BUOYED by its recent success on the crossover scene Renault is making a comeback to the mainstream SUV market with a new version of the Koleos.

While the previous model failed to hit the mark in the UK the newcomer looks set to build on the impetus created by the Captur and Kadjar, both of which have been well received.

And with SUV sales booming Renault is keen to exploit its resurgence with a big 4x4 that's almost three inches longer than Land Rover's Discovery Sport.

It's big on the inside as well with Renault claiming class leading legroom of some 11.5-inches in the rear and boot space ranging from 624 to more than 1,600 litres.

The new Koleos shares the same sharp design theme as the Kadjar and comes with LED headlights and pronounced daytime running lights which hook down towards the front bumper.

With a ground clearance of slightly more than eight inches Renault intends the Koleos to have some credible off road ability with approach and departure angles of 19 and 26 degrees respectively and an automatic four-wheel-drive set up.

Side protection is included along the doors and scuff plates are fitted front and rear. It sits on wheels up to 19-inches in diameter and also comes with roof rails as well as a large sunroof.

The new Koleos has been revealed at the Beijing motor show in China where it will be on sale by the end of the year before being launched in Europe and the UK next year.

British models will be made in South Korea where Renault builds cars with Samsung at its factory in Busan.

Inside, the Koleos has a state of the art interior with a seven-inch display screen within the instrument panel and a seven or 8.7-inch tablet-style touchscreen in the centre of the dash.

It is fitted with Renault's R-Link 2 connectivity system which combines smartphone Internet technology with voice control and the Koleos is also fitted with an array of driver aids including lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and blind spot and distance alerts.

An auto parking system is available and all models are fitted with a driver fatigue monitor.

The Koleos is based on the same platform that Renault uses for its recently launched Talisman saloon and estate models and on the latest Espace MPV - none of which are sold in the UK.

Powertrain details for UK models are still to be announced but it is likely that the line up will include the popular 1.6.-litre 130bhp diesel engine as fitted in the Kadjar.

The original Koleos was discontinued in Britain in 2011 after only three years when it appeared at the same time as Ford introduced the Kuga.