New Renault ARKANA spacious, sporty, hybrid 04.03.2021: By launching its sporty-looking Arkana SUV in Europe, Renault is reinventing the conventional codes of the market. It becomes the first general-purpose manufacturer to offer a SUV coupé in Europe, a segment that until now has been the preserve of premium

By launching its sporty-looking Arkana SUV in Europe, Renault is reinventing the conventional codes of the market. It becomes the first general-purpose manufacturer to offer a SUV coupé in Europe, a segment that until now has been the preserve of premium brands.



This new offering, which complements the other models in the compact range (Mégane, Kadjar and Scénic), is in line with a very fast-growing global SUV market – particularly in the C segment.



With the New Arkana, Renault brings a new generation SUV with a highly advanced hybrid technology, both in its form and function – a reassuring, elevated driving position, spaciousness, without giving up any boot capacity and a distinctive, innovative style. It guarantees a more thrilling and responsive driving experience, especially with the R.S. Line trim design.



It also makes no compromises on safety with a maximum score of 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. At the same time, it can carry several types of engines with the latest full-hybrid technology– E-TECH Hybrid 145 hp – and its 1.3 TCe micro-hybrid 12V motors, not to mention the 140 hp and 160 hp versions (as of October 2021).




The New Renault Arkana is designed to meet the very diverse expectations of international markets. It illustrates the Groupe Renault’s global approach and its capacity to conquer new markets. This is a worldwide vehicle, with technical features tailored to each market. In Europe, the New Arkana is based on the Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform which was also featured on the latest generations of Clio and Captur.



Like the Renault Samsung Motors XM3, the New Renault Arkana will also be made at the Busan plant (South Korea). The Group is set to start taking orders in March 2021 for a release, depending on the markets, by the end of March for the TCe versions and as of June for the E-TECH Hybrid version.



“Arkana is another example of how modernity and innovation are rooted in Renault’s DNA. It is a hybrid on every level, and perfectly blends the codes of the SUV with a positively sporty allure, combining responsiveness with versatility. It brings a fresh impetus to the mainstream compact SUV segment which is core to the European market.


Arkana’s hybrid technology engines are clearly forward-looking and offer a unique driving experience, with the innovative E-TECH Hybrid system at the top of the range, guaranteeing driving pleasure in combination with reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel efficiency.”



François Laurent, Arkana Programme Director





Exterior Design  A unique design, striking and sporty


The New Renault Arkana brings an all-new addition to the Renault line: a sporty SUV. The exterior combines elegance and sturdiness with even more character at the R.S. Line trim level.



Hybrid through and through


The New Arkana boasts an exclusive hybrid look. With pronounced ground clearance (200 mm), an elevated and muscular beltline and wide shoulders, the Arkana fits perfectly in the world of SUVs. The front and rear skid plates and the wheel arch protections enhance the SUV look, while the plunging roofline and window line both create an agile and slender curved design that extends to the rear window and enhances the car’s dynamic look, thereby capturing the features of ‘SUV-coupé’ models.



Front end: elegance and durability


The front grille, with a bigger Renault logo sitting proudly at the centre, is flanked by chrome brightwork and trim elements that give the New Arkana a touch of elegance and sophistication. Below, the very expressive front bumper enhances the dynamic design while the skid plate gives the car a more robust look.



Lighting signature


The all-LED headlights feature the C-shaped lighting signature specific to Renault models and which exemplify the stylish and dynamic design of the New Arkana. The back of the car also displays the C-shaped lighting signature with a strip extending over the whole width of the tailgate, emphasising the taut yet stylish lines and distinctive look of the New Arkana.



Profile


The New Arkana’s profile is one of its most striking features. The dynamic lines of the SUV are instantly recognisable, combining style with sturdiness and sportiness. Planted on large 690-mm diameter wheels, the car measures 4,568 mm in length, 1,571 mm in height and has a 2,720-mm wheelbase. The car’s overall size gives it a more flowing profile. The chrome aspects, such as the trim accentuating the windows, the side door protections, and the front fender trim, serve to underline the car’s stature.



Colours and wheels


The New Arkana is being launched in seven body colours: Opaque White, Pearl White, Metal Black, Metallic Grey, Zanzibar Blue, Fire Red and Valencia Orange (exclusive to the R.S. Line version). An optional black roof further enhancing the dynamic aspect of the car, and three types of 17- and 18-inch wheels are available.




R.S. Line finish: for an even sportier touch



The New Renault Arkana is now available in its Renault Sport (R.S.) Line version that meets the expectations of customers looking for a vehicle that clearly stands out with a dynamic design.



The New Arkana is the fourth model in the Renault range (after the Clio, Captur and New Mégane) to offer the new R.S. Line design trim which combines elegance with sportiness. It draws its inspiration from Renault Sport’s DNA and the iconic New Mégane R.S. model.


The car’s even bolder design is further enhanced by the Orange Valencia colour unique to this version and the intense backdrop created by black-painted and dark metal parts that embellish the bodywork, including the Formula 1-inspired aerodynamic blade.



The bumper features red inserts and Silverstone wheels are unique features of the range. An R.S. Line badge has been added to the wings trim while the rear sports a chromed dual exhaust outlet and a darker skid plate, like the F1 bumper and skid plate before.



An optional Colour pack will further enhance the look of the New Arkana R.S. Line: its front and rear bumpers and the lower protective door strip will be painted in the colour of the bodywork, with a black roof and glossy black spoiler.



The passenger compartment of the R.S. Line version features a special interior, with a carbon-finish dashboard and door lining, a red trim running along the top of the dashboard and a black roof. Stylish and sporty red topstitching embellishes the perforated leather steering wheel as well as the mixed leather/suede-like finish upholstery and door panels, while a red strip accentuates the colour of the seat belts. Completing the package are an aluminium pedal unit, an e-shifter gear lever (with the E-TECH Hybrid engine) and R.S. Line badges



The R.S. Line trim is available with the New Arkana’s E-TECH Hybrid engine as well as with the micro-hybrid engines TCe 140 and TCe 160 (fourth quarter 2021).




INTERIOR DESIGN


A high-tech cockpit without compromising on roominess


The New Arkana aims to accommodate all its passengers the best possible way with a high-tech interior and cockpit that improve quality and comfort, without compromising on roominess, for a sporty design.


Digital dashboard


The New Arkana has a digital dashboard, featuring a 4.2-, 7- or 10.2-inch coloured screen (depending on the versions), offering a personalised, intuitive driving experience. Complemented by the 7- or 9.3-inch centre screen, it has one of the largest display surfaces of its category.


Centre console


The centre console offers a large amount of storage space and features a smartphone wireless charging system and side storage, including a storage net on the passenger side. It also features an electric automatic parking brake available from the first trim level, with Auto hold function on high-end trims. The latter also features a large vertical 9.3-inch touch screen for a more cutting-edge passenger compartment (with a horizontal 7-inch screen at other trim levels).





Gear lever


The E-TECH Hybrid version of the New Arkana R.S. Line can come with the e-shifter gearbox (no mechanical transmission cable) like the one found on the New Espace and Captur high-end versions.


Instrument panel


The stylish architecture of the instrument panel matches the New Arkana’s exterior and boasts resolutely modern ergonomic features. The upper part is covered with a soft feel foam lining, and each trim level boasts its own exclusive lining strip.


Lining


From the first trim level upwards, door handles and air vents are embellished with chrome while the gear lever is made of leather. At the second trim level, the steering wheel comes in leather while chrome inserts are added to the dashboard and cup holder, and the upper part of the doors are covered with a foam lining.


Storage and connectivity


In addition to wireless charging, the New Renault Arkana also features four USB plugs (two at the front, two at the rear) for connecting and recharge of electronic devices. The door pockets are each large enough to hold 1.5-litre bottles.


Comfort


Drivers can enjoy an elevated seating position for improved comfort and ergonomics. According to selected features, back-seat passengers can enjoy a (removable) wide centre armrest and adjustable air vents on the centre console rear panel. Every version comes with an air purifier as part of the automatic air-conditioning system.


Sunroof


Certain versions of the New Renault Arkana can be fitted with a sunroof for a brighter passenger compartment.


Upholstery


Various versions of upholstery embellish the interior of the New Renault Arkana. The first trim level offers fabric upholstery while the seats of the upper trim level are covered with a faux leather fabric (with leather as an option). The R.S. Line version features mixed leather/suede-like finish upholstery.



No compromise on space


The New Arkana offers unprecedented levels of roominess for a sporty model, especially at the back with 211 mm of knee room – the most in its category. The 305 mm foot space is also a benchmark in the market, as is the headroom in the back, which is 862 mm, significant for a vehicle with sporty lines.

Generous boot


The New Renault Arkana has a generous loading capacity with a 513-litre boot (480 litres for the E-TECH Hybrid version), with a repair kit. It also features a raised floor that can be placed at the bottom to increase the loading capacity or at the top to accommodate heavier luggage. In this configuration, the 2/3-1/3 passenger bench seat can be folded to obtain a flat floor.




-VINCENT FRAPPREAU  photos Thibaud CHEVALLIER / PLANIMONTEUR