Named like the concept unveiled at the 2000 Geneva motor Show, the new Koleos Concept foreshadows a future 4WD vehicle that will be marketed in 2008.

It was designed to combine the rugged and sporty qualities of 4WDs with the roominess and comfort of a crossover.

It is powered by a 2.0 dCi engine, developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Exterior Design

Koleos Concept features dynamic proportions. The strip between the body sides and the roof reinforces the stance of the car. The glazed roof panel is topped by profiled aluminium roof bars, while the chunky wheel arches house 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels fitted with "concept pattern" tyres.

The grey-blue body colour emphasizes the high-tech feel of its volumes. The front end features LED headlamps, with additional lights and indicators housed in the exterior mirrors.

An off-road like appearance is give by the 200mm ground clearance and front and rear aluminium protective skidplates.

The steeply raked rear window further emphasizes Koleos Concept’s dynamic feel.

The design of the vehicle’s rear asserts its identity in a long sweep that runs from the base of the rear screen and through to the centre of the hatch.

This smoothly curved, glossy black section houses the Renault badge, while a twin exhaust tailpipe is incorporated into the rear bumper.

Interior

Accessibility is made easier by the aluminium door sill extensions which deploy when the doors are open.

The sporty interior, features a two-tone colour scheme. The four independent seats are upholstered in beige leather.

On the dashboard, the speedometer features LED backlighting. The centre console is made from a transparent material.

A long list of equipment is included to enhance travelling comfort. The central part of the dashboard is given over to the navigation system, multimedia applications and specific data useful for all-terrain motoring such as atmospheric pressure, compass bearings, altitude and gradient.

The cabin is brightly lit thanks to the panoramic glass roof panel.

The lower part of the hatch is designed to enable two people to sit comfortably for picnics or for open-air activities during holidays or weekend excursions.

Technical Features

The chassis was developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The Koleos Concept can run both in two-wheel or four-wheel drive mode: flawless traction is assured by an electronically controlled active coupler which distributes torque to the wheels as a function of the level of grip available under each one.

Among the electronic controls are the ABS, Emergency Brake Assist and ESP - for every day use - and Hill Down Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) for off-road performances.

Koleos Concept is powered by a 2.0 dCi engine with state-of-the-art diesel engine technology including piezoelectric injectors, 1,600-bar common rail injection and a variable geometry turbocharger. It is also equipeed with a periodic regeneration particulate filter, which operates without additives.

The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Koleos Concept – Technical Specifications

Dimensions

• Overall length 4,520mm
• Width (excluding exterior mirrors) 1,890mm
• Height 1,700mm

Powertrain

• Four-cylinder 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged diesel engine with particulate filter, Euro4- compliant
• Maximum power: 130kW/180hp
• Six-speed manual gearbox

Transmission

• Four-wheel drive, transversely-positioned front-mounted engine
• Electronic traction control as a function of available grip (front/rear split from 0 to 100 per cent)
• 19-inch wheels
• Hankook 255/50 R19 tyres

(Source: Renault)