Renault Arkana E-Tech | Preview Drive

Words Roberto Marrone / Photos Renault Italia

The first intelligent coupe SUV is finally on the road. This is the new Arkana and it is the ambitious project that Renault is bringing to light using the recently tested E-Tech hybrid engines identical to those on Megane, Captur and Clio. The Arkana, however, moves the bar further, as it also represents the first – and for the moment unique – coupe SUV (4.57 meters long) that is not part of the premium range and therefore able to position itself on a market step still virgin. Furthermore, thanks to the possibility to choose between the two engines available at the moment – obviously both hybrid and combined with front-wheel drive – the Arkana also promises an interesting driving involvement, all supported by an active and passive safety package that make it a complete model suitable for customers looking for a car with character, substance, but which does not necessarily mean an excessive expense, not even in terms of maintenance and running costs. In fact, Renault declared 4.8 liters to cover an average of 100 km.

Two engines are therefore expected at launch, the TCe 140 EDC and 160 EDC, a 1.3 non-rechargeable micro-hybrid with 140 or 160 horsepower and the E-Tech Hybrid 145, a 1.6 Full Hybrid with 145 horsepower. Two versions to choose from: Intens and R.S. Line with prices starting at € 30.350. During the preview test that took us to the Lido in Milan, I immediately noticed the care concerning the cockpit and the overall passenger compartment, the sporty design emphasized by the R.S. Line package and the precision guaranteed by an engine which, thanks also to a low weight, makes the Arkana agile in traffic and excellent on motorways. We’re now looking forward to get one at our offices for an in-depth test drive review, but even after a small taste like this, the mouth watering images unveiled at the beginning of the year have been aptly confirmed.