Renault Arkana review

From £25,690

With hybrid power and distinctive styling, the Renault Arkana aims to cash in on the SUV coupe trend. John Redfern drives it.

  • Renault Arkana

Since the arrival of the BMW X6 in 2006, the SUV coupe market has typically been the preserve of premium brands. Now Renault wants to let the masses enjoy owning a high-riding SUV with curvy coupe styling.

Compared with established SUV coupes such as the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Arkana is far more affordable.

Prices start from less than £26,000, with comprehensive levels of equipment across the range. Even the coupe roofline has only a limited impact on practicality. 

Get the look 

Renault Arkana

One of the key factors appealing to buyers in the SUV market is image. Whatever your opinion of the trend for jacked-up vehicles, it is hard to deny the Arkana is an attractive car.

Renault’s bold grille gives it road presence, with the swooping roof leading to a kicked-up tail. It will certainly turn heads for the right reasons, ticking one big box for potential owners.

They can pick from seven paint colours, with a black roof available for an extra £300. LED headlights are standard across the range, along with C-shape LED daytime running lights and plenty of chrome exterior trim.

Style over substance

Renault Arkana

On the outside, then, the Arkana appears quite premium. However, its interior is a reminder of how low the list price actually is. Paying less than £30,000 means there must be a compromise somewhere, and the hard plastics here are evidence of that. The trim used across the dashboard and doors looks like it should be textured, but is instead flat to the touch. 

These are minor details, but ones that begin to make the Renault feel slightly ‘style over substance’. At least the standard equipment count is high, with climate control, parking sensors, a reversing camera and keyless entry all included. 

Physical dials and buttons for the climate control are also something of a novelty now, with the vertical touchscreen chiefly dedicated to handling infotainment. Entry-level versions have a 7-inch item, with S Edition and R.S. Line models gaining a bigger 9.3-inch screen. All use a 4.3-inch digital driver display, with customisable settings. 

Big space, modest pace

Renault Arkana

As an SUV coupe, the Arkana features a desirable raised driving position, although getting comfortable behind the wheel can take time. Passengers should have no real complaints about space, although the coupe roofline does reduce rear headroom slightly. 

Boot space is respectable. The full-hybrid version’s battery packs reduce the available depth, but at 480 litres, it still compares favourably to key rivals.

Where the Arkana falls behind is on the road. We tested the E-Tech Hybrid version, which combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. It makes for a total output of 143hp, which can struggle with so much weight.

Taking it steady

Renault Arkana

It feels as slow as the 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds suggests, despite the initial surge of acceleration when driven in electric mode. The hybrid drivetrain does improve fuel economy though, with up to 58.8mpg in official WLTP tests.

Renault’s clever ‘dog clutch’ automatic transmission handles the transition between electric and petrol power smoothly. A ‘one-pedal’ mode allows the Arkana hybrid to be driven like a pure EV, helping recharge its batteries through regenerative braking. 

The handling of the Arkana feels sharp on initial turn-in, with little body-roll despite its raised ride height. Unfortunately, this suspension setup also results in an uncomfortable ride, which seems at odds with Renault’s luxury aspirations. 

Covering all bases

Renault Arkana

It all adds to a car with a confused identity. It offers premium style, but with a low-cost interior and stiff ride. The sporty handling also seems juxtaposed with the leisurely performance from the hybrid powertrain.

As a result, the Arkana may only appeal to those who love the idea of an SUV coupe, but don’t want to spend big bucks to own one.

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Specs
Model: Renault Arkana S Edition E-Tech Hybrid 145
Prices from: £25,690
Price as tested: £29,800
Engines: 1.3-litre petrol and 1.6 hybrid
Fuel type: Petrol
Gearboxes: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, CVT auto
Bodystyles: SUV
Trims: Iconic, S Edition, R.S. Line
Euro NCAP:
(2019)
Power: 138-143 hp
0-62mph: 9.8-10.8 sec
Fuel economy: 48.7-58.9 mpg
CO2: 108-132 g/km
Dimensions (l/w/h): 4,568/2,034/1,571 mm
Boot capacity: 480-1,296 litres
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
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