Renault: This is how the new Arcana drives 🎥
ZWITTERs are still in vogue with car buyers. That's why Renault presents the Arkana, a chic coupe offshoot that takes aim at the German premium competition - but not at the price. The tightly tuned chassis of the Arkana is really fun on winding country roads The Renault Arkana leads something of a double life: Since 2018, it has been [...]
The tightly tuned chassis of the Arkana is really fun on winding country roads
The Renault Arkana leads something of a double life: The SUV coupe has been available in Russia since 2018, but the Soviet variant has very little in common with the new Western model - apart from the same name and the coupe-like appearance.
While the variant for the Eastern European market is based on the simpler Dacia platform, the Western European Arcana - just like the Clio or the Captur - is based on the so-called CMF-B platform. This architecture is more modern and allows, among other things, the integration of modern assistance systems. The Arkana offers plenty of these.
Multimedia system with fast computing times
At 4.57 meters, the Arkana is a good 35 centimeters longer than the Captur, but with a wheelbase of 2.72 meters it even trumps the next largest Kadjar. However, at just 1.57 meters, the elegant roofline of the Arkana is much flatter. Incidentally, the model name comes from Latin and means something like secret.
Renault is confident that the Arkana will compete in the compact premium segment. The interior alone is proof of this. The new Renault welcomes its guests in a dignified ambience. The materials are of good quality, as is the workmanship.
The driver also finds a tidy workplace. In the higher-quality Intens and R.S. Line equipment lines, the driver looks at a clearly legible speedometer display and an upright touchscreen.
The 9.3-inch monitor can be operated effortlessly right away, and the multimedia system pleases with its fast computing times. Just type in the desired navigation destination and off you go.
Comfortable furniture for driver and passenger
The Arkana also easily keeps up with the German SUV coupes in terms of space. Although the front seats in the Arkana are unusually high, the comfortable furniture provides good support for the driver and front passenger.
However, with one drawback: tall people around 1.80 meters would like more thigh support for an optimal seating position.
Trunk swallows a tidy 513 liters
So swap seats and head for the rear. Considering the flat coupe shape, the headroom is ample. Renault even calls the knee and foot room in the rear the best in the segment.
The trunk holds a tidy 513 liters including a storage compartment under the load floor. After folding down the rear seats, a respectable 1296 liters are available and the load area proves to be perfectly flat. This means that a bulky refrigerator can easily be heaved into the Arkana.
Diesel and all-wheel drive not in the program
The engine range is clear. The French do without a diesel or a pure electric drive in the Arcana, but only hybrids are available.
The TCe 140 is the entry-level model and operates as a mild hybrid thanks to a starter generator and a small lithium-ion battery. This means it cannot drive electrically, but the refined drive receives assistance during acceleration, while the system recovers energy during braking.
The Arkana E-Tech 145 with the same drive system as in the Clio is expected to generate 80 percent of its electricity in the city. The range will be expanded in the fall with a second mild hybrid with 160 hp. All of them are front-wheel drive; there is no all-wheel drive.
Tightly tuned chassis is fun
But back to our test car, which produces 140 hp from a displacement of just 1.3 liters. The engine is powerful even at low revs and is pleasantly quiet for the most part. The standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission also pleases with quick and jerk-free gearshifts.
According to the factory, the Frenchman needs 9.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, and it can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The 140 hp gasoline engine is therefore already well-served and by no means underpowered.
The Frenchman's tightly tuned chassis is really fun on winding country roads without seeming uncomfortable. The steering is precise, but still a bit too light even in Sport mode. Those who take it easy in the Eco driving program should get by with an average of only 5.3 liters.
Base model with nine standard assistants
The SUV coupé doesn't show any weakness when it comes to safety. A total of twelve assistance systems are available for the Arkana, nine of which are standard on the base model alone. These range from lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition to emergency braking assist.
The optional highway and traffic jam assist is also recommended. If they are activated, the Arcana meticulously keeps the distance to the car in front and also does this reliably in stop-and-go traffic.
Swiss prices start at 31 800 francs
The entry-level variant called Zen starts at 31,800 francs with the 140cc engine. Compared with the German premium competition, the Renault is downright cheap.
Conclusion: The Arcana doesn't make any big mistakes, so it will certainly make its way.
