Renault Koleos II 2016-2023: How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Countries and Release Years

The second-generation Renault Koleos debuted in 2016, replacing the first model produced from 2008 to 2015. Unlike its predecessor, which was assembled in South Korea (at the Renault Samsung Motors plant), the production of the Koleos II was established in several countries:

• China (Dongfeng Renault plant in Wuhan) – for the local market and export to other Asian countries.
• South Korea (Renault Samsung Motors plant in Busan) – sold as the Samsung QM6 for the Korean and some international markets.
• Australia – the model was supplied from China.

Production of the second generation continued until 2023, after which Renault discontinued the crossover without introducing a direct successor.

 

Facelift and Modifications

In 2020, the Koleos II received a minor facelift, which included:

• Radiator grille (a more massive design in line with newer Renault models).
• LED lighting (pre-facelift base versions had halogen headlights).
• Multimedia system (updated R-Link 2 with a larger screen).
• New interior trim options.

No technical changes were made—the crossover retained the same engines and platform.

 

Model Description and Code

The Renault Koleos II is built on the CMF-CD platform, which was also used in the Nissan X-Trail (T32) and Mitsubishi Outlander. This allowed for a spacious interior and good cargo capacity.

Model code:

• HYFZ – designation for the Koleos II in Renault catalogs.
• Samsung QM6 – the Korean version with minor design differences.

Dimensions (pre- and post-facelift):

• Length: 4672 mm
• Width: 1843 mm
• Height: 1678 mm
• Wheelbase: 2705 mm

Technical Specifications

Engines:

• 1.6 TCe (150 HP) – turbocharged petrol engine, mainly available in Europe.
• 2.5 (171 HP) – naturally aspirated petrol engine (USA, Asia, Australia).
• 2.0 dCi (150–190 HP) – diesel variant for Europe and Russia (until Renault's withdrawal from the market).

Transmissions:

• 6-speed manual (rare).
• X-Tronic (CVT) – the main option.

Drivetrain:

• Front-wheel drive (base versions).
• All-wheel drive (All Mode 4×4-i) – a system borrowed from Nissan.

 

Plastic Bumper Marking >PP+EPDM-TD20<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Lift and secure the hood.
2. Under the hood, remove the four push pins securing the upper part of the front bumper (the radiator grille trim).
3. Move to the lower side. From underneath, unscrew eight screws and remove three push pins inserted from bottom to top (two screws secure the wheel arch extensions).
4. In the wheel arches, remove the clips holding the fender liners and wheel arch extensions (front part).
5. Release the arch extensions from the bumper by pulling them toward you, starting from the bottom.
6. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one screw on each side, securing the bumper corners to the fenders (inserted from bottom to top).
7. Release the clips in the fenders and under the headlights by pulling them toward you.
8. Remove the bumper forward and disconnect the electrical connectors.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. First, remove the rear lights. Open the trunk lid and access the side panels. Under the covers, unscrew two nuts on each side, release the fasteners in the fenders, and remove the rear lights.
2. Under the rear lights, remove four clips and unscrew two screws securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
3. Move to the lower side. Remove five clips and unscrew two screws securing the wheel arch extensions (inserted from bottom to top).
4. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side, securing the wheel arch extensions and the rear part of the fender liners.
5. Release the wheel arch extensions from the bumper by pulling them toward you (they are held by clips).
6. Under the wheel arch extensions, unscrew one bolt on each side, securing the bumper corners to the fender brackets.
7. To release the clips in the fenders, grab the bumper corner and pull it sharply toward you.
8. With an assistant, remove the bumper backward and disconnect the electrical connectors on the left side.

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Interesting Facts

• Almost a Nissan – The Koleos II shares 60% of its parts with the Nissan X-Trail, including the suspension and transmission.
• Failure in Europe – Despite positive reviews, sales in Europe were low due to high pricing and competition with more premium models (Kodiaq, Tiguan).
• Special Versions – In China, an extended Koleos Grand with a third-row seat was released.
• No Successor – In 2023, Renault abandoned further development of the Koleos, focusing on electric vehicles and compact crossovers (Arkana, Austral).

 

Advantages of the Renault Koleos II

• Spacious interior – One of the largest in its class (especially in the Chinese version).
• Comfortable suspension – Smooth ride thanks to Nissan's tuning.
• Good sound insulation – Better than many competitors.
• Reliable engines – Particularly the 2.0 dCi diesel.
• Large trunk – 579 liters, more than the Tiguan or RAV4.

Disadvantages of the Model

• Weak acceleration – Especially with the CVT and 2.5 petrol engine.
• Expensive maintenance – Parts are costlier than those of Korean rivals.
• Unreliable CVT – X-Tronic issues after 100,000 km.
• Outdated design – Even post-facelift, the interior looked plain.
• Poor off-road capability – Despite AWD, the crossover isn't meant for rough terrain.

 

Conclusion

The Renault Koleos II is a comfortable family crossover with a spacious interior but no standout features. Its main competitors (Skoda Kodiaq, Nissan X-Trail) offered more modern technology and better value for money. However, for those who prioritize comfort and reliability (especially in diesel versions), the Koleos II remains a decent choice on the used car market.