Plug-less ‘full-hybrid’ SUV coupé
Renault Arkana RS Line
The SUV coupé Renault Arkana will be in Dutch showrooms next year. Only the E-Tech plugless hybrid version will be offered here.
The Renault Arkana is a so-called ‘world car’, designed for different continents. Per continent, the brand adapts the Arkana somewhat to the wishes of the consumers there. For example, it has put the SUV coupé for our market on the modular CMF-B platform, which also includes the Clio and Captur. Now the car is almost ready for introduction, at the end of 2021, and the French brand is already telling us something we can expect.
The 4.57 meter long and 1.57 meter high SUV (with a wheelbase of 2.72 meters) is specially designed for families. Despite the sloping roofline, there would be plenty of interior space. The luggage space is 438 liters. Business drivers also seem to be a target group, given the ‘look of a premium SUV’ and the sporty RS Line version (shown here).
E-Tech 140 drivetrain
In our country, the Arkana is only available with the E-Tech hybrid powertrain of 140 hp, which is also in the Clio. It combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors – one for the drive itself and a high-voltage starter generator – plus a clutchless ‘dogbox’ transmission.
Charging the battery pack is not necessary, the system does this during braking, braking and with the help of the fuel engine. With this powertrain, based on Formula 1 technology, you could drive fully electric in the city up to 80 percent of the time, and up to 40 percent outside. That will be enjoyable.