by The start of Renault Arkana production at ZAZ became one of the top events in Ukraine’s automotive life recently. TopGir was the first in Ukraine to make a video review of the coupe-crossover, and now we have the opportunity to get to know it in detail.
The new Renault Arkana is a close relative of the Duster, as it is built on the same B0 platform and has borrowed many components from it. However, it is slightly larger – 4545 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2721 mm.
It’s probably no secret by now that the crossover is assembled in Zaporizhia from kits from Renault’s Moscow plant. However, not everyone knows that there is also a European version of the model, which is significantly different from the one presented to us.
There’s no doubt that the Renault crossover turned out stylish – the smooth body lines, sloping roof, and slightly pointed rear create an elegant look that attracts attention on the road (especially since there are still few around). The front part is executed in the signature style of the French brand – with thin curved daytime running lights. Interestingly, LED headlights and taillights come standard. The top version, like ours, is recognizable by its 17-inch alloy wheels. However, it lacks a rear wiper – in rain or snow, the glass quickly becomes dirty.
The interior of the Renault Arkana in this case is trimmed with fabric and leather, along with lacquered inserts and diode lighting with changing colors. Those familiar with the Duster will find the interior very familiar, as it borrows the steering wheel, front panel, instruments, and many buttons. There is also the brand’s audio control unit on the steering column (like its older brother Renault Koleos, for instance), and climate switches with screens inside.
More expensive variants get multimedia with an 8-inch touchscreen. There’s no navigation, but there’s Android Auto, so you can display the navigator from a smartphone (there’s a separate USB port nearby for this). There are enough pockets and niches for small items in the cabin, and the glove compartment is sizable, although the compartment in the armrest is rather tiny.
The steering column and driver’s seat have a sufficient range of adjustments. The seats themselves are comfortable, but more lateral support would be desirable. Both the seats and the steering wheel are heated. Rear visibility is limited due to the raised rear, but the top version includes surround-view cameras.
Strangely enough, the arched roof doesn’t particularly steal headroom in the back – it’s sufficient, and there’s plenty of legroom. It’s just that sitting in the center is uncomfortable – the transmission tunnel gets in the way. In the test car, there are a couple of USB ports for the rear passengers, but if desired, they can be replaced with seat heating buttons (it’s not possible to have heating and USB connectors at the back at the same time).
In the all-wheel-drive version, the boot volume of Renault Arkana is 409 liters in the normal state and 1234 liters with the rear seats folded (in the front-wheel-drive version, it’s 508-1333 liters). Underneath the floor there’s a full-size spare wheel. The trunk opening is wide, but the loading height is quite high.
The Renault Arkana in the Intense+ configuration includes keyless entry, climate control, cruise control, light and rain sensors, parking sensors, Bose audio, 6 airbags, and blind-spot monitoring. It’s not the poorest, but in this price range, there are richer options.
The 1.3-liter turbo engine was created in cooperation with Daimler and is installed, for example, on the Mercedes A-Class and GLA. In the Arkana, it develops 150 hp, with a torque of 250 Nm achieved from a low 1700 rpm. For a car weighing one and a half tons, this is quite sufficient, although the dynamics are somewhat affected by the CVT. Acceleration to a hundred takes 10.5 seconds, and the top speed is 191 km/h. However, for a light overtaking of a truck on the highway, there’s always enough traction. Note that the engine is quite quiet and operates smoothly.
The claimed fuel consumption is 9.1 l/100 km in the city cycle and 6.1 l/100 km on the highway. On the highway, we managed to meet the passport figures, while in the city it was about 10-10.5 l/100 km.
There’s also a basic front-wheel-drive version with a 1.6-liter 114 hp naturally aspirated engine, but honestly, it doesn’t perform well and consumes about the same.
The all-wheel-drive Renault Arkana is engaged and features the possibility of forced coupling lock. Considering the Duster’s suspension and a reasonable 205 mm of ground clearance, there won’t be any problems on light off-road terrains.
And on asphalt (more accurately, what’s left of it after the winter), the long-travel suspension handles very well. It absorbs road imperfections easily, albeit loudly. Body roll in curves is noticeable, but not excessively so. Arkana maneuvers confidently and shows little understeer, though the steering lacks feedback.
If the road is smooth, at 130-140 km/h it’s quiet and aerodynamic noises are not particularly bothersome. The choice of drum rear brakes (with discs as an option) looks strange, but there are no complaints about deceleration.
The new Renault Arkana in Ukraine costs from 480,900 hryvnias (for the 2020 model), and the 150 hp all-wheel-drive crossover in the Intense+ version will cost at least 760,800 hryvnias. On one hand, compared to the Duster, it’s quite a bit. On the other – most coupe crossovers on the market belong to the premium class, and therefore, much more expensive. And Arkana is the most affordable representative of this segment in Ukraine.
Renault Arkana Specifications:
- 4-cylinder petrol turbo engine, front transverse
- Volume 1332 cm3
- Power 150 at 5250 rpm
- Maximum torque 250 Nm at 1700-3250 rpm
- All-wheel drive
- CVT
- Maximum speed 191 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 10.5 s
- Fuel consumption city/highway 9.1/6.1 l/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4545/1820/1576/2721 mm
- Luggage capacity 409-1234 l
- Ground clearance 205 mm
- Turning diameter 11.0 m
