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After a long wait without any new car news, Renault Korea unveiled the eagerly anticipated mid-size SUV, the Renault Grand Koleos, at the '2024 Busan Mobility Show' held on June 27 in Busan. This marks the first new model release in four years since the XM3 was revealed in 2020, and it attracted significant attention from numerous visitors.
Renault's flagship model, the Renault Grand Koleos, will launch with three powertrains: gasoline turbo 2WD, gasoline turbo 4WD, and hybrid (HEV). Among these, the hybrid model has garnered the most attention, with over 90% of pre-orders for the Grand Koleos being for the hybrid variant. This indicates a strong and ongoing demand for hybrid vehicles.
Of course, the hybrid (HEV) model is currently the most popular powertrain among mid-size SUVs on the market. Notably, the Sorento Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid dominate sales, each accounting for over half of their respective segments. Analysts suggest that this demand may shift to Renault's ambitious Grand Koleos, raising questions about whether these sales figures can be sustained even after the initial excitement wanes in the first half of next year.
The Renault Grand Koleos hybrid (HEV) model boasts an impressive maximum output of 245 horsepower, thanks to its E-Tech hybrid system, which shares technology with the previously launched Renault hybrid SUV, the XM3. This system employs two electric motors and an engine to automatically charge the battery while driving, optimizing fuel consumption and enhancing everyday convenience. In urban settings, the Grand Koleos can operate on electric power for up to 75% of the time, making it an ideal urban SUV. It offers a different appeal compared to the recently unveiled coupe-style SUV, the KGM (KG Mobility) 'Action'.
This model delivers powerful driving performance while achieving top-tier fuel efficiency. The Grand Koleos hybrid records a respectable fuel economy of 15.7 km per liter. Additionally, it boasts one of the longest wheelbases in its class, measuring 4,780 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, providing a spacious interior. Renault Korea emphasizes that it offers a generous 320 mm of legroom and 927 mm of headroom, claiming to have one of the most spacious rear seat areas in its class. The gasoline model offers a trunk space of 633 liters, with the potential to expand to a maximum of 2,034 liters.
Moreover, the Grand Koleos comes equipped with 31 advanced driver-assistance systems, including various high-tech driving support features that enable Level 2 autonomous driving. This model incorporates cutting-edge safety technologies, making it well-suited for family use.
Following the launch of the Grand Koleos, Renault Korea has faced backlash over a controversy surrounding misogyny, which has raised concerns about potential damage to the brand's image and its impact on Grand Koleos sales. To mitigate these risks, the company is implementing various strategies. Currently, the Grand Koleos has received over 8,000 pre-orders, and mass production is ramping up. The starting prices for the Grand Koleos are 34,950,000 KRW (approximately 26,000 USD) for the Techno trim, 38,600,000 KRW (about 28,000 USD) for the Iconic trim, and 39,950,000 KRW (around 29,000 USD) for the Esprit Alpine trim. The E-Tech hybrid entry-level Techno trim starts at 37,770,000 KRW (around 27,000 USD), while the top-of-the-line Esprit Alpine fully loaded model is priced at 45,670,000 KRW (approximately 33,000 USD). While these prices are considered reasonable, some critics argue that the Grand Koleos lacks competitive pricing compared to the Kia Sorento, which leads the mid-size SUV market.
Currently, the price of the Sorento Hybrid starts at 37,860,000 KRW (approximately 28,000 USD) for the Prestige trim, while the Santa Fe Hybrid, which is priced higher than the Sorento Hybrid, starts at 38,880,000 KRW (around 28,500 USD) for the Exclusive trim. At the upper trim levels, the Sorento Hybrid Gravity trim starts at 44,550,000 KRW (about 32,500 USD), and the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy trim starts at 46,210,000 KRW (around 34,000 USD). With additional options, the prices can exceed 50,000,000 KRW (approximately 37,000 USD). Thus, the Grand Koleos hybrid Esprit Alpine fully loaded model may emerge as a reasonable choice.
However, consumers are also increasingly hesitant to purchase due to higher maintenance costs, including repair expenses, compared to the Santa Fe and Sorento. Additionally, the lack of Renault Korea's service facilities poses further challenges. It remains to be seen how Renault Korea will address these issues moving forward.
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