Renault arkana

SUVs can do it all. Today manufacturers seek to adapt to market trends by seeking and creating new solutions with which to attract potential customers. The Renault arkana It is not the first SUV of the French house, but it is the first to have a coupé body. A segment where sales do not stop growing.

Although it could be considered as the coupé version of the Renault Kadjar, the reality is that it has more elements shared with the Renault Captur, sharing both details as important as the platform or the mechanical range.  In 2018 Renault already advanced the lines of the SUV with a prototype of the same name. After two years of development, in mid-2020 it is presented in society with a design practically identical to the original sketch. In 2023 it receives a very brief aesthetic update.

Technical characteristics of the Renault Arkana

As we have already said, the Arkana starts from the base of a Captur. That means you use the CMF-B platform of the house. A scalar architecture that the Renault Group uses in a wide variety of models but that in this case conforms to the largest size standards, which is why we can also see it in other models such as the Renault Clio or Nissan Juke, For example.

In the case of the Arkana, the measurements place it perfectly in the C-SUV segment. 4,57 meters long, 1,82 meters wide and 1,57 meters high. That means that it is slightly smaller than the Kadjar, but on the contrary it has the same wheelbase as this, that is, 2,72 meters with a ground clearance of 18,6 centimeters.

The interior space of the Arkana is approved for five passengers. The three rear occupants will enjoy a somewhat smaller space due to the descending line of the roof from the B-pillar. Unlike other coupé SUVs where the trunk is penalized, the minimum cargo volume is 513 liters, which are reduced to 480 when we refer to hybrid units.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Renault Arkana

Unlike the model from which it derives, the Renault Arkana promises a range of high-efficiency, low-consumption electrified engines. The mechanical portfolio is made up of two MHEV versions and one conventional hybrid version. In this way, the Arkana range becomes the first of the manufacturer to say goodbye to diesel mechanics. A strategy that over time will reach more models.

The access version is 1.3 TCe with dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This engine can present two different powers: 140 and 160 horses. It is a four-cylinder gasoline block that is associated in all cases with a low hybridization structure with an auxiliary 12-volt electrical scheme. In all cases the power goes exclusively to the front axle.

La conventional hybrid version (HEV), enjoys the same structure that the Renault Clio E-TECH already sports. It is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that develops 91 horsepower. Two electric motors and a useful 0,85 kWh lithium-ion battery are attached to it. The set develops a total of 145 horsepower and is capable of circulating in 100% electric mode for a range of approximately 5 kilometers.

Equipment of the Renault Arkana

When entering the interior of the Arkana one finds a very pleasant space to be. Renault has raised the quality of its products. The feeling of quality is high, above average, thanks to the use of soft materials in much of the cabin. The arrangement of the elements is striking with two large digital screens, one in the center console and the other acting as the instrument panel.

As usual in Renault, the equipment range of the C-SUV coupé is fragmented into different steps or finishes. From lowest to highest we find: balance, techno, E-Tech engineered, RS Line and spirit Alpine (new from 2023). In each of them we not only access a greater technological load, the exterior appearance is also modified from a more sober style to a more attractive and sporty one. The latter is signed by the name RS Line.

As far as equipment is concerned, the Renault Arkana is capable of enjoying all the systems that the French manufacturer is capable of developing. Among its many equipment, it is worth highlighting the presence of Full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, electric trunk lid, parking camera, navigator, induction charger, multimedia system with screen up to 9,3 inches, 10,2-inch panel in the instrumentation, connectivity for mobile devices and a large set of assistants and driving aids.

Test of the Renault Arkana in video

The Renault Arkana according to Euro NCAP

Renault has been one of the most safety-focused companies. Its vehicles have always proven to be among the safest in the category, and the Arkana continues that heritage. Euro NCAP classifies it with five safety stars, giving the same rating to the Renault Captur, a model with which it shares a platform. By sections, the results are: 9,6 in adult passenger protection, 8,3 in child passenger protection, 7,5 in pedestrian vulnerability and 7,4 in driving assistants. These values ​​are still valid after the minimum update of 2023.

The Renault Arkana of Km 0 and second hand

Despite the short time that the Renault Arkana has been on sale, it has been able to conquer the market thanks to an attractive body line. Its coupé format is striking, attracting many buyers looking for an affordable SUV alternative. Thanks to that fame the Arkana offers a depreciation value around 28%, a standard data within the category. Due to the current market situation, the units hardly lose value, although the offer is not very extensive.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we discover a limited offer. The youth of the model limits the options. The cheapest units are offered from an approximate price of 25.000 euros, for MHEV versions with 140 horsepower and Intens access finish. The offer of the Km 0 channel is also scarce. Dealerships hardly have stock and therefore prices do not vary much from factory models.

Rivals of the Renault Arkana

The industry tries to meet the needs of customers. SUVs take almost all the lead in sales, and where before there was a limited market in terms of shapes, now there are all sizes, formats and colors. At the moment the list of Arkana's rivals is reduced, so much so that by design it would only be possible to mention the KIA Xceed. However, if we expand the range of options and jump to the premium segment, we do find more rivals, such as the CUPRA Formentor, Audi Q3 Sportback, BMW X2 or Mercedes GLC Coupe. In the future, the general segment will add C-SUV coupé units, but at the moment it is a more premium market niche as it is more expensive and less practical models.

Highlight

• Integrated
• Equipment
• Behavior

To improve

• short mechanical range
• No diesel versions
• off-road capabilities

Renault Arkana Price

When it comes to setting prices, the Arkana maintains the philosophy that if the line is a coupe, the price is higher. The starting price of the Renault Arkana is 28.168 euros, without offers or promotions. That price is associated with a 140-horsepower TCe MHEV gasoline version with a seven-speed EDC automatic transmission and balanced finish. On the other side of the scale we find the 145-horsepower Arkana E-Tech engineered full hybrid with a starting price of 36.091 euros, without offers or promotions.

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