Renault is adding to its line-up with the Arkana, the stylish new SUV joining the Captur and Kadjar in its crossover range. It’s Renault’s first ever purpose-built hybrid with prices starting from just £25,300 and three trim levels available on launch – Iconic, S Edition and R.S. Line.
Distinctive exterior styling
With sleek exterior lines, and coupé styling, the Arkana is an SUV unlike anything else in the Renault range. At the front, all models come with LED Pure Vision lighting with C-shape daytime running lights. Tinted windows, chrome trim and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels ensure that every model has an imposing look. The range-topping version also adds front and rear skid plates for added SUV character as well as an aerodynamic front blade and honeycomb grille inspired by Formula One as well as more imposing 18-inch alloys.
A practical interior
With dynamic proportions, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious interior packed with high-quality materials and the latest technology. The rear seats have been designed in order to provide the maximum legroom for passengers, and with a 513-litre boot (480 litres on the E-Tech Hybrid) there’s plenty of room for every journey.
Powertrains
The Renault Arkana is powered by Renault’s E-Tech Hybrid 145 engine which combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery powering two electric motors to deliver a powerful drive that’s responsive and efficient. The E-Tech delivers 145 bhp and 148Nm of torque from the petrol engine and 250 Nm from the electric motors. This returns an impressive 57.6mpg and emits as little as 11g/km of CO2 based on the WLTP cycle.
Due to innovative engineering, the petrol engine will not be used when the vehicle starts, with every journey beginning with battery power alone. When more power is required, the petrol engine clicks in to deliver a polished hybrid drive.
There are multiple driving modes available, with Sport producing more power when you need it, and Pure delivering a fully electric drive.
The Arkana is also available with 1.3-litre TCe 140 petrol energy offering 140hp and 260Nm of torque, while delivering 48.7mpg and emissions of 131g/km. It’s made even more efficient with the use of a 12-volt starter generator, ensuring a more refined function when using the stop/start function. It is exclusively available with a seven-speed dual clutch EDC transmission.
Safety features
With a huge range of safety equipment as standard, the Arkana has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. As standard, all models come with an emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition as well as lane keep assist and lane departure warning systems. In addition, the Renault Emergency Call system, with SOS button, will automictically engage in the event of an accident. As you’d expect, there’s a range of airbags as standard as well as Isofix child seat anchors on the outer rear seats and front passenger seat.
Move up the range and S Edition models add adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems. RS Line models also have easy park assist, which automatically performs parking manoeuvres, so you’ll fit into even the tightest of spaces.
Infotainment
Renault’s EASY LINK infotainment system is available across the range, allowing control of all core functions at the touch of a button, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across all models. Iconic models have a 7-inch display with DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, while S Edition and R.S. Models have a 9.3-inch portrait screen which adds 4G connectivity with navigation, live traffic services and weather information. The premium models also feature a 7-inch driver information display allowing customisation of the instrument cluster.
Pricing
On the road pricing for the Renault Arkana starts from £25,300 for the Iconic TCe 140 EDC, rising across the range to £30,900 for the R.S. Line E-Tech hybrid 145 Auto. Prices are correct at date of publication.
