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.
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