[TusharK]

The second-generation Renault Koleos has been spotted testing in India. Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen it on our roads. Test mules of the Koleos have been around in India since 2022, and this too could be one of the cars used for component testing.



As the badge on the tailgate suggests, this Koleos is equipped with four-wheel drive, unlike the test car that was spotted earlier.



The second-gen Renault Koleos made its debut in 2016. It is based on the CMF C/D platform, which is shared with the Espace, Talisman and Kadjar. The Koleos 4x4 is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).



Last year, Renault unveiled the Grand Koleos. The all-new SUV is based on Geely’s CMA platform and is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a twin-motor hybrid system.



Thanks to BHPian superblover for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

Link to Team-BHP News

[omranga98]

Renault will do everything but get the updated Duster.

[GhatWanderer]

Interesting scoop, TusharK! The 4x4 badge definitely caught my attention.

As someone actively looking for a capable yet comfortable vehicle primarily for extensive ghat drives, a modern 4x4 option from Renault could potentially be on the radar. The size seems decent for touring.

However, considering this is the 2nd-gen model dating back to 2016, the 'component testing' angle seems quite plausible, as you mentioned. Launching such an old model now would be a very surprising move by Renault.

A 2.5L petrol paired with a CVT for a 4x4 intended for varied terrain, including potentially steep climbs... makes one think about its real-world performance and efficiency in demanding Indian conditions, especially compared to modern turbo-petrols or diesels.
It does echo omranga98's sentiment – Renault's focus here feels a bit perplexing while eagerly awaited updates like the new Duster remain absent.

Will keep an eye out, but managing expectations for an actual launch seems wise for now. Thanks for sharing the pics!

[ashivas89]

Probably a test mule being used by the Renault tech centre* in Chennai to validate some SW/ HW function or the other. Don't hold your breath guys, Renault won't be bringing this in a hurry. The car would have been under heavy camo if it had been for our market.

*An off shore RD services division. The same kind Ford and Stellantis have in Chennai, MB in BLR and Pune. GM had one too in BLR until they sold it off to TCS.

[SRS]

Originally Posted by omranga98

Renault will do everything but get the updated Duster.

The Duster is a priority for Renault and has been caught testing in India, most recently in Kochi, and I believe a 2026 launch is planned.

Renault has been testing quite a few of its international models here, but most were for component testing with little to no camouflage, whereas the Duster was a camouflaged test mule. So the Duster is surely coming to India albeit quite late.

[The_Watcher_210]

Folks I heard from a friend of mine that this is not a testing vehicle but it is a staff vehicle. Also now Renault does not need the koleos but it needs the duster back to survive.

[Geo_Ipe]

Renault is not even bothering to camouflage the test car!

It's as if they already have decided that noone will be interested.

[lemedico]

Regarding the first generation launch in India, usko 'koi nai leos' (to paraphrase Mota bhai from Cars24)

Renault has the new Duster, Bigster, Koleos and a couple of hatchback EV's in the European market. And my god your cars are so attractive! We'd like you to bring a few over and give yourselves a fresh start in this wonderful market
A worthy competitor to the lone Europeans from VAG

[GTO]

Nice to see commitment by Renault (including buying Nissan's stake in the India factory), but I'm not excited at all about the 2nd-gen Koleos. Renault simply doesn't have the brand value or dealer backing to sell such a premium car. If you look at international reviews too, there is nothing that stands out about this SUV. In the midst of fierce competition, it will sink (just like the 1st-gen Koleos did).

Renault, let's save our time & efforts for more important cars (you know this already!). Loved the differentiated approach with the original Duster, Kwid, Triber...we want to see some of that magic again.

[narayans80]

I think have spotted the exact specimen about a year back here (Scoop! Close look at the Renault Arkana Coupe SUV in India).

Unlike the frequent Citroen Basalt, Mahindra 6e and 9e spottings ahead of launch, these are just one off. So I wouldn't take this spotting seriously.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by GTO

Renault, let's save our time & efforts for more important cars (you know this already!). Loved the differentiated approach with the original Duster, Kwid, Triber...we want to see some of that magic again.

Totally agree. Renault should focus on getting the Duster/Bigster and next gen Triber asap. Having said that, they can even look at entering the premium electric segment with Twingo!

[anshu1101]

The brand Renault does not have much of a recall value in India. Their thin dealership and service network isn't helping matters either. Unless Renault prices it extremely aggressively, it is going to be a dud, just like the first gen Koleos.

[trailblazer13]

Don't really think that Koleos will make it to India. even if priced, it wont find many buyers due to its brand and more established brands selling in the same space.

[Ak24rapid]

While I have my doubts about the Koleos launching in India, could this be a test mule evaluating the engine and 4x4 system for the upcoming Duster in India?