WHEN a car maker experiments with a new segment, it typically turns out half-baked. So it is only natural to be wary about the first 4x4 crossover from Renault, a company which until now has had little interest in sport-utility vehicles.

To be fair, the French marque did recognise its lack of experience, so the Koleos is a collaboration between Renault design, Nissan engineering and Samsung production.

But the Koleos will inevitably be viewed as a re-clothed Nissan X-Trail - because under the bonnet lies the same all-mode 4x4-i system, which normally operates the front wheels but shifts up to 50 per cent of torque to the rear wheels in times of slip.

The Koleos comes in two- and four-wheel-drive versions, and with a choice of two engines: the 2.0 dCi Euro IV diesel or a 2.5-litre petrol engine. Depending on the market, the engines will be fitted with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission.

During this week's launch in Fez, Morocco, the petrol-powered Koleos was tested on ample off-road and on-road stretches. The rugged countryside proved ideal for representing what the car really stands for: a true-blue off-roader - which is a pity as most drivers in Singapore are unlikely to venture off tarmac.

A flick of a switch on the dashboard locks the transmission in 4x4 mode and 50:50 front/rear torque split is maintained. On gradients, the Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control allow safe negotiation of steep and slippery slopes.

On the road, the car suffers from poor throttle response, especially at lower speeds. The manual gearbox is smooth but the sheer weight of the car - a hefty 1,700kg - necessitates frequent shifting to maintain a steady pace.

The ride is cosseting; bumpy muddy tracks didn't bring about the slightest rattle. But the electric power steering is uncommunicative. It is as though someone is doing the steering for you.

The interior quality is fine, with driver-friendly placement of instrument controls and convenient features like hands-free card and keyless starting functions, and automatic headlight and wiper activation.

There is also a split-opening clamshell- type tailgate that makes loading easy.

The Koleos is expected here in the third quarter.

Renault Koleos 4WD
Engine: 2,488cc inline-4
Gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission
Max power: 170 hp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 226 Nm @ 4,400rpm
0-100kmh: 9.3 secs
Top speed: 185 kmh
Distributor: Wearnes Automotive. Tel: 6471-3313

This article was first published in The Business Times on May 31, 2008.