colour touchscreen, R-Link 2 infotainment system, 7-inch colour TFT instrument display, leather upholstery, powered driver’s seat (with lumbar adjustment) and dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear air-con vents).


Similarly, the comprehensive safety kit continues to include six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), Isofix child seat anchors, ESP, traction control, ABS (with EBD and BA), all-round parking sensors, rear view camera and hill start assist.

Customers will also get to choose from five body colours – Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic, Meissen Blue and Marron Red – the last being an option exclusive to the Koleos 2.5L 4WD.