Behind the wheel, the basic controls are simple and logical. It was very easy to get a comfortable driving position. This is in reality, a Nissan Xtrail with some French flair added in. The electric seats make it very easy to get a comfortable driving position. Both my 5'6" co-driver and my 6 feet frame had no problem at all in finding an optimum driving position.
From the driver's seat, you enjoy excellent visibility and one can place all four corners easily. I can vouch for this when I had to extract the car from a cramped car park prior to flag off. While I had no issues with the basic ergonomics, it is quite clear that the dashboard design is dating badly. While the top half of the dashboard is uncluttered, the bottom half is rather cluttered with an excess of switches. The circular vents do make things a little funky.
At 25+ lakhs, expectations are high, especially with competition from Audi and BMW entry level models in this segment. While the fit and finish is pretty good, the quality of materials are very similar to what one would find in a Hyundai Verna or Elantra. At this price point, one is looking for something special and in this area, the Koleos sadly does not match up. The top part of the dashboard is softly padded, but the bottom part has a lot of hard plastic which looks downmarket. The plastic wood inlay on the console, coupled with the faux carbon fibre console surround, is a bit of a mismatch.
The central console is rather busy, although the climate control is easy to use for basic functions. One has 10+ buttons to contend with to finetune adjustments. Travelling in 37 degree C, the climate control was only effective at its lowest setting. We tried to keep it at an ambient 24, but it was not effective. The steering wheel is nicely shaped and circumference thickness is shaped for the 10 to 3 position. Renault's complex cruise control switches are located on the spokes.
The display on top of the console shows what music is playing, source of the music, which phone is connected, time and outside temperature.
Located below the climate control switches is the much vaunted Bose 5 speaker stereo. The sound was quite tight if a little bass oriented, and it was excellent when playing some Sting numbers. Some people might buy this car for the system alone! Again, the controls are poorly executed and one needs to be stationary to make the required adjustments. Like all Renault cars, the essential volume and basic selection controls are next to the steering column.
Right at the bottom of the console are a power outlet and Start / Stop button (which is thankfully on the driver's side). In between these are the hill descent control and 2wd/4wd mode switch. This has three positions, Eco 2WD which limits drive to the front wheels only, Auto which engages the rear wheels when slip is detected and permanent 4WD where the differential is locked. The keycard slot is under these controls if you decide to use it.
On the driver's side are the controls for dashboard lighting, headlight leveling, stability control and parking sensors.
Both the front driver and passenger had more than sufficient leg room. The pedal spacing as also the dead pedal are well thought out. The instruments are very simple but clear. It only comprises of the tachometer, the speedometer, fuel and temp gauge.
The MID is very simple and contains the following: Fuel consumption rate, Overall fuel consumption, Range, Fuel used, Distance covered and Service time.
Mirror controls are simple - just one switch.
Stowage is pretty good. The glove compartment is deep. This is complemented with a compartment in the driver's armrest with a USB port and power unit.
The door pockets are deep, albeit limited. They can hold a bottle of water and not much else.
Moving to the rear seat and the value proposition get questionable. The rear seats have very limited leg room.
The picnic trays are very small, might be okay for playing with a smartphone, but a laptop will be too big for them.
Boot space is quite generous. The twin tailgate makes loading easy.
Overall, the driving environment is comfortable and pleasant. However, considering the price segment it competes within, it will disappoint when compared to an Audi Q3 or BMW X1. Even the Skoda Yeti (from a segment below) is far better in terms of design and finish. Renault have tried to compensate by adding more equipment like the Bose Stereo & electric seats.