With the help of some electric power, the Rafale, despite its size and weight, can be a clean and cost-effective car to run. The 200hp hybrid produces around 106g/km of CO2 and has an efficiency rating of 60.1 mpg, according to figures produced by WLTP and quoted by Renault. In the real world, you’d have to truly nurse the car around to attain those sorts of figures; after a few days of mixed driving, we could only manage somewhere within the late 40s. Still, that’s not terrible for a family barge with plenty of heavy hybrid tech. 

Since the 300hp plug-in hybrid engine can run on electric power alone, theoretically the mpg figures could reach into the triple digits. Renault quotes a figure as high as 564.9mpg, but these numbers would only ever be obtainable if you ran exclusively ran on electric power.

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Not only would this be very unlikely, but it would defeat the point of buying a hybrid altogether. More pertinently to the real world, the Rafale has an electric only range of 65 miles, which is up there with the current best in the industry for a plug-in hybrid.

Servicing and warranty

Renault offers a range of servicing packages, known as its Renault EasyLife Service plans. They start with a basic plan that lasts for three years or up to 30,000 miles for £13.99 per month. This then moves up to four years or 48,000 miles with one MOT test for £22.99 per month, or £24.99 for the same package with an extended warranty.

If you plan on covering some serious miles in your first four years of ownership, you might be better off opting for the range topping package. It covers your Rafale for four years or up to 60,000 miles with an extended warranty and 1 MOT – all for £31.99 per month. Renault extended warranties can cover your Rafale for up to three additional years or 100,000 miles.

Reliability

• Modern Renaults well built
• Low maintenance tech
• Tried and tested in several models

Since the Rafale is a relatively new car, we don’t have a lot of data to base its reliability score on. Renault has certainly upped its game in terms of quality and reliability in recent years, and several other closely related models like the Austral have suffered very few problems. With few parts in the gearbox, Renault’s engineers have assured better reliability and lower maintenance due compared to more traditional style ‘boxes.

The powertrain and gearbox combination can be found in a range of models from the Renault extended family now, and so far so good. We’ll report back here if any major recalls or issues arrive.