Renault India is currently selling affordable cars including the Kiger, Kwid and Triber. The company has already discontinued the Duster nameplate from the market. In the bigger SUV category, Renault has no new or old product in India. The company is now looking at mid-sized and C-segment SUVs to drive sales in the highly competitive Indian market.
Renault will launch the third-generation Duster SUV in the country by 2023-24. It will be based on the new Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B platform and will have high-end features. Interestingly, the second-generation Renault Koleos SUV has been spotted testing on the streets of Chennai. Our reader, Bryan has shared us multiple images of the second generation Koleos.
It is early to comment on the launch of this SUV in our market, as this SUV will prove to be expensive in the price sensitive Indian market. It is expected that Renault could be using the second generation Koleos as a testing bed for new components. For people not in the know, Renault had launched the first generation Koleos in our market in 2011. The SUV failed miserably due to its high price tag.
The second-generation Renault Koleos is on sale in overseas markets since 2016. It is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF C/D platform that underpins the Espace, Talisman and Kadjar. In terms of styling, the Koleos features Renault’s signature design. It comes with sculpted bonnet, the chrome highlighted typical Renault grille and slim LED headlamps. The SUV has large C-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The rear profile of the new Renault Koleos has wrap-around LED tail-lights, roof-mounted spoiler, silver finish lower skid plate and faux exhausts.
In the international markets, the new Renault Koleor is available with two petrol and two diesel engines – offering power outputs ranging between 130bhp and 175bhp. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and Renault-Nissan’s X-Tronic CVT box. AWD system is offered on some variants, offering switchable FWD and AWD modes, as well as full-tome AWD for low speeds.
Image Credit – Bryan
