Renault Koleos Midsize SUV Dropped From The UK, Will Other Markets Follow?

Despite the booming sales of crossovers and SUVs, Renault has decided to pull the plug on its flagship high rider, the Koleos, in the United Kingdom.

The midsize model, which is based on the same platform as the Nissan Rogue / X-Trail, remains on sale on the official website, yet production will cease for the right-hand drive market at the end of July.

A spokesperson confirmed the decision to Autocar, explaining it was taken “due to commercial reasons that align with Renault UK’s policy of offering the most suitable vehicles in the UK market for our customers”.

Driven: 2019 Renault Koleos Life Is A Good Family SUV But Not Great

At a first glance, this seems to be related to the poor sales numbers, as only 1,007 Koleos SUVs were registered in the country last year. According to CarSalesBase, a total of 12,371 examples were sold across Europe in 2019, down from 18,999 units registered the year before and 13,232 in 2017.

Presented at the Beijing Motor Show in 2016, the second-generation Koleos is a challenger to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Tiguan. It slots in the company’s lineup above the compact Kadjar, itself a rebranded version of the Nissan Rogue Sport / Qashqai, and is offered with a selection of petrol and diesel engines.

Pricing in the UK starts at £28,895 ($35,896) for the Iconic trim level, which packs a 148 HP (150 PS / 110 kW) diesel with front-wheel drive, and £32,295 ($40,120) for the 187 HP (190 PS / 140 kW) unit, both mated to the CVT. The higher spec GT Line can be had from £30,895 ($38,380) and £34,295 ($42,604) respectively. In Germany, it has an MSRP of €36,847.06 ($41,404) while in France it starts from €34,850 ($39,159).

Renault’s massive restructuring plan could target other models besides the Koleos, including the popular Megane hatchback, mid-size Talisman and Espace and Scenic minivans.