Test drive: Renault Arkana E-Tech: Hybridisation for a well-rounded product

That SUVs are in fashion is a fact, and for a little over a decade this segment has managed to absorb the former potential customers of D-segment saloons and MPVs.

Throughout its history, Renault has had heavyweights in both categories thanks to large saloons such as the 21 or the Laguna, and huge MPVs such as the pioneering Espace or the versatile Scenic.

The French brand’s current range is the perfect mirror of the trend the market has followed in recent years. After the disappearance of the Renault Talisman we tested a few years ago, and the token sales of its two MPVs, the Scenic and the Espace, models such as the Renault Captur we tested or today’s protagonist have become the fundamental pillars of the manufacturer.

SUV + Coupé = Guaranteed success

Renault did not want to innovate in the design of its model, and if there is a formula that works, why take risks? SUVs with coupé design are a real success in the market, so there are increasingly more alternatives in this segment, which a few years ago was reserved for the flagship models of premium brands.

With dimensions of 4.56 metres long, 1.57 high and 1.82 wide, the Renault Arkana sits one step above the Kadjar. One of the keys to this model’s success over its sibling is its styling: while the Kadjar has a design that leaves almost everyone who sees it indifferent, the Arkana has that sporty touch so necessary to win people over at first sight.

At the front, the Arkana features the distinctive face that has defined the design language of the brand’s latest models. Thus, we have a sharp grille that extends towards front LED headlights shaped like hooks, which make any model from the diamond brand easily recognisable and, incidentally, offer excellent lighting.

The side profile is the model’s main character trait, as the drop of the roofline from the B-pillar gives it its coupé-style silhouette. The main drawback of this type of design is interior headroom, because, obviously, the head space available to rear occupants is somewhat compromised.

However, Renault has managed to deal with this problem: despite being 3 centimetres lower than a Kadjar, the Arkana offers more than enough space for people up to 1.90 metres tall to ride in the back without their hair brushing the roof.

The rear of the Renault Arkana rounds off the whole, as its connected rear lights – a design device widely used in recent years – and the elongated tailgate complete a look that is undoubtedly one of its main selling points.

Speaking of the boot, the work Renault has done in this respect deserves praise: although the hybrid system’s batteries cost it 20 litres compared with its conventionally powered siblings, the Arkana E-Tech offers 480 litres of capacity in a very usable shape. We pushed its capacity to the limit during our test, and it swallowed the luggage for a week for five people.

Given the model’s “sporty” aspirations, we had no doubts when choosing the trim level: the R.S. Line trim suits it like a glove. Specific bumpers, chrome mouldings, a black roof and attractive five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels are the ideal complements to Renault’s coupé-SUV.

An interior that matches the exterior

When we open the door of the Renault Arkana, we get the same feeling as when we look at the exterior design: without any loud flourishes, it offers an at-least “eye-catching” ensemble.

Thanks to the R.S. Line trim, the sporty essence also extends to the driver’s seat. Its equipment features include a steering wheel with perforated faux-leather and red and white stitching, comfortable seats in the so-fashionable “vegan leather” and Alcantara with contrast stitching, and attractive mouldings imitating carbon fibre that cover both the dashboard and the door panels.

The driving position is very good, so it takes very little time to get used to all the controls. This is thanks to the excellent ergonomic work done by the brand’s engineers.

Although it has a digital instrument cluster with simple yet complete information and, above all, a huge vertical central screen from which most of the car’s functions can be controlled, Renault has kept physical controls for the items we use most.

Without giving in to the impractical “all-touch” trend, the Renault Arkana E-Tech has three dials to adjust the air-conditioning temperature, so we don’t have to take our eyes off the road to navigate endless menus to find what we want. Not only that, but on either side of the steering wheel there are two piano-style button panels with which we can activate functions such as hazard warnings, heated seats, open and close the doors, activate EV mode or switch lane-keeping assist on and off… Well done, Renault!

E-TECH: an intelligent solution

The Renault Arkana E-Tech shows that self-charging hybrids still have a lot to say, as there is no electrification technology more adaptable to all kinds of use than this one: it uses little in town, little on the open road, and we don’t have to worry about plugging it in.

Its propulsion system consists of three motors:

• A petrol engine with four cylinders and 1.6 litres, naturally aspirated, producing 95 CV.
• An electric motor with 36 kW/49 CV that assists the petrol engine and is even capable of propelling the car when we don’t demand much power, at speeds between 30 and 140 km/h.
• A second electric motor with 15 kW/20 CV that has multiple functions: it acts as the starter motor, generates energy and synchronises the operation between the electric motors and the petrol engine, acting as a clutch.

To store the energy generated to power the electric motors, the Renault Arkana E-Tech has a 1.2 kW battery installed under the boot floor.

Behind the wheel: how does the Renault Arkana E-Tech drive?

When we translate this complex theory into practice, everything becomes much simpler, as the driver only experiences smooth behaviour that encourages relaxed driving.

The management of the energy available in the battery of the Renault Arkana E-Tech is excellent, so there is always energy available for the electric motors to lend a hand – quite literally – to the petrol engine.

The system can detect when the battery is running low and, at that point, activates the regeneration mode, making use of momentum and braking. Only if we drive too aggressively or climb an especially long gradient with the car loaded to the hilt would we risk running out of battery.

In our test of more than 1,000 km, the Renault Arkana E-Tech ran completely out of battery on just one occasion. At that point, the system switches to “emergency mode” and diverts part of the combustion engine’s power to charge the battery. When in that situation, the power is indeed especially compromised, with the revs shooting up in an attempt to maintain speed.

The transmission’s behaviour, despite not having a conventional clutch, is very similar to what we experience with a CVT transmission like the one fitted to the Honda Civic e:HEV we recently tested. As with that kind of system, it encourages calm driving: if we press the accelerator too hard we get sufficient power but, in exchange, an annoying engine noise that filters into the cabin.

You cannot talk about a hybrid without looking at its consumption, since achieving low figures is the raison d’être of this type of vehicle. This task is precisely one of the specialities of the Renault Arkana E-Tech: driving normally, it is genuinely easy to record consumption below 5 l/100 km, a very respectable figure considering we are dealing with a muscular SUV of just over 1,500 kg.

After testing the Renault Arkana E-Tech: would you recommend it?

The sporty SUV from the French brand is one of the most complete products Renault has launched in recent years: it catches the eye, it is perfectly capable of carrying the whole family, it has a spacious boot, pleasant handling, genuinely frugal consumption, a very complete equipment list and a reasonable price.

After a week and a handful of kilometres at the wheel of the French SUV, the answer is simple: yes, I recommend it. Hybrid technology is ideal for anyone who wants low consumption without complicating their life with chargers and plugs, so it is the perfect substitute for a diesel car. If you make long journeys and a ECO label is useful to enter low-emission zones, the Renault Arkana E-Tech could be your ideal companion.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverRenault Arkana7 versions · from 29,454 €