Those swoopy, coopy German SUVs are really starting to gain momentum these days, and now even
mainstream French brands want in. So say g'day to the Renault Arkana. The oddly-named small SUV is
pitched as a cut-price alternative to the BMW X2 and Audi Q3 Sportback and has a suitably sporty
look. But is this sleek new SUV worth taking for a test drive? Let's take a closer squiz.
Renault has been a perpetual minnow in Australia, its vehicles commonly viewed as wacky, expensive
lumps of fanciful French machinery. On the surface, the Arkana kind of falls into this group,
but there are plenty of positive talking points like that sporty design and solid equipment
levels. We're testing the mid-spec Arkana Intens model grade, a $37,490 proposition, which makes it
about 13 grand cheaper than the Audi Q2 Sportback and BMW X2, and it slots in just below the Koleos
medium SUV in Renault's range. Under here, we have a small but sprightly 1.3-litre turbo
petrol engine that favours efficiency over brute force, just like the Renault Captur
light SUV upon which it's based. The four-cylinder engine hooks up to a seven-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission driving the front wheels, and there's no all-wheel drive option.
This is my first taste of the Arkana, and while headroom is a little tight due to the sunroof,
first impressions are positive. It's got some classy furniture, lots of digital screens and
plenty of functionality. Get a little closer and some of the plastics look a bit average,
and the overall cabin design feels just a bit off-kilter, a bit last generation.
I can tell you now, Audi ain't gonna be too worried about this French incursion.
But the Renault redeems itself when it comes to these seats, whose leather and suede upholstery
is just lovely. The cushions are supportive and maybe a little bit firm, but I really like these
Scandinavian-influenced headrests. As a nice bonus, this model comes with power adjustable
front seats complete with heating and cooling functions. It also gets a heated steering wheel
with tilt and reach adjustment. You get two USB ports, one AUX input and a 12-volt socket,
and incidental storage is neither great nor terrible, it's kind of average.
You've got two decent-sized spring-loaded cup holders or bottle holders. I like the
fact that you can put the key here, nice little spot for it. Your phone goes there, the door
pockets would just fit a large bottle and you've got a small bin here with a sliding armrest.
We're seeing some really clever and thoughtful interior designs these days, and this one feels
just a bit undercooked. I would have liked to see more novel features to match its bold exterior.
That said, the big 9.3-inch central touchscreen looks great. And while the menu system is not as
intuitive as others out there, I'm always gonna default to Apple CarPlay, so I don't really care.
The seven-inch digital instrument cluster looks good and has average levels of customisation.
But it does get some unique features such as this little timing system that shows how far
behind the car you are in front. There's also a bigger but optional 10.25-inch digital display.
This is a well-equipped vehicle but it is missing a few ingredients, such as a head-up display,
and it's only got single zone automatic climate control. And, if you want wireless charging,
you're gonna have to step up to the top spec RS Line model. Parking the Renault
is made easier with an automatic parking system, along with front, rear and side parking sensors,
not to mention a rear view camera. But there's no 360-degree camera system on this model grade.
In terms of safety technology, this swoopy SUV is well equipped, and I found the adaptive
cruise control, lane keep assist, and speed limit sign recognition to be the most useful.
For what is basically a small SUV, back seat and room is pretty good. Headroom is a little tight
with that sloping roof, but legroom is not bad, and comfort levels are good too. You've still
got the suede and leather seats, there's some nice leather stitching on the doors,
and the amenities are pretty good as well. You get twin air vents, dual USB ports,
individual reading lights, a fold-out armrest with cup holders and twin ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
There's no power tailgate but real estate is impressive back here. You've also got
the split level floor. So you have a nice flat loading space, or open up more room for bigger
items. There's also a side pocket here, a small light, but no tie-down anchorages or bag hooks.
It comes with a space saver spare wheel with extra storage inside that, and split-folding
rear seats. Righto, let's see how these wannabe coupe drives. Cue the Daft Punk dance music.
[music]
Okay, so we couldn't afford the rights to play Daft Punk, but there's no denying this little
French machine likes to boogie. It's sporty and responsive, and dials into its dynamic design
with gusto. Yep, there's a lot to like about the way the Arkana handles, tracking through corners
eagerly thanks to a nice tire and suspension combo. And despite its tall looks, there's
not a whole lot of body roll going on. I love the car's sporty and engaging dynamics, but on cruddy
road surfaces ride comfort suffers. Look, body control is really good but, at times, it feels
stiffer than a surf board. And on choppy roads, it can get a little exhausting after a while. As for
straight line performance, the tech specs suggest this SUV barely has enough power to pull the skin
off cold custard. But it delivers plenty of thrust thanks to a good spread of mid-range torque.
Yes, it feels pretty slow off the line and won't touch its German rivals, but
once rolling, it's pretty zippy. And the seven-speed gearbox delivers pretty short
sharp shifts. And I like the fact you've got the flappy paddles here. It's pretty responsive.
Overall refinement is pretty good. It's a fairly quiet cabin. There's not a lot of tire noise and
just a little bit of wind noise from the mirrors. While the hybrid powertrain is not available in
Australia, the regular engine is still pretty efficient. If you drive it carefully on the
freeway, you can get some pretty good numbers. Speaking of cruising, the obligatory jacked up
ride height gives you a better view of the road than most passenger cars, but that's from the
front and sides. The rear view is hampered by the big rear pillars and small rear window.
I really like the way the Renault handles, I'm enjoying driving it. And while it can
be a little firm, it's not chronic and I don't think it's gonna be a deal-breaker.
When it comes to running costs, it has a solid five-year warranty,
five years capped price servicing, and matching roadside assist. But the depreciation rates of
Renault vehicles is pretty savage in Australia, so that will hurt when you gotta sell it.
There's a lot to like about this quirky SUV, but there's just no way it's gonna be cross-shopped
with a BMW or an Audi. Considering the brand's best selling model in Australia
is a commercial van, it's clear Renault's issue is getting SUV buyers into showrooms.
But if you're looking for an upmarket coupe-like SUV that won't break the bank,
it's worth taking for a test drive. Okay, so it's not mind-blowing,
but you can bet your bottom dollar it'll be one of the rarest SUVs on the road.