Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Renault Korea unveils Grand Koleos hybrid SUV at Busan motor show
Renault Korea's Grand Koleos hybrid SUVs are displayed at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), Thursday. Yonhap
By Lee Min-hyung
BUSAN — Renault Korea unveiled its highly anticipated Grand Koleos hybrid SUV for the first time globally on Thursday, aiming to make a significant impact with this eco-friendly luxury family vehicle in the market.
The high-end SUV, better known as its project name of Aurora 1, made its long-awaited debut on the sidelines of this year’s Busan Mobility Show. The vehicle attracted huge attention from visitors, as the carmaker did not release any new models here for the past four years.
The Korean subsidiary of the French automaker aims to widen its market share with the strategic model, even if competition remains fierce against home-grown players — such as Hyundai Motor and Kia.
Renault’s bet on the hybrid SUV is seen as part of the carmaker’s efforts to jump into the global boom on hybrid vehicles, at a time when the global electric vehicle industry navigates challenges before widespread adoption.
Renault Korea's Grand Koleos SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
Grand Koleos is equipped with the firm’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain — a combination of a 1.64 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, the carmaker said.
The E-Tech hybrid system enables drivers to enjoy a powerful and dynamic driving experience with a maximum 245 horsepower output. Renault Korea also highlighted the vehicle's prompt and smooth response during acceleration in electric mode as another key advantage.
The hybrid powertrain is optimized for city driving, offering enhanced fuel efficiency. Renault Korea claims it can achieve fuel savings of up to 50 percent compared to gasoline-powered vehicles when driving in urban areas.
Renault Korea expressed confidence in boosting total sales with the new hybrid SUV, especially since it is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art in-vehicle safety functions. The company has outfitted all trims of the vehicle with its active driver assistance system. Additionally, drivers can park the vehicle more easily thanks to its full auto parking system, according to the carmaker.
The interior of Renault Korea's Grand Koleos SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
Renault Korea’s previous SUV lineups — such as the QM6 and XM3 — displayed decent sales performances, so the carmaker hopes to extend the momentum with the latest luxury SUV.
Grand Koleos also features trendy artificial intelligence (AI) functions. The vehicle’s AI infotainment system analyzes the driving patterns of its customers, and automatically changes driving modes optimized for each user.
“An extensive scale of collaboration with our global partners and auto researchers here allowed us to launch the vehicle,” Renault Korea CEO Stephane Deblaise said.
Grand Koleos will compete with the Santa Fe and Sorento — the two best-selling family SUVs manufactured by Hyundai Motor and Kia.
Renault Korea plans to start deliveries of the new SUV in the latter half of this year. Customers who want to purchase the vehicle can visit either the carmaker’s sales offices or its booth set up at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) in the southern port city.