Overview

The way a car looks can sometimes be deceiving, as a silhouette can prompt you to believe it shares company in one class when in fact it belongs to another. Take the Renault Arkana, for example. With its wide stance and sloping roof line, you’d be forgiven for suggesting it counts premium coupe SUVs like the Mercedes GLC Coupe and BMW X4 as direct rivals, but no.

In reality, it can’t quite live up to the build quality, luxurious feel and overall prestige of that crowd. Instead, the Arkana is more like a practical family crossover in a sassier rig-out, and therefore regards more understated options like the Toyota CH-R, Citroen C4 and Mazda CX-30 as direct competition.

The Arkana is usefully on point right now – it’s exclusively a hybrid (although not a plug-in), and comes in front-wheel drive form only. It’s the first coupe-styled SUV from Renault, offering a mix of style and practicality in a value-for-money package. Its combination of low pricing and coupe looks make it very unusual – and with very reasonable finance packages available, it’s bound to appeal.

There are three spec levels, all available with either powertrain: Evolution, Techno and esprit Alpine. All look and feel like good value-for-money cars. The performance isn’t going to get anyone excited, but if your priorities are style, practicality and a good smattering of convenience and comfort features, then you’re looking in the right place.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard. All models get Active Emergency Braking System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and cruise control. Lighting is all-LED. Options include an opening sunroof, leather upholstery, black roof and adaptive cruise control.

The middle-ranking techno Edition has better infotainment than the entry-level Evolution, with the touchscreen up from 7.0 to 9.3-inches, bigger wheels – up from 17 to 18 inches – and various design changes. Esprit Alpine trim has 19-inch wheels and a few more exterior tweaks, including Alpine branding around the car.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be reviewing all aspects of the Renault Arkana including its performance, practicality and running costs, so keep reading for the full story.