Renault Megane

	Based on the same platform as Nissan's next-generation X-Trail, the Koleos has permanent electronically controlled four-wheel drive

The Mégane-sized Koleos reveals how the French car manufacturer plans to make major inroads into the SUV class within the next 18 months.

There was plenty of mud-slinging going on at the Paris expo, as it was 4x4s that were the big news. Along with Ford's Iosis X, Renault pulled the covers off this newcomer, which bosses say is 90 per cent production ready.

Based on the same platform as Nissan's next-generation X-Trail, the Koleos has permanent electronically controlled four-wheel drive. It will go head-to-head against Land Rover's latest Freelander and Mitsubishi's fresh Outlander, breaking new ground for Renault as the firm's first SUV.

Following on from the Egeus concept unveiled at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the five-door model features all of Renault's latest design themes. The show car rides on 19-inch wheels which will be scaled down for production, but the 200mm ground clearance will remain. As with the Renaultsport Clio, the 4x4 has twin exhausts built into the back bumper to provide a sporty rear end appearance.

The four-seat cabin will be replaced with a five-seat arrangement on prod-uction models. However, designers will focus on providing maximum practicality with plenty of stowage space. Access to the boot is via a split tailgate. "The Koleos is every bit as bright, comfortable and spacious as any C-segment MPV," stressedRenault chief Carlos Ghosn. And while the emphasis will be on providing high levels of on-road ride refinement and handling, all-wheel drive will allow the Renault SUV to be driven off-road, too. It will also be equipped with Hill Down Control and Hill Start Assist, which will help drivers to tackle steep slopes with uneven or slippery surfaces.

As you would expect in this class, most sales will be of diesel-powered models. Buyers will have the choice of two oil-burners, each equipped with Renault's latest 2.0-litre dCi unit, delivering either 148bhp or 173bhp. The Koleos will also be available with a 2.0-litre petrol powerplant.

Penned in Korea at the Renault Samsung Motors Design Centre, the first production models - which will wear Samsung badges - go on sale in South Korea late next year. European Renault-branded variants will follow.

Buyers in the UK must wait until early 2008 to get their hands on right-hand-drive examples, with prices likely to be around £18,000. Expect to see the full production-ready version of the Koleos at one of next year's premier European motor shows.