How is the quality and layout?

Renault has been on form with its interiors of late, and the Rafale is no exception. You’ll find plenty of soft touch plastics, classy trims and switches that work pleasingly, with harder plastics mainly well hidden. There was a little buzzing and rattling around the window frames in the car we tested on UK soil, and a little of the Alpine stitching was coming away from the steering wheel, but for the most part the cabin felt solid and properly put together.

The Rafale’s interior has greater element of style to it than some of its rivals perhaps do. Especially in the Alpine-grade trims, from the blue door pocket fabrics to the numerous Alpine logos, the Rafale’s cabin felt sportier and more voguish than you might find in a Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008. It might not be for everyone, but we enjoyed the ambiance.

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The central rear armrest is worthy of note, with two USB-C ports, a pair of cupholders, carpeted trays and swivelling smartphone mounts that can hold a phone each or a larger device paired together. Hopefully this should keep kids of all ages occupied on longer journeys.

Infotainment and tech

While the 12.0-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen controls most functions, there is a bank of physical heater controls beneath it and buttons on the steering wheel.

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The infotainment screen is angled towards the driver and has quick responses and crisp graphics. Some of the menus could be easier to fathom on the move, although overall it’s a good system that pairs well with the similarly hi-res 12.3-inch driver’s display. The four stalks (lights, wipers, gears and stereo) on the steering column look busy at first yet work well with familiarity.

Comfort

• Lots of space
• Heated front seats
• Plenty of adjustability

The electrically adjustable seats fitted to the test cars we’ve experienced prove comfortable on longer drives and have a decent range of adjustment. That said, only the driver gets adjustable lumbar support which is a little mean. Renault are going big on recycling, with reused Alcantara and other more sustainable materials elsewhere inside. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available on techno esprit Alpine cars and up.