Renault distributor TC Euro Cars has introduced the 2021 Koleos in Malaysia, two years after the SUV received its first facelift. The model year update brings a couple of mild aesthetic revisions as well as a few equipment upgrades, although the mechanicals remain identical. Prices start at RM 181,886 on-the-road without insurance for the base model, rising up to RM 201,087 for the Signature and topping out at RM 206,887 for the Signature Plus. Those figures represent a significant increase over the previous model, ranging from RM 8,685 to a whopping RM 19,020. Included is a 50% sales and services tax (SST) rebate valid until June 30, as well as a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Whichever model you get, the Koleos is
powered by the familiar 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine,
lifted from the Nissan X-Trail. It makes 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of
torque at 4,400 rpm, sent to the front wheels through an Xtronic CVT. Fuel
consumption is rated at 8.1 litres per 100 km. The Koleos retains the same
exterior design introduced on the facelift, but with a couple of key changes.
The projector Pure Vision LED headlights have been switched to reflector units,
which are claimed be 10% more energy efficient compared to the previous lamps.
They continue to be offered as standard across the range, as are the LED taillights
with a new three-dimensional effect and sequential indicators.
Inside, the Signature and Signature Plus
receive new front seats with wider “relax” headrests and cushion length
adjustment, as well as ventilation and driver’s side massage and memory
functions. They also feature Sand Grey quilted Nappa leather upholstery
(replacing the previous Riviera leather, still offered on the base Koleos) and
natural grain grey wood trim (the base model’s striped wood decor is also new),
all of which go some way towards justifying the price hike. Otherwise, the
standard kit list has been retained and includes 18-inch Taika alloy wheels,
keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable
front seats with driver’s side lumbar adjustment, an auto-dimming rear-view
mirror, the R-Link 2 infotainment system with an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen
and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, eight speakers, a reverse
camera and a new hands-free function for the powered tailgate.
The Signature adds on 19-inch Kavea alloys
and a panoramic glass sunroof, on top of the aforementioned accoutrements.
Differentiating the Signature Plus from the other models are grey front and
rear bumper skirts, side steps and a front and rear dash cam. Aside from the
usual purchasing route, customers can also subscribe to the new Koleos, with
monthly fees starting from RM 2,599 for the base Koleos, RM 3,099 for the
Signature and RM 3,399 for the Signature Plus, all on a three-year tenure.
