Test Renault Arkana E-Tech Hybrid 145: very smooth

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Initially not planned for the French market, the Renault Arkana finally landed on our roads a few months ago to drive the SUV Coupé trend. Try your E-Tech Hybrid immediately.

Upon boarding, we are immediately pleased to see how the manufacturer is progressing in the market. The cabin is definitely more modern and cozy. The floating screen gives the center console a certain cachet and makes you want to be handled. I was glad to see a system of information and entertainment that is now fluid, while adopting up-to-date, well-thought-out graphics. My (small) disappointment will come from the shift lever, which is certainly very nice and nice in the hand, but the cheap side of the spring that allows you to switch between Drive and Brake spoils a bit the generally good quality of the assembly . In fact, plastics are in an ideal position and are not ugly. The carbon-like insert is tasteful and the lightweight ambience adds charm to the cabin. To feel more comfortable, I would have liked the audio controls to be available under the screen, such as air conditioning (hallelujah!) And not hidden behind the wheel.

After observation, practice. We feel good in this new Arkana. Everything to the touch is globally attractive and we are perfectly seated in the Sport seats of our RS Line finish. I’m just afraid the rear passengers are a little cramped. Although the space above the head is acceptable, it is mainly in the legs where the shoe pinches. As is often the case, the central square is not very welcoming either. Finally, the trunk offers a good load volume with 480 liters (or even 513 liters for complete heat engines) and, surprisingly, there is a spare wheel. A first for a few tests!

When we know that the design is among the top 3 selection criteria, Renault had to offer a SUV Coupé here. Honestly, the Arkana is generally a nice car; especially in this configuration Orange Valencia and RS Line finish. But it’s a closer look, which isn’t always seductive, in fact not everything is necessarily consistent. Mainly at the back, the trunk looks too massive to me. It is too high and too narrow, unfortunately it loses its balance. The profile, however, is successful, with a dynamic and slender style. Like the front face, which, although already a bit obsolete especially for the future Austral, is pleasing to the eye.

However, it is of course at the wheel what I expected most, specifically with the 145-horsepower E-Tech Hybrid. Some colleagues have praised me for this new engine. Well, to be honest with you, the first few miles were a big disappointment for me. The car lacks liveliness and consistency behind the wheel. Then, its main mistake is undoubtedly the lack of soundproofing between the cabin and the 4-cylinder too noisy during the acceleration phase. And it is this addition of little hiccups that did not allow me, at the outset, to get completely excited. However, the balance is not so bad. Because at a stabilized speed it is calm again and the outside noises are discreet. But also, because knowing more about his personality, we understand what he is thinking: driving full of flexibility.

So if you’re looking for a soft, comfortable character instead of a poignant and dynamic one, the Arkana will ultimately be a great car overall. It has a small atmospheric 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 94 horsepower, coupled to an electric motor. It is connected to a 1.2 kWh lithium ion battery. E-Tech’s innovation lies essentially next to the gearbox, which is a dog gearbox synchronized by a second small electric motor. As a result, a soft box, without shocks and above all much lighter. All this architecture then allows to limit the weight of the machine to only 1435 kg when it is empty. In fact, well-balanced, you feel safe in a winding course without letting yourself be thrown in all directions. While it’s true that his rather gentle temperament gives the impression of being a little gentle, in fact, he’s strong enough to insert you or move forward with complete confidence. The fairy of electricity comes into play and the rises are obviously instantaneous; and, to give you an idea, make it 0 to 100 in 10.8 seconds.

It is on the side of hybridization that the SUV is doing well. I was especially surprised by its very fast charging capacity, to be able to drive as much as possible with electricity. The regenerative brake is frankly well calibrated and reinforces the serenity of driving again. Especially in the city, we are very grateful to see how the heat engine fades very often. Not to mention that all of this saves him from being a fuel glutton. On the motorway, it will not exceed 7 liters per 100 km despite its impressive size. And in urban or peri-urban areas it is easy to go down to 6 liters (or even less), without forcing ecological driving.

In terms of price, we can get the feeling of getting a good deal by comparing it, for example, with its main competitor in terms of dimensions, the Peugeot 3008. Especially because the latter still does not offer coupe body or hybridization below 225. horsepower. Thus, the Renault Arkana starts at € 30,800 in zen finish and powered by the TCe 140 EDC. Or € 32,300 with our E-Tech 145 BVA. Our RS Line E-Tech model here, on the other hand, starts at € 37,200, with standard 18-inch wheels, a specific design and even heated front seats. Added to this is a paint job for € 650, the slab for € 180, the Bose audio system for € 700, driving assistance for € 600 and digital meters from € 10 to € 100. Total, without any penalty (108 g / km of C0²), at € 39,430.

If, as I said, I was disappointed at the beginning of the grip, the Renault Arkana E-Tech Hybrid finally proved to be a good travel companion. The key word is obviously softness, but your comfort or sobriety are so many interesting arguments.

Photo credit: Thomas D. (Fast Auto)

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