Renault Arkana: BMW X4 looks on a budget
Normal and roomy on the inside, curvy outside. And it kind of works
Drive an original Beetle and you know all about it. It’s an engrossing, engaging experience that will live with you forever. It looked different and it felt different. For the reboot, VW ironed out everything that made it memorable and ended up with a less practical Golf with a vase in it.
The Arkana – like all manner of coupe-ish hump-backed contemporaries, from the Toyota CH-R and Fiat 500X to the considerably more expensive BMW X6 – looks more different than it feels. Priced from £25,300, it’s a standalone model, made in Korea, with styling inspired by a Russian-market Renault but fresh underpinnings, shared with the smaller Clio and Captur. We get two powertrains (this E-Tech 145 hybrid, or a mild hybrid) and three trim levels.
Renault’s E-Tech hybrid system claims to use energy-recovery know-how from the Renault (now Alpine) F1 team. The aim is seamless transitions between electric, hybrid and petrol power. A battery sits under the rear seats and powers an electric motor attached to the 1.6-litre petrol engine up front, supplemented by a starter-generator.
The E-Tech’s complicated automatic transmission system doesn’t have a manual shift option, but nor is it a CVT, in case you were worried. It just gets on with delivering power to the front wheels without drawing attention to itself or requiring any driver input. The Arkana corners willingly and, while rough roads can upset its firm ride, the seats are comfortable.
On all but entry-level models you get driving modes play with, but since Pure’s a little sluggish and Sport a bit sudden, you’re best off sticking with Hybrid, which is nicely responsive.
The shape isn’t just about the looks. Renault reckons it’s more ecient than a trad SUV, helping with economy and refinement, but also claiming the Arkana’s a family car inside. It is. The curve of the roof hasn’t resulted in tiny windows for the rear passengers, unlike the C-HR, which can feel gloomy in the back.
The Arkana looks and feels like a good value-for-money package. The performance isn’t going to get anyone excited, but if your priorities are style, practicality and a smattering of convenience and comfort features, welcome.
First verdict
An agreeable alternative to a Toyota CH-R, or a step up from a Fiat 500X. Rear legroom the priority, not blowing the driver’s socks o #####