Renault Arkana – victory for value

THE Renault Arkana, the French automaker’s first purpose-built hybrid car, is a model on a mission.

Snatching sales from proven SUV stalwarts like the Honda C-HR and Citroen C4, never mind another newbie in the shape of the Mazda CX-30, will be no easy task.

But Renault has some compelling elements aimed at tipping the scales in the Arkana’s favour, not least a price tag that shouldn’t put too many potential buyers off.

Sitting between the Captur and Kadjar in the company’s crossover line-up, the newcomer combines SUV and coupe design – giving it a style of its own and making it instantly distinguished from its rivals.

Power comes via the brand’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain technology developed from Renault’s experience in Formula One and already used successfully in the Clio, Captur and Megane models.

There’s also a TCe 140 mild hybrid engine available but the E-Tech variant we tested pairs a 1.6-litre petrol unit with a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, combining to produce 145bhp.

The upshot is acceleration of 0-62 in 10.8 seconds and a potential top speed of 107mph, so we aren’t talking seismic performance.

That said, the Arkana isn’t meant to be a sporty offering – even if its eye-catching silhouette may suggest otherwise – and its average fuel return of 58.9 miles per gallon is most definitely a positive.

Whichever engine you choose, or which of the Iconic, S Edition or R.S. Line trim grades, auto transmissions are the norm while prices stretch from £25,300 to £30,900, the tested S Edition E-Tech costing £28,600.

These are competitive prices for a fully electrified car range and as a family-friendly model the Renault also fits the bill by virtue of its cabin space for five and boot capacity that ranges from 480 to 1,263 litres.

Higher spec models also feature a choice of eight ambient lighting colours with illuminated strips along the doors and dashboard panel that can be changed via the MULTI-SENSE menus.

Out on the road the Arkana feels both composed and comfortable and the way the E-Tech powertrain is designed means it starts up in EV mode every time, ensuring efficiency from the get-go.

Renault says that prioritising the electric motor is made possible by an innovative transmission with something called a ‘dog clutch’ which transitions seamlessly between electric and petrol hybrid power.

And to truly personalise the experience, the driver can select from a range of driving modes called My Sense – the default mode for the smoothest, most efficient drive – Eco and Sport.

Standard equipment is comprehensive across the model range but from S Edition upwards there’s a 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen providing access to navigation as well as live traffic and weather info backed by a Google search.

Safety kit like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alerts are included – the Arkana has been awarded a five-star crash safety rating by Euro-NCAP – and there are also electrically adjustable heated front seats and an automated parking system.

Outside, S Edition models get stand-out 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, chrome trim detailing, grey front and rear skid plates and extra tinted rear windows.

• WHAT’S HOT

• Space, economy, dynamics.

• WHAT’S NOT

• Performance.

• RATINGS  {Out of 10}

LOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

RIDE AND HANDLING . . . . 8

PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . .7

VALUE FOR MONEY . . . . . . 9