The 2024 Renault Arkana is a new addition to the compact crossover segment, offering a sleek coupe-like design, a spacious and versatile interior, and a range of efficient hybrid powertrains. The new model, which will go on sale in Europe in early 2024, aims to compete with premium coupe-SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe or BMW X4, as well as more affordable rivals like the Toyota C-HR, the Mazda CX-30, and the Citroen C4.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Renault Arkana is based on the same platform as the Renault Captur and the Nissan Juke, but it has a longer wheelbase and a lower roofline that give it a more dynamic and elegant profile. The front end has been updated with a new grille, new LED headlights, and a redesigned bumper that incorporates the signature C-shaped daytime running lights. The rear end also has new LED taillights, a chrome-finished diffuser, and a sporty spoiler.
The new Renault Arkana is available in three trim levels: Iconic, S Edition, and R.S. Line. The Iconic trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the S Edition and R.S. Line get 18-inch ones. The R.S. Line also adds some sporty touches, such as a black roof, red accents, and a more aggressive front bumper.
Interior Design
The interior of the new Renault Arkana has been enhanced with new materials, colors, and features. The dashboard has a horizontal layout that emphasizes the width of the cabin, and it houses a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument cluster is a 10.2-inch digital display that can be customized to show different information and graphics. The center console has a wireless charging pad, a rotary knob for the gear selector, and an electric parking brake.
The 2024 Renault Arkana offers plenty of space and comfort for five passengers, thanks to its generous dimensions and clever packaging. The trunk has a capacity of 513 liters (18.1 cubic feet), which can be expanded to 1,296 liters (45.8 cubic feet) by folding the rear seats. The rear seats can also slide forward and backward to adjust the legroom and cargo space. The cabin also has several storage compartments, including a large glove box, door pockets, and cup holders.
The Renault Arkana comes with a host of advanced safety and driver assistance features that make driving easier and safer. Some of these features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, and a 360-degree camera.
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Hybrid Powertrains
The 2024 Renault Arkana is available with three different hybrid powertrains that deliver performance, efficiency, and low emissions. The base engine is a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 138 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system that reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 8%. The next option is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that works with two electric motors and a 1.2-kWh battery to deliver 143 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This is a full-hybrid system that can run on electric power alone for short distances and achieve up to 57 mpg (4.1 liters per 100 km) in combined driving. The top-of-the-line engine is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that also works with two electric motors but with a larger 9.8-kWh battery that provides 158 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This is a plug-in hybrid system that can travel up to 31 miles (50 km) on electric power alone and achieve up to 134 mpg (1.8 liters per 100 km) in combined driving.
Driving Experience
The new Renault Arkana is a pretty decent motorway cruiser with a quiet cabin, a stable ride, and responsive steering. The hybrid powertrains offer smooth transitions between electric and gasoline modes, although they can be noisy under hard acceleration. The full-hybrid system uses a clutchless automatic gearbox that uses one of the electric motors to smooth out the shifts, while the plug-in hybrid system uses a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox.
The Renault Arkana also handles well on twisty roads, with a good grip, a flat body, and a sporty feel. However, the ride quality is compromised by the firm suspension, which can be uncomfortable on bumpy surfaces. The R.S. Line trim adds some extra stiffness but not much more agility.
Some of the competitors of the Renault Arkana are:
- The Toyota C-HR: a compact crossover that also offers a hybrid powertrain and a distinctive design but with a more angular and futuristic look. The Toyota C-HR has a smaller boot and less rear legroom than the Arkana, but it has a higher-quality interior and a smoother ride.
- The Mazda CX-30: a stylish and refined crossover that has a premium feel and a sporty driving character. The CX-30 has a more conventional shape than the Arkana, but it still has a sleek and elegant appearance. The Mazda CX-30 has a more powerful engine and a more responsive gearbox than the Arkana, but it is less efficient and more expensive.
- The Citroen C4: a quirky and innovative crossover that combines elements of a hatchback, an SUV, and a coupe. The C4 has a unique design that stands out from the crowd, and it also offers an electric version called the Citroen e-C4. The C4 has a spacious and comfortable interior, but it lacks some of the features and technology that the Arkana offers.
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Pricing and Verdict
The new Renault Arkana is expected to start at around $27,000 (23,000 euros) in Europe, which makes it an attractive option for customers who are looking for a stylish and efficient crossover that stands out from the crowd. However, it also faces some tough competition from other coupe SUVs that offer better ride comfort, handling, or interior quality. The 2024 Renault Arkana is a good car, but not a great one.
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