MG 5 Long Range
Sharp-looking mild hybrid coupé SUV will strike a chord with the cost-conscious On sale Now Price from £25,300
A bigger battery gives MG’S bargainpriced electric estate a welcome boost in the distance it can go between charges
Coupé SUVS started out as the niche preserve of well-heeled buyers who wanted a tall and imposing car, but not one shaped like a brick. Think BMW X6 and Mercedes-benz GLE Coupé. In recent times, though, mainstream manufacturers have got in on the act, and the latest example is the Renault Arkana.
Taking up roughly the same amount of space on the road as a Nissan Qashqai, the Arkana’s closest rival is the sleek Cupra Formentor, which is one of our class favourites.
This entry-level Arkana’s mild hybrid TCE 140 engine helps it emit less CO2 than either the Formentor 1.5 TSI 150 or BMW X2 sdrive18i, while promising better fuel economy than both. Just don’t expect to drive along on battery power alone like you can in the full hybrid E-tech version we tried recently.
The Arkana is a second slower than the Formentor to 62mph, but it doesn’t feel sluggish in real-world driving; the engine is responsive and pulls well from low revs, and the standard seven-speed automatic gearbox rarely hesitates when you pull away from a standstill. Things are different on the move, though; asking for a burst of acceleration is met by a noticeable pause. The 1.3-litre petrol engine isn’t all that quiet, either; you can hear it even when cruising at motorway speeds.
With its firm suspension, there isn’t much body lean by SUV standards and the Arkana feels composed on undulating roads, while its well-weighted steering inspires confidence through corners. However, the Formentor and X2 are more fun yet, surprisingly, more comfortable on most roads; the Arkana is more punishing over potholes.
Its price definitely appeals; even top-tier RS Line trim is cheaper than an entry-level X2 and not much more than the cheapest Formentor. Both of those offer better interior quality and more rear head room, but the Arkana hits back with a bigger boot. If you’re after a coupé SUV that won’t break the bank, it’s worth a look.
SAYS Not the most polished coupé SUV, but economical and temptingly priced