Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi 150 Dynamique S 4WD

This is probably thee 4x4 that looks least like a 4x4 but with x-trail's 4x4 system hiding under the car like body this really can cope off road as well as any other small off roader/ soft roader.

Have not taken it into the wilds but then it is not really designed for that with it's part time speed limited 4x4 system. But how many actually take their off roader on anything more severe than the daily school run?

This vehicle can handle muddy fields like a pro and worse if you have the right tyres, yet is comfy and capable cruising the autobahn or ascending the alpine passes.

Driving position is good for it's class the 6 speed manual box is easy and the speed limited 4x4 works great as does the traction control. Cruise control is flawless as it should be. The blower/fans could do with about 20-25% more oomph if I had to pick faults, and cup holders for other half get in the way of her changing gear ( keeps catching her elbow on cups) but I have no issue. Split tail gate with lower 3rd dropping ( top two thirds lift first ) is great for loading shopping and also ensuring that nothing rolls out when you open the top section. You can also sit on the lower section another plus if changing footwear.

So to sum up this is one of the most capable soft roaders out there on par with the Nissan X-Trail and performs better than the Toyota Rav4 or the Freelander ( but again that is subjective I accept others may disagree with it being better than the two I mention and others but the fact remains it is more than capable of all but the most extreme off roading mainly due to not having the ground clearance of the bigger landrovers or landcruisers etc.

So yes the Renault Koleos is worthy of serious consideration.

Great ride comfort, Intuitive Cruise control & reasonable fuel consumption.

Very adaptable seating/load area.

Good acceleration even in 6th gear.

Excellent sound system provide by Bose.

The automatic handbrake takes some getting used to but is easy after a while.

I have not been able to test its 4WD capability as yet but other reviews show that this is one of its strong points.