The Renault Arkana will officially go on sale in Europe from 2021. Until now, the SUV was only available in South Korea and Russia, where it is the company's flagship model and is assembled in Moscow. However, models bound for Europe will be built in the company's plant in South Korea.
The Arkana has a familiar face that fits in with the Megane, Captur and Kadjar lineup, and the sloping roofline follows the trend in producing sportier looking SUVs. Renault will also offer it with an exterior R.S. Line specification that will include the option of an exclusive Valencia Orange paintwork. Six other exterior colours are available with the option of a contrasting black roof and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels with three design choices.
Renault doesn't think that the roofline will make a significant impact on interior space, and it lists the boot volume at 513 litres. The rear seats can fold fold to boost cargo volume and the door pockets can hold 1.5-litre bottles. In the front of the cabin a choice of horizontal 7-inch touchscreen display or portrait-style 9.3-inch touchscreen display will be available depending on the specification grade. Ahead of the driver there will be either a 4.2-inch display with the instrument cluster or a 7- or 10-inch Driver Information Display, again dependent on model grade.
Mild hybrid and hybrid engines for the Renault Arkana
Renault will offer a choice of different powertrain options with the Arkana, starting with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that uses mild hybrid technology. This setup makes a small improvement in fuel consumption and uses a 12-volt lithium-ion battery underneath the front passenger seat to power the car's ancillary systems during brief engine-off situations.
A 1.6-litre petrol engine will offer full hybrid functionality with two electric motors and an output of 140hp. The E-Tech system uses a multi-mode clutchless gearbox for smooth shifting and Renault claims that it can typically cover as much as 80 per cent of city driving using only battery power, helping to reduce local emissions. Drivers will be able to choose from different driving modes too.
Other driver assistance features will include an adaptive cruise control of sorts that Renault labels its Motorway & Traffic Jam Companion, a separate adaptive cruise control system with stop and go functions as well as traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and lane keep assist. A 360-degree camera system will aid parking and the option of an automated parking assistant will be available.
Exact pricing and specification details for the Renault Arkana will be announced closer to the car's arrival in Ireland, which is scheduled for September 2021.