Coupe-SUVs was once reserved for the posh phase, however Renault took the physique fashion mashup mainstream with the compact Arkana launched a bit over three years in the past. Quick ahead to mid-2023, the corporate with the diamond emblem is introducing a bigger mannequin named after a 1934 racing airplane. Meet the Rafale, a D-segment swoopy sport utility automobile serving because the model’s first mannequin to completely embrace the brand new design language.
It makes use of the contemporary entrance grille design and new matrix LED gentle signature because the just lately facelifted 2024 Clio. Very like the supermini, it is supplied in a flagship Esprit Alpine trim additionally out there for the Espace from which it has inherited the two.74-meter (107.8-inch) wheelbase. Due to its sloping roofline, it could possibly’t match the practicality of the conventionally styled SUV however it nonetheless affords a beneficiant cargo capability of 530 liters (18.7 cubic ft) with the rear seats in place.
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It loses the Espace’s third row as Renault intends to promote the Rafale solely with 5 seats, with minimal rear headroom loss regardless of the coupe-like roofline. The brand new arrival in Renault’s rising lineup stretches at 4.71 meters (185.4 inches) and is 1.86 meters (73.2 inches) vast whereas having an enormous 1,470 x 1,117 mm (57.8 x 43.9 in) panoramic glass roof that may go from totally opaque to completely clear. It has two further settings because the entrance part may be opaque whereas the rear is clear, or vice versa.
It ought to look extra imposing in actual life than the Espace contemplating the broader axles (+4 cm) and chunky 245-mm tires. One other novelty is represented by the evolution of Renault’s rear-wheel steering to enhance grip and cornering pace on uneven surfaces. The Rafale will get unique Satin Pearl White and Alpine Blue paint colours, with the latter being a extra intense blue shade than on the A110.
Inside, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is joined by a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen to echo lots of Renault’s newest fashions, together with the Megane E-Tech Electrical the place it was put in first. Operating on Android Automotive 12, the infotainment helps wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Clients will be capable to get the coupe-SUV with a 9.3-inch head-up show projecting the related information onto the windshield.
Energy is offered by a hybrid setup combining a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a pair of electrical motors. The 1.2-liter gasoline unit produces 130 hp (96 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque whereas the primary e-motor is rated at 70 hp (50 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). As for the secondary e-motor, it’s a starter generator with 34 hp (25 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Mixed, Renault touts a complete output of 200 hp to reflect the Espace.
At a later stage, the Rafale will obtain a newly developed plug-in hybrid setup that includes 300 hp and all-wheel drive by putting in an electrical motor on the rear. It too could have the up to date rear-wheel steering together with model-specific chassis tuning.
