Renault will be unveiling its first crossover, called the Koleos, next month at the Geneva Motor Show. A product of the alliance between Renault and Nissan, the Koleos is based on the same C 4x4 platform that underpins the Nissan Rogue and X-Trail and carries a shape similar to that of the Rogue.
At 178 inches long and 72.8 inches wide, the Koleos is shorter but wider than the Rogue. Sold in FWD or AWD configuration, the Koleos will be primarily available with a 148 horsepower 2.0-liter diesel mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission or a 169 horsepower 2.5-liter gasoline engine mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT -- the same engine that powers the Rogue. A 170 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter diesel will be available on AWD models only with a six-speed manual. The Nissan-developed AWD system sends all power to the front wheels under normal operation, with as much as 50% of the power sent to the rear wheels when necessary.
One interesting feature of the CUV is its two piece tailgate. Split about two thirds of the way down, it results in easier access in tight spaces due to the shorter lid and provides a fold-down surface handy for tailgating.
Built in Busan, Korea by Renault Samsung Motors, the Koleos is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms across Europe in June.