2022 Renault Arkana

I like this sporty new small SUV package that Renault have brought for us.  The new model is called the Renault Arkana, where the word, Arkana, is believed to have come from arcanum (pluralized as “arcana”) which is in Latin ‘arcanus’, meaning “secret”.  Sporty coupe-like styling sets this 2022 Renault Arkana off from the rest of its rivals and combines its sleek design with the raised, practical ride height of a small SUV.

The Arkana’s sloping rear roofline looks awesome and when in combination with what are relatively small side windows make it look more streamlined and rakish than what you usually find in this class of car.   The Arkana gets front and rear skid plates, chunky black wheel arch protectors, and bold rear haunches that give plenty of a visual impact.  The Arkana definitely looks tougher and stronger than a standard family hatchback, which it is.

At the front of the car, the front grille features a large Renault logo right smack in the centre, which is flanked by a set of C-shaped LED four-vision headlights, which automatically turn on when the dusk light gets too dull.  This C-shape theme carries over at the back of the car where you’ll spot a further set of C-shaped lighting and a strip that extends over the whole width of the tailgate that looks magical at night.

R-Line versions of the new Renault Arkana take the standard model up a notch-or-two in appearance, so a nice, low front air dam that has been linked to Formula 1 designs graces the nose of the Arkana; then there is some beefier wheel arches and snazzier 18-inch alloy wheels with a red stripe incorporated into the design – very cool!  Some darker grey body trimmings looks striking against any of the chosen exterior paint colours.

2022 Renault Arkana

Open up the doors and enter the inside world of the new Arkana, and the first thing that hits you is a cabin which looks comfortable and very stylish.  There’s a pronounced centre console with three heating and ventilation controls, these are located ahead of the gear selector and it’s nice to see mechanical dials.  There is a superb digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel.  The touchscreen infotainment system measures 7.0-inches on base models and up to 9.3-inches on the two upper trim versions.  The driver display varies in size according to the model you run with, so either a 4.2-inch, 7.0-inch or 10.2-inch screen slots behind the steering wheel.

R.S. Line models get a carbon-finish dashboard and door lining and red trim running along the top of the dashboard.  Further styling lifts include red stitching on the leather steering wheel as well as the leather and suede-effect upholstery and a red striping on the seat belts.  RS-Line cabins are very nice!  An awesome top of the line Bose sound system and interior light strips make the flagship a wowing experience.

But what can I say?  The interior of the 2022 Renault Arkana feels premium and looks superbly stylish.  The seats are superbly comfortable, and the ride quality excellent.  Notable options include a powered glass sunroof, a Renault Easy Drive system which adds adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.  RS-Line can also get you automatic parking systems.

Hybrid and mild-hybrid engines are what powers the latest Renault Arkana, so these include the E-Tech Hybrid that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, offering a combined 108 kW.  This model also comes fitted with a small capacity 1.2 kWh battery and the system prioritises all-electric running unless, of course, full power is required.  The battery can recharge itself under deceleration and braking.  Renault says that the hybrid can match a 57.6 mpg fuel economy figure, which is a bit over 4 litres/100 km when conditions are perfect.

The Arkanas in Australia are currently running with the 1.3-litre Turbo petrol engine combined with a mild-hybrid system offer the driver 115 kW/262 Nm and a combined fuel consumption figure of around 5 or 6 litres /100 km when conditions are good. This Renault Arkana engine can get the sporty Arkana to 100 km/h from a standstill in around 10 seconds, which is the quicker of the two powerplants.  A seven-speed automatic gearbox is standard, so no manuals are offered.

The new Renault Arkana is a very safe small SUV and holds its head up high as it walks away from the ANCAP crash test with the full 5 stars.  Adult occupants stand a 96% chance of survival according to ANCAP’s tests.  Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting (curtain) airbags are standard.  This result is better than a Toyota Yaris Cross and positions itself alongside vehicles like the Mercedes Benz GLA and EQC who also topped the test.  Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User), and lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) are standard on all Renault Arkanas.

2022 Renault Arkana

The petrol model offers 513 litres of boot space, and a further 29 litres of underfloor storage.  Go for the hybrid, and the battery pack is mounted underneath the floor, so lessens space for luggage.  Petrol models also have a drop down feature for the boot floor height, which is a pretty handy and funky showcase.  The hybrid version has 480 litres with the rear seats up, and if you fold them down this expands to 1263 litres, which is more than you’ll find in a Peugeot 5008 hybrid and larger than the 358/1,102 litres of space in the Toyota C-HR.  You’ll also find plenty more space for rear seat passengers inside the new Renault Arkana as well.

The new Renault Arkana is a great looking small SUV that I think has a great mix of all the right things to make it a class winner.  Exterior colours include Glacier White, Pearl White, Zanzibar Blue, Flame Red, Metallic Black, and Metallic Grey.  Valencia Orange is reserved for R.S. Line models only.  Drive in style with the latest 2022 Renault Arkana.

2022 Renault Arkana

The 2022 Renault Arkana models include the:

• Renault Arkana Zenz
• Renault Arkana Intens
• Renault Arkana R.S. Line

For any more information on a new Renault Arkana or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Renault dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!