Renault Arkana

A more premium-feeling exterior

The Arkana, which boasts the fuel economy and high-quality coupe style of a full hybrid, has undergone a minor change. It now comes in a single grade bearing the Alpine name.

The Renault Arkana is the only full hybrid model among imported coupe SUVs. It employs a two-motor system (main motor and HSG) and boasts the best fuel economy of any imported SUV, at 22.8km/L, thanks to its groundbreaking E-TECH full hybrid technology, which uses a dog clutch without clutch plates.

According to Renault Japon, the car has been a minor hit, selling approximately 290,000 units worldwide since its announcement in October 2020, and approximately 2,000 units in Japan since its release in May 2022. The impressive fuel economy of a full hybrid, as mentioned above, and its affordable price for a stylish coupe-style imported car have likely appealed to discerning Japanese customers. In fact, it seems that many Japanese are switching from other manufacturers.

The seats, decorated with the Alpine logo, are extremely comfortable.

The central touchscreen has been enlarged from the previous 7 inches to 9.3 inches, greatly improving usability. — [1]

The Arkana, now a representative model of Renault Japon, underwent a minor change on October 9th. What I personally find a bit disappointing is the slight increase in vehicle price. The E-TECH full hybrid is now priced at 4.99 million yen, and the mild hybrid at 4.59 million yen. While it’s inevitable that prices will be affected by rising labor and material costs, I can’t help but feel that the almost 5 million yen price tag has diminished the affordability that was one of the Arkana’s attractions.

Let’s digress. Let’s get into the details of the minor changes. The first topic is that the grades have been consolidated into a single grade, “Esprit Alpine.” The “Esprit Alpine” grade is already available in large numbers in the home country, and as its name suggests, it features interior and exterior designs that incorporate the sporty atmosphere and premium feel of the Alpine brand.

The new Arkana will be available in only one grade, the Esprit Alpine, for both the full hybrid and mild hybrid versions. The Alpine-esque styling is highlighted by the sculpted 19-inch wheels and sporty seats made of synthetic leather and suede with the Alpine logo.

The unique seamless driving feel is still there

The E-TECH full hybrid model combines a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with a 49 PS E-motor and a 20 PS HSG (sub-motor). This model comes with exclusive 19-inch wheels as standard equipment. — [3]

The appeal of the Arkana is its uniquely smooth powertrain, which seamlessly switches between the motor and engine. The full hybrid version is priced at 4,990,000 yen. How do users perceive this price?

The exterior features a three-dimensional front grille with countless two-dimensional Renault logos and modern new clear taillights that enhance the quality of the car. The black roof on all models also contributes to the sporty look.

The biggest highlight of the interior is the increase in size of the central touchscreen from the previous 7 inches to 9.3 inches. A new side view function has also been added, improving comfort.

I test drove it for about two hours, mainly on the Shuto Expressway and Yokohama’s public roads, and it felt no different from the previous Arkana if you just focused on driving. As always, I was impressed by the extremely smooth powertrain, with the motor and engine switching seamlessly. In fact, even though I drove a little roughly, the full hybrid model achieved excellent fuel economy of over 22km/L.

The price increase is a bit of a concern, but with its high-quality interior and exterior and high-quality driving feel, it is sure to continue to attract the support of discerning users.

REPORT／Ryohei ISHIKAWA

PHOTO／Kunihisa KOBAYASHI
MAGAZINE／GENROQ December 2024 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine E-TECH Full Hybrid

Body size: Length 4570mm, width 1820mm, height 1580mm

Wheelbase: 2720mm

Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC

Total displacement: 1597cc

Engine maximum output: 64kW (94PS) / 5600rpm

Engine maximum torque: 148Nm (15.1kgm) / 3600rpm

Main motor maximum output: 36kW (49PS) / 1677-6000rpm

Main motor maximum torque: 205Nm (20.9kgm) / 200-1677rpm

Sub motor maximum output: 15kW (20PS) / 2865-10000rpm

Sub motor maximum torque: 50Nm (5.1kgm) / 200-2865rpm

Transmission: Electronically controlled dog clutch multi-mode AT

Drive system: FWD

Suspension type: Front MacPherson strut, rear torsion

beam Brakes: Front ventilated disc Rear disc

fuel consumption rate: 22.8km/L (WLTC)

Vehicle price: 4.99 million yen