Fewer engines, new Esprit Alpine version
![Test: Renault Arkana – Very subtly renewed Test: Renault Arkana – Very subtly renewed](https://assets.autoweek.nl/m/popkdz8luwoaal_800.jpg)
The Renault Arkana was not really old at all, but just three years after its European introduction, Renault thought it was time for a small facelift. At the same time, the engine range was cleaned up and the Esprit Alpine version was also introduced. Time for a short introduction.
The Renault Arkana has been quite successful so far, but after the Clio got a new face, it was also the turn of this crossover coupe. To see the differences, we walk around the car. At the front we see that the grille is now made up of Renault diamonds and the new brand logo also appears large on the nose. If all those logos are made of shiny chrome, you know you are dealing with an Esprit Alpine, the new top version. At the rear we see new rear light units, which are no longer colored, but actually colorless, with a dark gray tint. The window frames are now always black, while they were sometimes chrome-plated on the outgoing model.
Special drivetrain
There has been some tidying up in the offering. There is only one powertrain left: the E-Tech Full Hybrid. It is available in three equipment variants: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. The latter replaces the RS Line. In terms of technology, the hybrid powertrain is unchanged and as you may remember, it is a special piece of technology. The 1.6 four-cylinder does not transmit its power via a stepless transmission or conventional six-speed automatic transmission, but via a complicated combination of four mechanical and two electrical gears. Without a clutch or torque converter, they are finished using the electric motors, but the Renault makes wonderful choices. For example, if you pull away at full throttle, you will only be treated to a noticeable shift moment at 120 km/h. Under quieter conditions, these switching moments can be felt quite often. It also often seems as if the gears are held for a very long time and the speed of the naturally aspirated 1.6 engine does not always match the noticeable acceleration. Switching on the petrol engine certainly does not go unnoticed after a bit of electric driving. The whole thing lacks a bit of a sense of refinement and unfortunately that has not been improved with the facelift. The hybrid drivetrain is good for 145 hp and therefore remained unchanged.
Comfortable
You sit quite high in the Arkana, but the sporty shaped seats are comfortable. The steering wheel cannot come far enough towards the driver for our taste and standards. The driving characteristics are not as sporty as the name might suggest, but it is not a bad car to drive. It goes around the bend quite nicely and is comfortable on the straight end. The steering is fairly light in standard mode, but you can make the steering a little heavier.
The Esprit Alpine is the top version, with beautiful 19-inch wheels, an Alpine logo in the backrest of the seats and colored stitching in a steering wheel that is comfortable to hold. This version costs €39,060. The Revolution basic version is €4,600 cheaper and therefore misses some of the sporty elements, does not have Bose audio and, for example, no adaptive cruise control.
The Arkana has remained what it always was: a very spacious car with a unique appearance. The Esprit Alpine certainly looks quite thick. The drivetrain takes some getting used to, yes.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl