Renault Arkana | Test Drive

6 May 2022 Redazione News, Tested

RENAULT ARKANA

Words Christian Parodi / Photos Richard Montagner

Sometimes I get the feeling that a random automotive customer is some sort of an easy prey when passing the gates of a dealership. In spite of the sector’s crisis, all brands seem increasingly willing to expand their range, first by filling a segment – those of SUVs – with both smaller and larger versions and now with coupe variants as well, which actually do not involve two only doors, but a more streamlined line mainly characterized by a sloping rear glass and a sportier tail at the back.

Renault takes the opportunity to be the first generalist brand to put on the market a small-medium sized coupe SUV and despite the strong resemblance to some German models which however cost at least twice as much, the Arkana has been immediately able to catch the attention, answering to some solid expectations as we are about to find out driving. Based on the Captur crossover with which it shares the platform with the Clio, the Arkana is a model on its own and at least for the moment boasts the privilege of being a greedy alternative to those more traditional compact SUVs or to the less glamorous crossovers that seem having almost completely supplanted MPVs and are increasingly intimidating that of hatchbacks.

The model of our test is the one that is commonly considered the top of the range, but which I prefer to identify as the most appropriate choice in terms of overall layout. This is the Full Hybrid variant which sees a 1.6 naturally aspirated 94-horsepower petrol unit paired with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery, for a total of 145 horsepower managed by a 4-speed automatic transmission, which provides even greater energy recovery once Brake Mode is engaged. We were talking about the Captur and removed the shared mechanical part, what is actually perceived with the Arkana is a greater attention to driving sensations, despite the fact that the seating position is essentially identical. In fact, visibility remains excellent, especially on the approaching road, while as far as the rear view concerns, you have to deal with the sinuous tail and the small size of the rear window, but for this you just need to use parking sensors and the rear camera.

In terms of dimensions, the Arkana’s overall size are 4.57 meters long, 1.57 meters high and 1.80 meters wide. It is easy to understand that it moves smoothly in the city, an ideal environment for this type of car and engine, so much so that it is only available with front-wheel drive. A pity, because given the ground clearance you get here, having a variant with four-wheel drive would undoubtedly have represented a further point in favor. The same can be said for the lack of paddles behind the steering wheel with this kind of gearbox, a compromise that if it does not affect driving in city traffic, penalizes on board smoothness on b-roads, especially if uphill. Having said that, we find the different driving modes available, including the customizable My Sense, Eco and Sport, without obviously forgetting EV, which in 100% electric mode allows you to travel up to 3 kilometers.

Too little? Well, remember that this is a Full Hybrid and therefore the great advantage here is not to carry an excessive battery pack with you and above all it allows you to continue recharging while driving, an aspect that frequently happen with this Arkana E-Tech, so as to limit the final fuel consumption to approximately 6.8 l/100 km. Another aspect that contributes to making the Arkana a pleasant car to drive is not mainly given by the pure power at disposal, but rather by the feedback of the steering, which especially in Sport reveals a precise and engaging front end. The cabin is also a beautiful environment to be in, with comfortable seats even for those who sit in the back. In front of the driver we have a customizable digital display assisted by a 9.3” touch screen developed vertically, necessarily equipped with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There are several storage compartments – albeit not impressively huge in size – and ADAS such as active braking, lane maintenance system, blind spot and front distance alert and road signs detector, obviously in addition to the adaptive cruise control.

Of the approximately 600 km of range available with a full tank of petrol, those you travel with the Arkana will be mainly in urban areas, or at least this is what Renault claims. However, regardless of the road you travel, the car proves being at ease despite the passage from electric to thermal propulsion is often noisy. Then focusing our attention on the rear compartment there is no automatic tailgate and despite the spare wheel we have plenty of space for luggages, however without straps or hooks that can firmly hold the load in place. The Arkana starts at just over 30,000 euro, while the version equipped with Full Hybrid technology requires at least € 31,850, which becomes € 34,750 if you want to take home the R.S. Line, which almost ticks all the boxes in the options list. By discovering the Arkana, we unveiled the mystery, realizing that from now on we no longer have to give up on style, not even when it comes to a practical car within the reach of almost all budgets. Très bien.

RENAULT ARKANA Hybrid E-TECH 145 CV R.S. Line

Engine 4 cylinder Hybrid, 1.598 cc Power 145 hp @ 5.600 rpm Torque 148 Nm

Traction Front-Wheel-Drive Transmission Automatic Gearbox Weight 1.510 kg

0-100 kph 10,8 sec Top Speed 172 kph Price €34.750