Renault Koleos SUV set for Festive season (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: October, 2011

HOW MUCH: Rs 20 - 25 lakh

ENGINES: 2.0-litre 150 / 180 PS diesel

COMPETITION: Nissan X-Trail, Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Honda CR-V

The new Renault Koleos is st to be launched in India this October, in time for the festive season comprising Dusshera and Diwali. This will be the French firm's first SUV and its second-ever model in India.

The Koleos shares much of its platform and mechanical with the Nissan X-Trail, although the two SUVs have different engines. The Koleos is available with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel, which puts out 150 PS or 180 PS, depending on the state of tune. For India, Renault is likely to stick with the 150 PS version. There is also the option of a petrol motor in European markets, but Renault is unlikely to launch a petrol Koleos in India.

The Koleos is available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and again we think Renault would do well to offer both version in India. The four-wheel drive system's mechanicals are heavily based on those of the Nissan X-Trail, and hence should be extremely sturdy and reliable. The gearbox options will include a six-speed manual and perhaps a five-speed automatic as well.

The Koleos also has a flexible interior, with seats that flip, fold and stow in multiple configurations, along with a split tailgate at the rear, which makes loading and unloading a breeze.

Prices will be announced closer to the launch, but Renault India insiders have confided in autojunction.in that the Koleos will be significantly cheaper than the X-Trail, since it will be assembled in India. Indeed the two-wheel drive version could start at under Rs 20 lakh, which will make it very good value.