RENAULT has taken the wraps off its new 4x4, the Koleos, which goes on sale in Britain in July.

With the full unveiling at the Geneva, Switzerland, Motor Show next week, Renault's Korean-built crossover, the result of a link-up with Nissan, will come with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with two output choices - 150 horsepower or 175 horsepower.

A huge sunroof forms part of the kit list, and the Koleos gets the latest safety and communications technology.

While 4x4 models are frequently associated with bulky volumes and considered complex to use, Renault says one of the key features of the Koleos is the speed and ease with which drivers feel at home behind the wheel. The length and width of Koleos are 4.52m and 1.85m respectively and these dimensions ensure that it copes with city motoring as easily it does when taken off the beaten track.

A Renault spokesman said: "Despite the presence of styling cues from the world of 4x4s, Koleos is a crossover that offers a successful blend of dynamic and balanced lines. Meanwhile, in addition to all-terrain attributes like high ground clearance and skid-plates, the impression of ruggedness exuded by Koleos gives it a reassuring feel. The cabin is very simple to use.

"The practical dashboard design and development logic behind the easy-to-operate controls allow drivers to swiftly familiarise themselves with the layout, while use of the navigation, radio, heating and climate controls is intended to be intuitive."

Specification and pricing for all eight models will be released nearer the UK on-sale date.