With the 2022 Renault Arkana, Renault brings a new generation SUV with a highly advanced hybrid technology, both in its form and function – a reassuring, elevated driving position, spaciousness, without giving up any boot capacity and a distinctive, innovative style. It guarantees a more thrilling and responsive driving experience, especially with the R.S. Line trim design. It also makes no compromises on safety with a maximum score of 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. At the same time, it can carry several types of engines with the latest full-hybrid technology- E-TECH Hybrid 145 hp – and its 1.3 TCe micro-hybrid 12V motors, not to mention the 140 hp and 160 hp versions. By launching its sporty-looking Arkana SUV in Europe, Renault is reinventing the conventional codes of the market. It becomes the first general-purpose manufacturer to offer a SUV coupé in Europe, a segment that until now has been the preserve of premium brands.
Like the Renault Samsung Motors XM3, the New Renault Arkana will also be made at the Busan plant (South Korea). The Group is set to start taking orders in March 2021 for a release, depending on the markets, by the end of March for the TCe versions and as of June for the E-TECH Hybrid version.The New Renault Arkana is designed to meet the very diverse expectations of international markets. It illustrates the Groupe Renault’s global approach and its capacity to conquer new markets. This is a worldwide vehicle, with technical features tailored to each market. In Europe, the New Arkana is based on the Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform which was also featured on the latest generations of Clio and Captur. The New Renault Arkana brings an all-new addition to the Renault line: a sporty SUV. The exterior combines elegance and sturdiness with even more character at the R.S. Line trim level.
The New Arkana boasts an exclusive hybrid look. With pronounced ground clearance (200 mm), an elevated and muscular beltline and wide shoulders, the Arkana fits perfectly in the world of SUVs. The front grille, with a bigger Renault logo sitting proudly at the centre, is flanked by chrome brightwork and trim elements that give the New Renault Arkana a touch of elegance and sophistication. Below, the very expressive front bumper enhances the dynamic design while the skid plate gives the car a more robust look.The all-LED headlights feature the C-shaped lighting signature specific to Renault models and which exemplify the stylish and dynamic design of the New Arkana. The back of the car also displays the C-shaped lighting signature with a strip extending over the whole width of the tailgate, emphasising the taut yet stylish lines and distinctive look of the New Arkana.
An optional Colour pack will further enhance the look of the New Renault Arkana R.S. Line: its front and rear bumpers and the lower protective door strip will be painted in the colour of the bodywork, with a black roof and glossy black spoiler. The passenger compartment of the R.S. Line version features a special interior, with a carbon-finish dashboard and door lining, a red trim running along the top of the dashboard and a black roof. Stylish and sporty red topstitching embellishes the perforated leather steering wheel as well as the mixed leather/suede-like finish upholstery and door panels, while a red strip accentuates the colour of the seat belts. Completing the package are an aluminium pedal unit, an e-shifter gear lever (with the E-TECH Hybrid engine) and R.S. Line badges.
The New Arkana boasts the E-TECH Hybrid 145 hp technology as well as the high-performance TCe 140 and 160 engines in their 12-volt micro-hybrid version for greater efficiency, responsiveness and driving pleasure. The New Renault Arkana has a generous loading capacity with a 513-litre boot (480 litres for the E-TECH Hybrid version), with a repair kit. It also features a raised floor that can be placed at the bottom to increase the loading capacity or at the top to accommodate heavier luggage. In this configuration, the 2/3-1/3 passenger bench seat can be folded to obtain a flat floor. Following in the tyre-tracks of Clio, Captur and New Mégane, Renault is using the same strategy for the New Renault Arkana and integrating its innovative E-TECH hybrid technology. The full-hybrid engine can already be found in the Clio E-TECH Hybrid.
The hybrid technology is based on a revolutionary solution that has been the subject of more than 150 patents and draws on Renault’s expertise in Formula 1 racing, particularly in terms of energy recovery and regeneration. The E-TECH Hybrid engine is based on hybrid architecture called ‘series-parallel’. It brings multiple advantages: it offers the maximum number of operating combinations between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor and maximises the reduction of CO2 emissions. The 145 hp E-TECH Hybrid engine is made up of a new-generation 4-cylinder 1.6 petrol engine from the Alliance. It is adapted to hybrid technology and is equipped with a particulate filter to limit pollutant emissions. Its power output is 69 kW (91 hp) and it is backed by two electric motors – an ‘e-engine’ (36 kW) and a 15 kW HSG (High-Voltage Starter Generator) type high-voltage starter.
It can also be recharged via the internal combustion engine by using the extra thermal power not used to drive the car when the engine is running at its optimum speed. To that effect, this technology delivers quiet and comfortable operation while limiting energy losses. In all-electric mode, the New Arkana E-TECH Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 75 kph. This 145 hp E-TECH Hybrid engine is available for all versions of the New Arkana, including the R.S. Line finish. This mixed offer allows the driver to benefit from a dynamic, racy style while enjoying technology that ensures maximum efficiency and versatility. Micro-hybridisation with the TCe 140 and TCe 160: economy, flexibility, and convenience. The New Renault Arkana is also available on all finishes in a micro-hybrid version based on the 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection 1.3 TCe petrol engine. Micro-hybridisation is achieved by adding a starter-alternator system coupled to a 12V lithium-ion battery placed under the passenger seat.
