Should we already see the paw of Luca de Meo, the new boss of Renault?
A few months ago, the manufacturer from Billancourt swore that his SUV crossed with a coupe, designed on a Duster platform and presented at the 2018 Moscow Motor Show, was not intended for Europe.
Obviously, Renault has changed its mind.
Unless, as some Renault employees half-heartedly acknowledge, there was no question of overshadowing the current range of Megane and Kadjar.
SUV enthusiasts can rejoice: the Arkana will arrive in Europe in spring 2021 but without the base of the Duster replaced by the more modern one of the latest models of the French brand.
Renault
The CMF-B platform of the Clio 5 and the Captur offers all the largesse since this SUV coupe, with its 4.56 m, exceeds the Captur by 33 cm and the Kadjar by almost 8 cm.
All the attraction of the Arkana lies in its fluidized silhouette and equipped with a receding pavilion inspired by that of a coupe.
This will make the difference, the Arkana is 3 cm lower than a Kadjar while displaying a ground clearance of 190 mm.
As for the rear light units, they are largely inspired by those of the Talisman sedan.
The range will be overseen by an RS Line version, the only one available with an orange tint and incorporating mixed leather-suede upholstery.
Renault
To propel this SUV coupe, the engineers made their market in the organ bank of the CMF-B platform.
This is how the Arkana will be able to receive the E-Tech hybrid engine inaugurated by the Clio 5. This is the naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 91 horsepower of Nissan origin associated with two electric motors, an alternator. 15 kW starter motor and a 35 kW (48 hp) electric motor both installed in the clutchless multi-mode dog gearbox.
The cumulative power comes out at 140 hp.
Two other petrol engines associated with an EDC double-clutch transmission are on the program: the 1.3 TCe 140 and 160 hp.
They are coupled with a micro-hybridization based on an alternator-starter and a 12 V battery. For the moment, the plug-in hybrid version of 160 hp which equips the Captur and the Mégane is not part of the launch program.
Renault
On board, the digital display dashboard, multimedia systems and equipment come mainly from its cousins Clio 5 and Captur.
This is how Arkana will be able to receive the level 2 automated driving system managing progress in traffic and on the highway.
