Vastly improved specs, a rationalisation of trim ranges, and a hanging new design; that’s the 2024 Renault Arkana. Launched at a particular media occasion in Orange (250km west of Sydney), it’s now sportier, and punchy on the highway.
Showcasing Renault’s new brand, with a standout vary topping variant now referred to as the Esprit Alpine, the Arkana presents spectacular energy supply (113kW and 262Nm from its 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine), and a few respectable dealing with.
Physique roll is minimal, even at velocity, with the petrol powered SUV backed by a 7-speed twin clutch transmission (eDCT). Stand up and go feeds on very properly, and it handles most overtaking duties with aplomb. There are three driving modes.
You would possibly must shift to Sport mode if it is advisable to punch previous a truck going up a hill, however in any other case it’s greater than sufficient. Let’s face it, most consumers for the Arkana are city-based, making this a loads highly effective possibility that provides a load of aptitude and a enjoyable driving expertise.
There’s turbo lag for those who drive it such as you stole it, however most individuals are by no means going to be that tough with this French SUV. Gasoline financial system is a claimed 5.9-litres/100km, though the very best we may handle was 7.7-litres – which continues to be admirable.
Out there in Techno (the mid-spec) and the aforementioned Esprit Alpine, with an entry stage mannequin to return later, we examined the highest of the road mannequin in quite a lot of circumstances, towards the backdrop of farm land, wineries, and small nation cities.
The Esprit Alpine is the standout, adorned with a restyled shiny black chrome-finish grille with that new brand, twin black exhaust ideas, a blacked-out nameplate, and translucent smoky tail lights. An F1-inspired aerodynamic blade in Gunmetal Gray provides aptitude.
Shiny black detailing, and 19-inch two-tone ‘elixir’ alloy wheels full a way more trendy exterior, whereas inside, you’ll discover Alpine Blue highlights. This consists of stitching on the
upholstery and gearshift, and an embroidered arrowed A on leatherette seats.
The French affect is additional evident with the ‘Tricolore’ stitching on the perforated steering wheel and suede-style door trims. Nevertheless it’s the drive, and the security and driver help options that stand out.
Renault have listened to its prospects, and made every security operate with three ranges of intrusiveness, that means you possibly can mainly wind out all these issues like lane preserve help, and lane centring, to present you again extra management of the driving expertise.
There’s loads of tech although, together with energetic emergency braking with pedestrian and bike owner detection, visitors signal recognition with velocity alert and over velocity prevention, adaptive cruise management with cease and go, and a blind spot warning system.
Auto excessive and low beam headlights are joined by Renault’s revolutionary QRescue code to help emergency companies within the occasion of an accident. A 360-degree digicam system offers encompass view in reverse and park help arms free parking.
Rear cross visitors alert completes the package deal. Tech sensible, a big 9.3-inch floating portrait infotainment system helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it doesn’t use the entire display, which is irritating. There are USB ports entrance and rear.
It’s joined by a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster that’s straightforward to learn, and tremendous sharp. A wi-fi charging pad sits within the again half of the centre console, making certain your telephone is stowed whilst you drive. There are eight ambient lighting choices.
A Bose premium sound system in our check variant featured eight audio system and a strategically positioned subwoofer that doesn’t encroach on boot area. It’s a really audio expertise.
The motive force enjoys a heated 8-way electrically adjustable seat with lumbar help – 6-way electrically-adjustable for the entrance passenger – and rake and attain adjustment for the steering wheel.
Boot area of 485-litres and a split-level boot ground that provides an additional 26.2-litres enhance practicality. Automated ‘stroll away’ door locking provides further safety too. It’s out there in seven colors, together with Stable White (Techno solely).
Six metallic colors embody Common White, Zanzibar Blue, Metallic Black, Metallic Gray, Flame Crimson and Night time Blue. The 2024 Renault Arkana is backed by a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee with an identical roadside help and capped servicing durations.
Impressively, the latter is simply $2,385 for the whole interval, with servicing each 12 months or 30,000km. It’s priced at $41,000 for the Techno and $45,000 for the Esprit Alpine, each plus on-roads.
If we had been selecting, we’d take the latter, only for all of the cool touches that showcase Renault’s efficiency model (and F1 staff). The usage of the Alpine title and branding additionally marks step one within the newest rebirth of the nameplate.
Anticipate to see extra use of it sooner or later, together with devoted Alpine efficiency EV fashions, with these anticipated to launch within the coming years. If you wish to know extra concerning the Arkana although, go to their Australian web site, or discuss to your native dealership.
Our check automobile was offered by Renault Australia as a part of an Australian media launch occasion.
