Renault has revealed an updated Arkana as the French marque prioritises the competitive C-segment with the help of newly released models such as the Megane E-Tech Electric and the Austral.
New look
Renault's updated Arkana prominently features Renault's new brand identity, with the 'Nouvel'R' logo at the centre of the black band linking the two headlights.
The new logo forms the basis of a new grille pattern, described as a "deliberately unstructured assortment of diamonds reverberating around the one in the middle," with a 3D effect to add depth to the design.
Depending on which trim is selected, the features will be black, satin chrome or dark chrome, the vertical pattern on the upper grille making the design more consistent with that of the grille at the bottom of the bumper.
In the past, R.S Line and E-Tech Engineered Arkanas were fitted with an aerodynamic blade on the bumper - now, the same blade is fitted to Techno and Esprit Alpine models. The blade will be the same colour as the body on the Techno variant and satin grey on the Esprit Alpine models.
The tailgate also features the new logo, finished in dark chrome to match the front, with slightly smoked crystal-like covers on the rear lights.
Chrome detailing has been replaced by black, satin black, or deep glossy black, depending on trim.
Esprit Alpine
The new Esprit Alpine trim sits at the top of the Arkana range, a 'sporty-chic' spec available on most of Renault's most recent models.
The trim level features several design features, such as the satin grey blade on the front bumper and a shale grey badge on the wing trim. Esprit Alpine models also have 19-inch alloy wheels and a custom aileron to match the roof.
The interior materials are a mixture of Eco Tep (made from 10 per cent bio-sourced materials) and imitation suede. The seats have blue horizontal stitching and an Alpine logo, with blue-striped seatbelts to match.
The door inserts and the steering wheel feature red, white and blue stitching, with slate-like cladding on the dashboard.
The Esprit Alpine Arkana is also equipped with an 'e-shifter' drive selector with no mechanical cabling, regardless of powertrain.
Streamlined range
Although the Irish line-up has yet to be accounced, there should be a simplified Arkana range offering only three trims - Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine.
Evolution models now include navigation as standard, as part of the Renault Easy Link infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The dash-mounted screen still measures seven inches but displays information across a larger area.
The Techno model has kept the aerodynamic blade to match its body and the same wheels as on the R.S Line and E-Tech Engineered versions, with a satin chrome logo and lettering at the rear.
Midnight Blue is a new paint colour for buyers to choose from.
Powertrains
All versions of the Arkana are hybrid-powered, with a 145hp E-Tech full-hybrid option, or two petrol-powered mild-hybrid units, producing 140hp or 160hp.
The full-hybrid powertrain uses a 36kW electric motor and an 18kW high-voltage starter generator with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine developing 94hp. These are connected to a multi-mode clutch-less gearbox and a 1.2kW battery.
This powertrain allows for 14 driving combinations, with the gearbox offering four ratios on the petrol engine and two on the electric motor - in the name of efficiency.
The car starts in electric mode and can run on pure electric power for up to 80 per cent of the time in cities according to Renault, cutting fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent when compared to a standard petrol engine. This brings CO2 emissions down to 105g/km.
Global success
Since its release in October 2020, 163,000 Renault Arkanas have been sold. Renault describes the Arkana as "a shining example of the Renaulution's success."
The Arkana is now sold in many corners of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Chile, with its upmarket versions - the R.S Line and E-Tech Engineered - accounting for 53 per cent of the model's European sales this year.
Irish prices and an on-sale date for the updated Arkana have yet to be confirmed.