Coupe SUVs aren’t new, but there’s something novel about Renault Arkana.
For a long time, this body style was reserved for premium carmakers, and for an obvious reason. Buyers of mainstream cars want practicality and functionality, qualities which are compromised in coupe SUVs.
Not anymore. Renault is here to change the game. It’s the first mainstream carmaker offering a coupe SUV—the Arkana. It combines attractive design and reasonable price, but it’s still too early to say if this formula is enough for success or not.
Meantime, let’s learn more about the Renault Arkana.
The First Generation of Renault Arkana (2020-present)
This is one of the freshest models in Renault’s lineup. It originally debuted in Russia in 2019, while versions for the rest of the world arrived a year later, with Renault Arkana Australia debuting last year (2021).
It's important to keep in mind that there are some significant differences between versions for the Russian and global markets. While the former is based on an older-generation B0 platform, the international model rides on the company's more modern CMF-B architecture.
Of course, we will focus on the more modern iteration, as that's the model sold in Australia.
Design
As mentioned, the Australian Arkana features a more modern layout based on the CMF-B platform. Practically, that's the same basis used for the smaller Renault Captur.
The two models share a lot of parts, though I would say that Renault Megane is Arkana’s closest relative. Once you see the front-end design, things become crystal clear. Moreover, even the SUV’s coupe-like design looks a lot like the coupe version of the popular compact car.
Aesthetics aren’t the only thing shared between the two models. A lot of mechanical parts are the same as well. Aside from the higher ground clearance and SUV stance, the Arkana features a similar basic suspension setup.
There is a typical McPherson strut at the front, while the rear end features a torsion beam, just like Megane does. As a result, the ride is comfortable and relaxed, while a small dose of body lean is a trade-off of such a suspension setup.
Regarding the brakes, ventilated discs are at the front, while the rear wheels come with classic discs.
Another thing worth mentioning is that, while base models look very attractive, the range-topping R.S. Line grade comes with some upgrades that make this crossover look even better. This version brings exclusive 18-inch wheels, upgraded bumpers, black gloss trim around the vehicle, and many other exclusive visual details.
Dimensions
You can count on a size typical for the segment. The Arkana features a 2720mm wheelbase, just 9mm more than the Megane sedan. It is 4568mm long, 1571mm high, and 1802mm wide overall, with a ground clearance of 200mm. The kerb weight goes around 1360kg, though it varies depending on the grade you pick.
Renault Arkana Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2720mm
- Length: 4568mm
- Height: 1571mm
- Width: 1802mm
- Ground clearance: 199mm
- Kerb weight: 1358kg
- Turning circle: 11.2m
- Rear track: 1584mm
- Front track: 1562mm
- Tyre size: 215x60 R18
Renault Arkana Interior
This SUV has a very modern and attractive interior, with a massive infotainment screen adorning the centre stack and an advanced software that's fast and easy to use.
While the dash has impressed us, it’s the practical aspect that won us over.
Thanks to the long 2720-mm wheelbase, the Arcana offers plenty of legroom in both rows of seats, which isn't the case with most similarly priced rivals. Speaking of the Renault Arkana price, base models go around $34,590.
With the Arkana’s coupe-like rear-end design, we usually expect the second-row headroom compromised, but that's not the case. There’s 2mm more headroom than in Captur, and the cargo area offers decent numbers. You’ll find 485 litres behind the second row and nearly 1300 litres with the back seats folded.
Engine
Currently, this SUV comes in just one version for the Australian market. That would be a small but capable 1.3-litre turbo-four engine (maximum output of 115kW and 262Nm of torque). All versions come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Driving dynamics are pretty good. The car needs a little over 9 seconds to hit 100km/h, while the top speed goes around 200 km/h. More importantly, the max torque is available already at approximately 2,000 rpm, which means that you can count on a good throttle response when you need to overtake safely.
Renault Arkana Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 1333cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Forced induction: Turbocharger
- Maximum torque: 262Nm
- Maximum power: 115kW
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Acceleration: (0-100km/h): 9.8s
- Top Speed: 205 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 6L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 50L
Renault Arkana Hybrid
While the Australian version only comes with a turbo-four engine, the European version is also available with a hybrid powertrain. That model features a system that's based on a 1.6-litre inline-four petrol engine, which comes coupled with two electric motors. The total output goes around 107kW, enough for a 0-100km/h sprint in 10.8 seconds.
The system also includes a 1.2-kWh battery, and while the Arkana Hybrid isn't a particularly quick vehicle, it offers excellent fuel economy, which goes under 5L/100km in a combined ride, according to the manufacturer.
At this point, the French manufacturer doesn’t plan to offer a hybrid version Down Under, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t see it in the future.
Renault Arkana Price
This is a very fresh model in the Australian market, so you will hardly find a used one on the market. On the other hand, the new model starts at around $35,000. That’s the Renault Arkana price in Australia for the base Zen grade. The mid-range Intens grade starts slightly under $39,000, while the range-topping R.S. Line is available at around $42,000.
Renault Arkana Pricing (Without On-Road Costs)
- Arkana Zen: $34,590
- Arkana Intens: $38,590
- Arkana R.S. Line: $42,090
Is the Renault Arkana self-charging?
Yes, the Renault Arkana comes with a classic hybrid setup, with a self-charging 1.2-kWh battery that doesn't offer much of the all-electric range but significantly impacts the overall fuel economy, which goes under 5L/100km, according to the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, the Hybrid version is still not available in Australia.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa