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[Car Enthusiast comment] The Renault Koleos concept car is the third major concept from Renault in as many years, following on from the radical Vel Satis and the derivative Avantime. The Vel Satis is to go into production in the near future, albeit in toned-down form, as a replacement for the staid, and now dated Renault Safrane. The Avantime is also to go into production as a sporty alternative to the many multi-purpose vehicles on offer. It is thought that both concepts will be changed to incorporate four doors instead of the original two. The Koleos concept uses Patrick Le Quement's styling features from the other concepts - the distinctive sharp face remains, as does the unusual Ford Focus-like treatment of the 'C'-pillar. It remains to be seen just how serious Renault are about producing a new off road vehicle though, as the Renault Scenic RX4 has just gone on sale. The Koleos would probably sell well in the States as a daring alternative to the smoothened brick SUVs on offer there! Do not be surprised if Renault incorporate some of the design features in the next-generation Scenic. |
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Story by Renault: 8th February 2000
RENAULT KOLEOS CONCEPT CAR - A NEW TOP-OF-THE-RANGE LEISURE VEHICLE CONCEPT Renault designers have a flair for innovation and after gems such as Scenic, Spider roadster, Espace, Twingo and Avantime, they have now dreamt up a new concept vehicle that is neither a traditional saloon nor an off-road vehicle, but an intelligent blend of both. To be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva motor show, Koleos (code-named Z10) is a landmark design that combines the on-the-road qualities and comfort of a top-range saloon with the off-road capability of a 4X4. Styled to evoke power and strength, the new concept car also offers prompt response and driving pleasure, with a hybrid power unit that combines a two-litre 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. Off the road, the Koleos holds its own alongside a traditional 4X4, thanks to variable-height suspension that affords similar capabilities. Koleos also places a major emphasis on technology: the vehicle's essential functions are controlled via a screen with voice activation, and the headlamps feature an innovative fluid optics concept. With this concept car, Renault projects its values of vision and daring into the off-road segment. Following on from the Scenic RX4, Koleos marks Renault’s commitment to address the SUV segment by reinventing the leisure vehicle with a daring slant. An off-road car with upmarket appeal: the best of both worlds The rear doors spotlight two original concepts. The tailgate uses the twin stage parallel opening technology found on the Avantime side doors, and it slides to the left of the car as it opens to facilitate access to the boot compartment. The fully-modular boot is separated from the passenger compartment by a retractable window; a mechanism lowers the rear window into the tailgate while the roof section above the boot slides horizontally under the roof panel converting the Koleos into a pick-up. The monospace format makes for optimized interior space. The passenger compartment exudes a sense of well-being, comfort and brightness, with a windscreen that extends in two glazed lateral strips along each side of the roof, for more interior light. The four seats are of a truly new and innovative design - carbon sheets covered in hand-stitched leather from the prestigious firm Connolly, whose inspiration here draws on saddle design - combine aesthetics and ergonomics. Seat and back are supported by four damping cylinders, and the carbon laminates adapt to body pressure to ensure optimum comfort. Though the Koleos stakes very definite upmarket claims, this is no way detracts from its off-road capability, which is clearly denoted through rugged styling features, compact format, and high ground clearance. But the protective mouldings that extend along the wings to encompass the large-diameter (21") wheels are discreet, highlighting rather than attenuating the elegant refinement of the exterior. Variable-height suspension High-tech features The arch-shaped headlamps use a very recent technology derived from research conducted by French firm Megalux into fluid optics. The light flow enters a dioptric fluid optic, which shapes the light and guides it either to the lower half-arch for the dipped position or to the upper half-arch for the main-beam position. Hybrid power unit for better environmental protection and driveability On the open road, the two-litre 16V 170 bhp turbocharged F4R engine takes over, driving the front wheels, with the electric motor providing an extra power boost if needed. In 4X4 mode the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together for maximum power and off-road capability. Koleos is a genuine concept vehicle designed to gauge public reaction around the world to the idea of a daring and luxurious 4x4. Only after this period of research will a decision be made as to whether or not the world is ready for a vehicle such as the Renault Koleos. Koleos technical specificationsDimensions and weight
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