SUVs are still very popular with car buyers. Renault therefore presents the Arkana, a chic coupé offshoot that targets the German premium competition - but not in terms of price. The Renault Arkana leads something like a double life: the SUV coupé has been around in Russia since 2018, but the Soviet variant - apart from the same name and the coupé-like appearance - has very little in common with the new West model.
While the variant for the Eastern European market is based on the simpler Dacia platform, the Western European Arkana - just like the Clio or the Captur - is based on the so-called CMF-B platform. This architecture is much more modern and allows, among other things, the integration of contemporary assistance systems. Of those, the Arcana offers in abundance.
In addition to its Russian stepbrother, Renault also does not make it easy to classify it in the model portfolio. At 4,57 meters, the Arkana is a good 35 centimeters longer than the Captur, but with a wheelbase of 2,72 meters it even trumps the next larger Kadjar. However, at just 1,57 meters, the elegant roof line of the Arkana is a lot flatter. Incidentally, the model name comes from the Latin and means something like secret, and it is built by Allianz partner Samsung in Korea.
Comfortable and modern inside
Renault is self-confident, because the Arkana should compete in the compact premium segment. There he meets established competitors such as the BMW X4 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Not an easy undertaking, but the Korean-Frenchman doesn't really have to hide. The interior alone proves this. The new Renault welcomes its guests in a dignified ambience with lots of foamed plastics. The appearance of the material is neat, the same applies to the workmanship. The driver will also find a tidy workplace. With the higher-quality equipment lines Intens and RS-Line, he looks at a clearly readable speedometer display and then looks to the right at an upright touchscreen. The 9,3-inch monitor can be operated effortlessly from the start, and the multimedia system with its fast computing times is generally pleasing. Just type in the desired navigation destination and off you go.
Likewise, when it comes to space, the Arkana easily keeps up with the German SUV coupés. There is plenty of that and there is no real anxiety. Although you sit unusually high in the arcana at the front, the comfortable furniture provides good support for the driver and front passenger. However, with one drawback: tall people around 1,80 meters want a lot more thigh support for an optimal sitting position. The front seats are simply too short.
So swap places and off to the back. Measured against the flat coupé shape, the headroom is generous. When it comes to knee and footwell in the rear, Renault even speaks of the best offer in the segment, but long legs hit the front seat backrests. Admittedly, that doesn't look any better with the German competition. But the French offers all the more in the back: the trunk swallows a decent 513 liters including a storage compartment under the loading floor. After folding down the rear seats, there is a substantial 1296 liters ready and the loading area is flat. In this way, a bulky refrigerator can easily be weighed into the Arkana.
Even the basis is right
The engine program is clear. The French do without a diesel or a purely electric drive for the Arkana, instead there are only hybrids. The entry point is the TCe 140. Thanks to a starter generator and a small lithium-ion battery, it works as a mild hybrid. This means that it cannot drive electrically, but the sophisticated drive receives support when accelerating, while the system recovers energy when braking. If you are looking for a full hybrid, you should wait until summer. Then the Arkana with the E-Tech 145 will get the same drive as in the Clio and 80 percent of the city will run electrically. In autumn, the program will be expanded with a second mild hybrid with 160 PS (118 kW). All of them drive up with front-wheel drive, there is no all-wheel drive.
But back to our test car, which extracts 1,3 hp from just 140 liters of displacement. The engine kicks in powerfully from low speeds and mostly works pleasantly quietly. The standard seven-speed dual clutch transmission also pleases with brisk and jolt-free gear changes. Only when starting up does the automated gearbox need what feels like a moment of thought before the arcana starts moving. The Frenchman needs 0 seconds for the sprint from 100 to 9,8, with a maximum speed of 200 km / h.
With the 140 hp petrol engine, you are already well served and by no means underpowered. The tightly tuned chassis of the French is really fun on winding country roads without appearing uncomfortable. And the steering works precisely, but reacts a little too easily even in sport mode. Those who take it easy in the eco driving program should get by on average with just 5,3 liters. On our round, however, the on-board computer acknowledged a final 7,9. Not so nice, but we weren't really going to save.
Lots of assistants
On the other hand, the SUV coupe does not show any nakedness when it comes to safety. A total of twelve assistance systems are available for the Arkana, nine of which are standard on the basic model alone. Starting with the lane keeper, through traffic sign recognition to the emergency brake assistant. The optional motorway and traffic jam assistant is also recommended. The electronic helpers are available in a package for 600 euros. If they are activated, the Arkana meticulously maintains the distance to the vehicle in front and does this reliably in stop-and-go traffic.
The entry-level version called Zen starts with the 140 engine at 27.850 euros. Compared to the German premium competition, the Renault is downright cheap: For a BMW X4 you have to pay almost twice as much, but the Bavarian already has a 184 hp petrol engine under the hood. Premium stop. But that's where Renault's latest litter wants to go.
Conclusion
The arcana does not make any big blunders, so it will surely make its way. The only thing that is still missing - at least in Germany - is the necessary image. But that is ultimately the decision of the buyer. (ampnet / gb)
data
Length x Width x Height (m): 4,57 x 1,82 x 1,57
Wheelbase (m): 2.72
Engine: R4 gasoline engine, 1333 ccm, turbo, direct injection
Power: 103 kW / 140 PS at 4500 RPM
Max. Torque: 260 Nm at 1750-3500 rpm
Top speed: 200 km / h
0 acceleration to 100 km / h: 9,8 sec.
Average WLTP consumption: 5,3 liters
Efficiency class: B
CO2 emissions: 122 g / km (Euro 6d)
Empty weight / load: min. 1411 kg / max. 465 kg
Boot volume: 513-1296 liters
Max. Trailer load: 900 kg
Tropic: 11,2 m
Tires: 215 / 60 R 17
Maintenance interval: 30 000 km
Base price: 27.850 euros