After Scenic RX4 and Kangoo 4X4Renault, in turn, invested family SUV category in 2006 with Koleos. This first generation was assembled in Korea and developed in partnership with Samsung Motors. It was marketed there as the Samsung QM5. If this first version of questionable design was compact, it grew with the second part in 2016. Becoming a large SUV based on the Nissan X-Trail. His design settled AND acquired in modern times, as well as its presentation on board and its equipment. In 2021, it underwent a restyling that was consistent with the models Megan and Talisman, especially in the design of the rear lights. We knew he was taking time, now he’s announcing his departure…

More Koleos for Europe

Already in 2020, its production stopped in China, at the factory Dongfeng-Renault from Wuhan. Koleos and Captur left the scene at the same time as him and officially formalized the failure of DRAC (Dongfeng-Renault Automobile Company). On the other hand, its production continues in Korea, both for the Renault and Samsung brands (now renamed Renault Motor Korea). However, it will no longer be sold in Europe. This has already happened in Great Britain, Italy and France. But in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary, for example, it is still offered on the Renault website. Why such a departure, and will it be replaced? The Koleos name as we know it will soon be a thing of the past in Europe…

One model, two lengths

In recent years, the offer of Renault SUVs consisted of two models: Kadjar, and its older brother Koleos. Both were updated clones of Nissan models (the Qashqai for one, the X-Trail for the other). They are done away with (the Kadjar retired in 2022), and Renault will replace them with a single model across two wheelbases: Australian. It’s Renault’s new SUV to rival the 3008. A leap forward in terms of design, perceived quality, as well as power as it comes with a hybrid version.

So the Austral replaces the Kadjar fire, but for the Koleos? In recent days, Renault has officially issued return of the Espace name, another mythical Renault model that has just left us. The space that will be elongated seven-seater Austral, therefore will replace the Koleos in the Renault line. Similarly, Peugeot had a hit with its 3008/5008 duo with very similar styling. The Extended Space is due to be unveiled in the coming weeks…