Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
Pros Powerful turbocharged engine Handsome updated styling Standard active safety tech
Cons Luxury Avenir trim will be expensive The brand doesn't command as much respect as some competitors
Buick has completely redesigned the Envision SUV for 2021, imbuing it with an eye-catching design that's far more handsome than the bland 2020 model featured.We haven't had the chance to sample the all-new Envision, but we suspect that the mid-range Essence model will likely satisfy most buyers. Those seeking a luxury ride with all the trimmings should turn their attention to the top-flight Avenir. When we know more about the Envision's standard and optional features, we'll update this story with results.
The redesigned 2021 Buick Envision comes with more standard features and a more stylish look.
Pros Good standard safety features Avenir trim More American-sized proportions Sharper style
Cons No word on price Will it have enough power? Is it bigger inside?
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is no longer offered.Previous five trim levels reduced to three: Preferred, Essence and Avenir.Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Pros Quiet interior at highway speeds Both the ride and the seats are comfortable Standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cons Disappointing real-world fuel economy Visibility is compromised by thick pillars Not much fun to drive
