Renault Arkana - TopCarNews

Renault Arkana (2021 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

‘Coupe-style’ SUVs are popular among upmarket brands, but the Renault Arkana is one of only a few of these sleeker crossovers made by mainstream manufacturers.

New in 2019, the Arkana is based on the French brand’s Captur SUV, but with a lower and more raked roofline, with additional length also offering more legroom for rear passengers.

The Arkana is available with two electrified petrol engines. You can either choose a hybrid unit, combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to give 145hp, or a mild hybrid option that provides a boost to a 140hp petrol engine but can’t drive under electrical power alone.

The Renault Arkana has received a rather mixed set of reviews from the UK media, reviewers generally coming to the conclusion that the Arkana may be a capable machine but that there are better alternatives, even within the Renault SUV range.

Auto Express explained, “The Arkana misses the mark when you consider that a smaller SUV like the Captur is better value, while the larger Renault Kadjar is more comfortable.”

Carbuyer finds issues with both the ride comfort and engine performance, concluding that, “With a firm ride and slightly dull powertrains, the Arkana isn’t as appealing for drivers as it first looks”, although the reviewer admits that the Arkana’s “fuel efficiency and practicality are more impressive, and Renault’s five-year warranty adds some lustre to the ownership experience.”

The Renault Arkana has also received praise for its decent value for money, its smart infotainment system, and its spacious interior and large boot, but it is clear to see that the coupe-SUV has failed to win over the majority of UK media outlets, Top Gear wrapping up their review by declaring “there’s absolutely nothing here that pegs it as a must-buy.”

As of October 2021, the Renault Arkana currently holds an Expert Rating of 57% from 16 reviews.

Arkana highlights

Roomy inside despite styling
Competent handling
Efficient full hybrid system
Looks – better than most SUVs

Arkana lowlights

Unimpressive petrol engine
Harsh low-speed ride
Aggressively sharp steering
Looks, full of unneccesary details

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol hybrid, petrol mild-hybrid
Price: From £25,300 on-road

Launched: Summer 2021Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The new Renault Arkana is a stylish-looking coupe-SUV, but the French manufacturer’s other SUVs outshine it.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“There’s plenty to like about the Renault Arkana. The eye-catching coupe-SUV body style – until now only really a premium brand offering – still offers space, while true to recent Renault form the Arkana boasts a well-finished cabin, a smart infotainment system and strong equipment levels, all for a competitive price.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Renault Arkana is a stylish, coupe-inspired twist on the crossover norm with style aplenty and a choice of hybrid engines.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre mild hybridScore: 7 / 10“It’s a struggle to see past the engine and chassis foibles. A car that’s better to look at than to drive.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid RS LineScore: 7 / 10“The Arkana is a pleasant enough place to while away the miles, although given the E-Tech powertrain’s foibles, the lower-powered and cheaper 140TCe version may turn out to be the sweeter driving model.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“For the here and now, this is a smart, practical, enjoyable and decent-value new car.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.8 / 10“The Renault Arkana is a stylish hybrid-only coupe SUV that’s practical and well-equipped.”
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Driving Electric

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid RS LineScore: 7 / 10“Renault’s full-hybrid coupe-SUV may not have the performance to match its sporty styling, but it’s well equipped and has fuel economy to rival the best diesels.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview“It looks kinda cool, with a coupe-SUV profile. You also get a high driving position and more interior space than you might expect. It’s not exciting to drive but it’ll be very efficient, thanks to mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview“A stylish alternative to Renault Kadjar. Very efficient with a long warranty. However, it has a firm ride, and the hybrid engine is a bit slow.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.6 / 10“A well-priced and good-to-drive coupe-SUV crossover.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Arkana steers fairly keenly, brakes progressively and has a decently supple ride too. So it’s a pleasant enough drive in town or country.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid RS LineScore: 6 / 10“The Arkana isn’t Renault’s finest design work in the sector, but it drives reasonably and the hybrid system, while different from anything else, is quite fun and economical. You’re not going to love it, but in its way this car is quite likeable.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol mild hybridScore: 6 / 10“There’s absolutely nothing here that pegs it as a must-buy – this hybrid set-up makes for a good stop-gap solution, and if the styling really tickles your pickle make sure and take one out for a test drive before you sign on the dotted line.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“It’s not particularly brisk and the ride is on the firm side, but to make up for that it’s very keenly priced and promises respectable running costs relative to other petrol coupé SUVs.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Renault Arkana is a likeable car that’s impressively spacious, as promised. The car’s interior is well finished, and the handling makes it an easy car to drive. For the price, the Arkana is also well equipped, and its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating is very reassuring.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019

96%

ADULT OCCUPANT

83%

CHILD OCCUPANT

75%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

74%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Notes on safety rating

The Renault Arkana is structurally very similar to its sibling, the Captur SUV which was tested by Euro NCAP on its launch in 2019, and so both cars share the same five-star rating. The testers praised the car in all areas, including the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking which includes pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Renault Arkana has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. If and when Green NCAP puts the Arkana through its paces, we’ll publish the results here.

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