Roomy Renault’s a style-driven mystery
This is the new Renault Arkana. It’s a coupe SUV. Renault says the sloping coupe-style back of the car doesn’t gobble up any luggage space and it might not in terms of litres but it must do when it comes to loading odd-shaped items.
Renault used to make fantastically practical cars like the Espace and Scenic and now we’re down to style-driven motors like the Arkana.
Trouble is, it’s easy for car companies to make vehicles like this. Take an existing platform, in this case the same one that’s used for the Clio and Captur crossover, stretch it and then raid the skip for all the hardware like engines, gearboxes and suspension parts.
They do this because they’re petrified of not being in the next niche that goes big.
BMW kicked the coupe SUV thing off with its monster X6, Merc followed with the GLC and GLE SUV coupes and Porsche recently followed with the Cayenne coupe. As is usually the case, it then filters down to the cheaper brands. I’m sure more will follow Renault’s lead.
The Arkana is apparently a big seller in Russia where, oddly, it is built on a different platform and 95% of its components are different, too. The
European Arkana is built in its own factory, as well, one that’s in South Korea. But to the car itself.
We’re driving the E-Tech Hybrid
145 which has a 145PS 1.6-litre petrol engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox. This E-Tech powertrain is used in several other Renault models and combines a
1.2kWh lithium battery with two electric motors. Our test car is in R.S.Line trim which without options will set you back £30,900. Renault is already offering some competitive PCP deals on the car.
Actually, the Arkana is much more spacious inside than its shape suggests. Four 6ft adults will be able to make themselves comfortable.
The boot holds 480 litres which is actually quite generous (the other version that’s a simpler mild hybrid and doesn’t have the li-ion battery has a bigger 513 litre luggage area.
One of the Arkana’s main rivals will be Toyota’s C-HR, a car that is funkier to look at but also very popular. The Renault beats the Toyota on boot space and the rear feels more airy and light which kids will like. Citroen’s new C4 can be considered a rival even though Citroen doesn’t bill it as a coupe SUV: it’s a hatchback with a swoopy roof and quite a bit of ride height. Same thing in other words.
Inside you get a bigger version of the Clio interior with a 9.3in touchscreen, smart phone mirroring a decent array of switches for altering temperature and audio volume simply. R.S. Line trim brings with it leather seats with fake suede, fake carbon fibre on the dashboard and some red stitching. It’s all quite pleasant and put together to a decent quality.
By now you will have needed to be already pulled in by the Arkana’s styling because to drive this car is very ordinary. Our test car was left-hand drive which means that your bum is following any bad edges and ruts near the gutter, but even taking this into account the ride is not particularly comfortable.
The steering feels rather numb and there’s a fair amount of pitch and roll. R.S.Line might sound sporty but the Arkana is a long way off being of interest to someone who enjoys driving.
Like we said, if you’re captivated by the Arkana’s style then take one for a spin. This is a car that Renault made because it could.
It’s an average car in reasonably attractive clothing.