New Renault Arkana is an ‘Athletic’ SUV Coupe

Say hello to the new Renault Arkana - a coupe-like SUV crossover that runs exclusively on hybrid power.

The Renault range isn’t shy of a crossover.

You can already choose from the compact Captur or the larger Kadjar while the incoming all-electric Megane will also be an SUV.

But what’s different about the Arkana, which is available to order now with prices starting at £25,300, is that it boasts much more rakish, coupe-like lines compared with its Renault siblings.

What’s also interesting is that you can only choose a hybrid powertrain - with the two choices being either a self-charging hybrid or a ‘TCe’ petrol ‘micro’ or mild-hybrid, neither of which need to be plugged in.

And with a bigger boot - at 513 litres - than either a Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage, it could be a real winner for lease customers with families in mind.

Styling wise, Renault describes an ‘athletic, sloping profile’ adorned with Renault’s LED ‘Pure Vision’ lighting and signature C-shape daytime running lights with automatic activation.

You get tinted windows, 17-inch alloys on base models, chrome and black lower door protection and slate grey satin front and rear skid plates on models higher up the trim range - which runs from ‘Iconic’, to ‘S Edition’ and on to ‘R.S. Line’.

Sporty R.S. Line variants feature unique front bumpers with an aerodynamic front blade and honeycomb grille, dark gun-metal front and rear skid plates and darker-tinted windows.

Inside the cabin Renault promises plenty of room for passengers while there’s a 7 inch infotainment touchscreen on base models, and ambient lighting.

Those base Iconic models also come with a host of driver assistance systems, including a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, active emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition.

Power wise, the self-charging hybrid is known as ‘E-Tech’, and can be had across the range, including the Iconic variant, with the battery recouping its charge through regenerative braking.

The set-up combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, to produce power of 145 hp and 250 Nm of torque.

And not only does it emit just 111 g/km of CO2, it’ll also return up to 57.6 mpg.

The TCe mild-hybrid uses a 1.3-litre engine and a 12-volt starter generator to offer good acceleration at 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and you’ll still get close to 50 miles to the gallon.

The TCe engine is also available exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission delivering smooth and refined gear changes.

A Renault spokesperson says:

“Renault’s first SUV with coupé-inspired styling, the All-New Arkana features a unique design in the Renault line-up without compromising on practicality and usability. 
"With its athletic, sloping profile, modern design touches and the most up-to-date lighting technology delivering a standout signature, the All-New Arkana provides a distinctive and sleek presence on the road.”

 Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:

• New all-electric Vauxhall Combo-e Life MPV revealed
• New Evoque HST adds ‘sporty stealth’ to Range Rover’s SUV
• Renault unveils new Motorsport-Inspired Captur R.S. Line
• All-new Subaru Outback is ‘safest ever built’
• New Citroen e-Berlingo primed for release
  

---

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter here.