Renault is hoping to become a dominant force in the C-segment market – Europe’s most popular market segment – with this hybrid family crossover, which seems “made for the school run”, said The Daily Telegraph. Although the Arkana is touted as Renault’s first purpose-built hybrid car, it isn’t the French brand’s “finest” work. Still, it drives reasonably well and the hybrid system is economical and fun.
The Arkana certainly looks good, said Autocar, with a sloping rear boot as well as a jacked up ride height, and the impressive interior has a mix of physical buttons and a 9.3-inch touchscreen. Although it lacks height, the Arkana is relatively roomy for a coupé SUV, with a good 513-litre boot. However, there are issues with the engine and chassis that make it a car that’s “better to look at than to drive”.
The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two-motor hybrid system never feels that quick, and the combination of the engine and gearbox can be uncomfortable on faster roads. The chassis makes the low-speed ride “too brittle”, and the car has an unfortunate tendency to “shimmy” over poor road surfaces, said Auto Express. So although it may sound impressive on paper, it’s “not as convincing in practice”. Prices start from £25,300.
-
In Okinawa, experience the more tranquil side of JapanThe Week Recommends Find serenity on land and in the sea
-
The Iberian Peninsula is rotating clockwiseUnder the radar We won’t feel it in our lifetime
-
San Francisco tackles affordability problems with free child careThe Explainer The free child care will be offered to thousands of families in the city
-
The Curious Case of Mike Lynch: an ‘excellent, meticulously researched’ biographyThe Week Recommends Katie Prescott’s book examines Lynch’s life and business dealings, along with his ‘terrible’ end
-
Can You Keep a Secret? Dawn French’s new comedy is a ‘surprising treat’The Week Recommends Warm, funny show about an insurance scam is ‘beautifully performed’
-
Hamnet: a ‘slick weepie’ released in time for Oscar glory?Talking Point Heartbreaking adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel has a ‘strangely smooth’ surface
-
Book reviews: ‘The Score: How to Stop Playing Somebody Else’s Game’ and ‘The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at the Bottom of the World’Feature Comparing life to a game and a twist on the traditional masculine seafaring tale
-
Brigitte Bardot: the bombshell who embodied the new FranceFeature The actress retired from cinema at 39, and later become known for animal rights activism and anti-Muslim bigotry
-
Giving up the boozeFeature Sobriety is not good for the alcohol industry.
-
Striking homes with indoor poolsFeature Featuring a Queen Anne mansion near Chicago and mid-century modern masterpiece in Washington
-
Film reviews: ‘No Other Choice,’ ‘Dead Man’s Wire,’ and ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’Feature A victim of downsizing turns murderous, an angry Indiana man takes a lender hostage, and a portrait of family by way of three awkward gatherings
