By its own admission, Renault has recently been a bit popular in the UK as well. But the company aims to change all that as part of new boss Luca de Meo’s “Renaulution” plan by launching a new line of electrified cars, starting with a sleek and affordable hybrid coupe-SUV called Arkana.
This brand new C-segment offering is one of the 14 electrified models of the Renault group scheduled for launch by 2025, half of which will be electric vehicles. In particular, de Meo plans to target the Volkswagen Golf segment – an understandable move, as it is currently the largest in Europe, capturing around 40% of sales. Two other electrified C-segment cars are in the works, including a fully electric Mégane crossover.
The Arkana is already making a storm in France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Spain, where it has just been launched. Backorders are said to have exceeded 10,000 and are increasing rapidly. It’s also been “a huge hit” in South Korea, where it’s made (by Samsung), so Renault’s claim that the Arkana is a true global car holds a lot to heart. Much of this success, say marketers, is due to his split personality: buyers “don’t have to choose between sport and practice”.
The Arkana is based on a long-wheelbase version of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s remarkably versatile CMF-B platform, which is also used for the Clio and Mégane, among many other applications. It is a newer platform than the one used for the Kadjar SUV and obviously more versatile: stronger, lighter, capable of driving independently, equipped with the latest safety gadgets and ready for all forms of electrification.
Renault engineers take particular pride in the fact that the Arkana’s sleek lines do not compromise headroom, legroom or trunk space in the rear, all of which are at or near best-in-class for the segment C. The key seems to be height and a relatively long wheelbase of 2720mm for its total length of 4568mm. The car has prominent and muscular rear hips which allow it a relatively high roof and therefore a drastically angled rear window without compromising rear space.
Three trim levels (Iconic, S Edition and RS Line) are available. All are well equipped, but the S Edition and the RS line (which benefit from niceties like adaptive cruise control and three drive modes) have equally impressive trim levels, separated mainly by 18 “elements thereafter. exotic ‘from the RS line, including distinctive alloy rims, chrome exhausts, sport seats, a Formula 1 inspired honeycomb grille, various bumpers and carbon fiber effects in the passenger compartment. All models feature an extensive collection of airbags and dynamic safety aids and qualify for the latest five-star NCAP safety rating.
Two hybrid powertrains are offered for each model. The cheapest option (£ 1,000) features a 138bhp 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an integrated starter-generator that collects energy during braking and then deploys it via a gearbox. Seven-speed dual clutch gears when the car is accelerating.
Our test car was fitted with the more expensive 143bhp 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol option, which has both an integrated starter-generator and another electric motor incorporated into its converter gearbox. of eight-speed torque, providing more complete electric operation and assistance.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-16 05:01:24
