• Petrol-only line-up
• Powered by full-hybrid drivetrain
• No high-performance models on offer
  

The Arkana is available with just one engine – a 1.6-litre, 145hp hybrid petrol. If you fancy a diesel, a plug-in hybrid of a high-performance version, you’ll be left wanting. If that engine sounds familiar then it’s because it is, Renault now utilises it across the range, from the new Clio to the upcoming Renault Symbioz.

The E-Tech‘s performance won’t set the world on fire, but it’s reasonably smooth and refined, which is what you’re looking for from a car like this. Acceleration and maximum speed are fairly humble at 10.8-seconds 0-62mph and a top-out at 107, but they’re adequate for a family car in this class. A battery sits under the rear seats and powers an electric motor that’s attached to a 1.6-litre petrol engine up front, supplemented by a starter-generator. Between them they muster a total of 145hp, and it starts up in EV mode.

The E-Tech’s automatic transmission system doesn’t have a manual shift option. Instead, it just gets on with delivering power to the front wheels without drawing attention to itself or requiring any driver input.

It does irritate when switching from electric to petrol power, though. The switchover point never seems to be where you think it should be, and it can get confused if you ask for a quick response, such as getting away from a roundabout.

Handling

• Firm suspension means good body control
• Sharp steering
• Not as good to drive as a Ford Puma

Don’t be fooled by the sporty-looking esprit Alpine line trim, which is purely cosmetic. The on-paper figures are modest and correspond closely with the undramatic sensation of driving the Arkana.

It sits on the same platform as the Clio and Captur, which are both acceptably good to drive. Increasing its size has not harmed the handling, and it corners willingly, but the firm suspension leads to a crashy ride in exchange for minimal body roll. It won’t ever press you to turn up the heat as you slalom through a set of bends, as the Arkana is most comfortable at fairly pedestrian speeds. It won’t thank you much for pushing it beyond its comfort zone – despite the firm ride – so if you’d like a sporty character to match the design, you should look elsewhere.

On all but entry-level models you get drive modes play with, but since Pure seems a little sluggish and Sport a bit sudden, you’re best off sticking with the ‘Hybrid’ drive mode, which provides a responsive set-up and deploys whichever permutation of electric, petrol and mixed power sources is best for any given situation.