A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.7
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a premium family SUV that combines French sophistication with genuine practicality? The Renault Koleos Initiale might be exactly what you need. This flagship version of Renault’s largest SUV brings luxury cabin materials, advanced technology, and impressive space to the competitive mid size SUV market. The Initiale trim represents the pinnacle of the Koleos range, offering leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive suite of safety features that rival more expensive alternatives. What sets the Koleos apart from competitors like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage is its focus on comfort and refinement over sportiness. The spacious seven seat configuration makes it particularly appealing to larger families who need genuine versatility. With its smooth ride quality, generous equipment levels, and competitive pricing, the Koleos Initiale delivers premium SUV luxury without the premium price tag. Whether you’re planning long family road trips or simply want a refined daily driver with space for everything, this French SUV offers a compelling alternative to the usual German and Japanese options.
How Does the Renault Koleos Initiale Drive?
The Renault Koleos Initiale prioritises comfort and refinement over outright performance. The standard 2.0 litre dCi diesel engine produces 175 horsepower, providing adequate power for most driving situations. It feels relaxed rather than rapid, taking around 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The engine is smooth and quiet at cruising speeds, making it ideal for motorway journeys and family trips.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder dCi diesel
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Power Output
175 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
45-50 mpg
- Boot Space
- 579 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Renault Koleos Initiale: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Koleos Initiale and you’re greeted by one of the most comfortable interiors in its class. The leather appointed seats are genuinely supportive and offer excellent comfort on long journeys. The front seats feature heating, electric adjustment, and memory functions. Materials throughout feel premium, with soft touch plastics, brushed metal accents, and attractive ambient lighting creating an upmarket atmosphere that rivals more expensive SUVs.
The Koleos Initiale elevates Renault’s SUV game; a surprisingly refined and comfortable experience with a touch of understated luxury, defying its price point.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Renault Koleos Initiale?
As a premium SUV, the Koleos Initiale has reasonable running costs for its size and specification level. The efficient diesel engine typically returns real world fuel economy in the mid 40s MPG, which helps keep fuel bills manageable for such a large vehicle. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though they will be higher than smaller family cars. The Initiale trim’s premium positioning means a higher purchase price than entry level versions.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Renault Koleos Initiale
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £29,000 | £31,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L dCi 175hp | 1.3L DIG-T 158hp | 1.6L T-GDi 177hp |
| Power | 175 bhp | 158 bhp | 177 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 47 mpg | 44 mpg | 43 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 579 litres | 504 litres | 591 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium leather interior, Excellent ride comfort, Generous space | Proven reliability, Modern tech, Efficient engines | Long warranty, Good value, Sporty styling |
Renault Koleos Initiale Practicality & Boot Space
The Koleos Initiale excels in practical everyday use, with impressive space throughout. The 579 litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating family luggage, shopping, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold down to create an even larger loading area when needed. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces for phones, drinks, and family essentials, with useful touches like rear seat USB charging points.
Absolutely love our Koleos Initiale. The interior is genuinely luxurious and so comfortable on long trips. The space is incredible and it’s so quiet on the motorway. Best value premium SUV we’ve found.
The Renault Koleos Initiale stands out by offering genuine premium comfort and refinement at a competitive price. It combines excellent build quality, impressive interior space, and luxury features in a package that feels significantly more expensive than it is. While it may not have the sporty dynamics of some rivals, it excels at providing relaxed, comfortable family transport.
