Renault Arkana

Renault Arkana is a coupe-shaped crossover from the French company Renault. Officially the novelty was presented during the Moscow International Automobile Salon on August 29, 2018, but in the form of a conceptual version. Presents this car class C+. The whole model range is Renault.

Car history

Information about the emergence of the non-standard Renault Arkan crossover 2019-2020 could only be found recently. At first, some thought it would be a redesigned version of the Capture or Wheeler. However, when a couple of official photos were shown, it became clear that the Renault Arkan’s car would be completely new.

Despite the fact that the novelty, according to the company’s representatives, is only a conceptual version, according to some experts, it will be able to quickly move into a serial vehicle. Interestingly, the concept of this car was invented directly in the Russian office of Renault.

The experts of this department were able to conduct research of the Russian market, as well as to study the needs of potential clients. The development of Renault Arkana was already carried out in Europe, but Russian employees of the brand still took part there.

The French plan to start selling their new product in the first half of 2019. Production of crossover will be engaged in the Moscow plant of the French brand. In due course, Brazil, China and South Korea will also produce the crossover.

Interestingly, the name “Arkana” is formed from the Latin word arcanum, which can be translated as a secret or a secret.

Exterior

The appearance of the new conceptual model of the Renault Arcana 2019 is unique. At the same time, it echoes the previously known models of the French company. Due to the fact that the conceptual version was presented, the car has the maximum equipment. The latest electronic systems have been installed.

In fact, the front area of the French novelty was made in the style of the brand, but especially striking is the head optics. A group of designers decided to make it C-shaped, and the strip itself serves as LED running lights, which are tightened to the bottom of the front bumper Renault Arkana 2019-2020.

Most of the front lighting is small, divided into sectors with LED fillings inside. In general, thanks to such optics, the crossover has a strict and aggressive character. After the optics, the eye falls on the pleasant main grille. Its central part was taken under the chrome-plated large “nameplate” of the company-manufacturer.

The rest of the space was occupied by chrome bars placed horizontally. The lowest part has a V-shaped chrome line. As for the front bumper, it turned out to be unusual. The bumper is not similar to other versions of the French company’s crossovers at all. The design department decided to stretch the lower area forward, dividing it into 3 separate zones.

In the centre of the new Renault Arkana, an additional radiator grille was installed along with a silver guard. On the sides the crossover was equipped with rectangular inlays for air intake. Based on the words of the Renault representatives, it is possible that there can be installed fog lamps with LED filling.

The windshield of the conceptual version of Renault Arcana 2019 looks rather unusual. A group of designers made it panoramic and also tightened the top part on the roof. But it wasn’t done for nothing, because the entire top part, up to the back glass, is black, and this creates the illusion of a full-fledged glass roof.

As the Renault engineers say, the new model will get a partial or full windshield. Crossover’s hood turned out to be a little formidable, but it still looks like a version of the Capture. The side part of the conceptual car Renault Arcana is decorated with many moments. Although the manufacturer positions its vehicle as a compartment, in fact it is a 5-door hatchback.

The side of the crossover is slightly similar to the side of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, because of the non-standard aft area. There are no special curved lines on the concept. Nevertheless, the car has small protrusions under the arches of the wheels, as well as a notch in the bottom of the doors. In order to emphasize the involvement of the machine in the crossover division, the lower part of the Renault Arcana is painted with black overlay made of black plastic.

As for the outer side mirrors, they were pleasantly surprised by their shape. The designers decided to make them in Urban style. As a result, they are thin and have sharp overlays on the back side. Because of the fact that we are looking at the prototype, it is not necessary to focus on them, despite the opinion of some experts that the quality of the review will suffer.

Most likely, the serial model received other, enlarged in shape mirrors, which will also get a good functional set. The design department decided to move away from the real concept of placing mirrors on the door, so they placed them in a corner of the front window. The glass has three main parts, two of which are movable and one blank glass on the back.

The basis for the Renault Arcana concept car was a 19-inch light alloy skating rink. The manufacturer says that the serial version will be equipped with 17-inch light-alloy rollers. For the final separation of the side of the new Renault Arcana 2018, the design team has placed a door handle on one line, as well as small holes in the front wing.

The side of the machine is simple and stylish. Although there are no exact data on the body colouring, experts say it will be the shades of the above mentioned Wheels and Capture. Serial crossover can be equipped:

• White;
• Black;
• Golden;
• Silver;
• Grey;
• Orange;
• Bordeaux;
• Red;
• Dark blue color.

Задняя часть нового концепта имеет современные технологии и необычный наклон крыши багажного отделения. Как раз заднюю часть особенно приписывают автомобилю «Мерседес-Бенз ГЛЕ». Крышку багажника сделали довольно большой. Это говорит о том, что погрузка габаритного груза не будет вызывать трудностей. Кормовые стопы сделаны на основании LED компонентов.

Одну часть ламп разместили непосредственно на кузове, а вторую растянули по всей ширине багажного отделения в V-образной форме. Еще задняя часть Renault Arkana 2019 обладает приятной хромированной надписью «Arkana». Что касается заднего бампера кроссовера, его символично разделили на 2 области. Боковую окрасили под цвет автомобиля, а центральную сделали из пластиковой вставки черного цвета и серебристого диффузора.

The central black insert has improved the overall style of the Renault Arkana concept. In addition, it has a notch for the number plate and two fog lights with LED fillings. The rear diffuser is equipped with two exhaust nozzles.

The crossover stern looks a little like a Renault Lagoon car, released in the mid-2000s, which was seriously restyled. A significant advantage of the car can be attributed to the fact that the car body was not subjected to processing of something already available. Renault Arkana is a 100% novelty, while a large number of different elements were developed specifically for this car.

Interior

As for the interior of the new Renault Arcana 2019-2020, it is fully in line with its budgetary model. You can see the fabric, eco leather and plastic. The owner will not receive a huge number of aluminum inserts. However, the quality of the materials is pleasing to the owner.

That only costs a multimedia complex of the French crossover. Separately, I would like to praise the company for a fairly wide list of options. But let’s talk about everything in order. Many people are interested in the design of the driver’s seat, which is quite logical. The appearance of a torpedo can be different according to the chosen equipment.

However, it’s nice that every version of the new Renault Arkana 2019 will have a modest screen to control multimedia systems, as well as a range of physical switch panels to fine-tune the “comfort” options. Interestingly, the ventilation ducts installed next to each other have a rather unusual, for the French, rectangular shape.

But the compartments for trifles, located at the very bottom, on the border with the central tunnel, as in other cars will still be. What is installed directly on the tunnel is not yet known to anyone. However, some believe that there is room only for the gearshift handle, parking brake lever, a few glasses and small things.

In addition, you can only count on a compartment with connectors for connecting gadgets and armrest. The steering wheel cannot be called unique. The majority of Renault cars are equipped with “hand wheels” with a small diameter, but with a massive rim and quite huge spokes. There are also decorated metal plates and a small number of keys of the multimedia system.

If to speak for “device”, it is familiar to those who had experience of driving French cars. The dashboard is equipped with a tachometer, speedometer, as well as a small display of the on-board computer installed in the middle part. The seats on the first and second row will probably jump over from Koleos or Kaptur, because they were able to recommend themselves in terms of comfort.

As for the functionality of the seats, it will not lose to other vehicles of the company. I would like the promise of the Renault management, which concerns the electric drive for the first row of seats, to find a place in the serial version. A potential buyer can choose one of several options for the interior design.

The novelty will be equipped with black, grey, brown and beige. There is plenty of space on the front panel. The conceptual version has a 12-inch central display of the multimedia center. Most likely, there will be two more control panels for the climate system and charging gadgets.

The car provides 5 seats. The quality of each seat is satisfactory enough. Seat finishing includes fabric or leather. The seats have a soft filler and are also equipped with solid side support, heating and position adjustment on electric drives.

It is nice that the heating function is also available for the rear sofa. On top of that, it has headrests and a comfortable armrest that can be converted into a central location. Renault’s engineering department claims that the five-door Renault Arcana will be equipped with a large luggage compartment. At the moment it is all available information on the cabin.

Specifications

Powertrain and transmission

A surprise should also be expected under the hood. The existing 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines can be forgotten. According to the French, this engine combines power and dynamism with high fuel efficiency. Makes the French-made machine move completely new power plant. The role of the engine on the coupe-shaped parquet is performed by a 1.3-liter gasoline turbo engine, which was developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.

A little earlier, this engine was installed on the upgraded Renault Kadjar and the new Mercedes A-Class. How much this horsepower engine will produce at the moment is unknown. But it is clear that the synchronized “engine” will be with a stepless variator. The new Renault Arkana will get front and all-wheel drive layout.

Running gear

During an official presentation in Moscow, Renault announced that its new vehicle was built on a “completely new platform”. In reality, however, the car was given the familiar “trolley” B0, on which the other cars of the company are based. However, this “trolley” has undergone significant modernization.

Specialists stretched it out and revised the power structure of the body. According to reports, the design of the Renault Arkana 2019 chassis has 55 percent of the new components. The length of the car is 4.5 m, which is almost 200 millimeters longer than the Duster. The vehicle with front-drive configuration has a semi-independent suspension, and the all-wheel drive version is equipped with a multilever mechanism.

The front and rear suspension is similar to the car Duster, but the components (shock absorbers, stabilizer and springs) have been upgraded. The suspension itself is rigid enough. Specialists were able to significantly improve the grip on the road surface, as well as work on the controllability and maneuverability.

Although during the Moscow presentation the concept of Renault Arkana 2019 had disc brakes on all wheels, most likely the basic serial version will be equipped with drum brakes on the rear wheels. The steering wheel will be provided with a range of outreach adjustments and electric power steering.

Safety

Information about the same topic for Renault Arkanа could not be found out in all details either. It is not easy to say whether this car will be stuffed with the most actual safety systems or it will be classified as a budget vehicle.

Judging by the statements of Renault’s management, the serial version of the coupe-shaped crossover will receive the main list of passive and active safety systems. The main list of car safety is quite acceptable. This can include the presence:

• Front and rear airbags;
• Side air curtains;
• Navigation system;
• Tyre pressure monitoring system;
• Vehicle stabilization technologies;
• Systems of tracking of movement on a strip;
• The assistant at start under mountain;
• Cruise control;
• The system of the circular review;
• Rain and light sensors;
• Parking assistant;
• Systems of automatic switching of high beam and dipped beam.

Although this list is not so long, it already helps to understand what the conveyor version of the Renault Arcana parquet flooring 2019-2020 will be. There is an opinion that the crossover will be equipped with several additional active safety technologies and additional systems for the driver.

Complete sets and prices

In total, the Renault Arkana 2019 has 4 configurations: Life, Drive, Style and Extreme. The standard version of “Life” has a sufficient set of equipment. This option should cost at least $15,239. Optionally, only the front seat heating function can be set. The basic equipment must be provided:

• Air conditioning;
• OEM audio system that supports MP3;
• Front and rear power windows;
• Steering column and driver seat height adjustments;
• Folding 60:40 ratio of the rear seat;
• Telephone hands free and Bluetooth;
• Powertrain start function with keyless access;
• System of the help at start in mountain;
• “Bortcomputer”;
• Remote control of the central lock;
• Function of heating of external mirrors;
• Electric drive for adjustment of external mirrors;
• Aluminum “rollers”;
• Front airbags for driver and passenger sitting next to each other;
• Multi-channel stabilization system.

Next comes the Drive kit, which costs from $16,307. This version opens access to an extensive list of optional equipment. The basic version in this package has only front side airbags, passive cruise control, autonomous preheaters, leather steering wheel braid and front seat heating function.

The Drive version of the 2019 Renault Arkana Exterior differs from the Drive version in its glossy exterior side mirror bodies, bumper protection at the front and rear, stylish black 16-inch diamond-grinded rollers, and a chrome plated overlay on the exhaust pipe.

As an option, it is possible to install a climate control system, rain and light sensors, the company’s navigation system, fog lights, rear camera and base parktronic.

The Style version will cost from $18,290. All the above mentioned optional equipment is included in the basic version of “Style”. As an option, only the leather interior of the Renault Arkana 2019 can be purchased. From the outside, the car is recognizable by its 2-colour finish, tinted rear windows, chrome rear bumper caps and 17-inch aluminium rollers. Torque is transmitted to all 4 wheels.

The most expensive Extreme equipment will already cost at least $19,282. Already by default, the French company offers the availability of all available equipment for this vehicle. There are small design refinements, which relate to the lining on the doorstep and the braid of the steering wheel with the “nameplate” Extreme.

It is also equipped with ventilation deflector bezels and Ivoire Anodise door handles and a full-fledged LED headlight. The new product should be available in Russia in the first months of 2019. As Arkana is being assembled in our country, the model will start to conquer the world from us.

Comparison with competitors

Some say that because of its uniqueness, Renault Arkana has almost no competitors. However, up to 1.5 million rubles can be purchased and other good variants of machines with their advantages and disadvantages. First in line is the domestic car Lada XRay Cross.

Although the Russian car is not ideal for off-road, it allows you to feel confident even on a bad road. In addition, the car is the most affordable. Next we can mention Chinese vehicles, which are represented by Chery Tiggo 4 and 7. The updated machine received rather high marks from independent specialists. These variants have quite powerful power units that allow you to feel confident on the road.

The next opponent is, strange as it may seem, Renault Duster. In our country, the car has long been able to gain respect and confidence. In addition, the company does not sit still and decided to seriously upgrade its vehicle. Although Duster looks like his previous model, he became much better.

Compared to Renault Arkana, the exterior of the car is almost the only disadvantage compared to Renault Arkana. The cost of the car varies in the range of 1 000 000 rubles. Here it is important not to forget to make one important clarification. The engineering staff made additional design changes and improvements for the Russian conditions, which is very pleasing.

The penultimate rival is Skoda Kodiaq, which domestic drivers have known for a long time. Although earlier versions of this car were estimated at about 2,000,000 rubles and were equipped with only premium components (so the car cost so much), now the situation has changed significantly. Dealers already offer an updated Skoda Kodiak with a reduced price tag for the car itself, as well as for components. The European model has a 1.4-liter 125 hp powertrain, which transmits the entire torque to the front wheels.

The Japanese crossover Toyota RAV4 completes our comparison list. The fifth generation represents one of the most demanded and popular RAV4 cars. The appearance has undergone significant changes, which also affected the size of the vehicle. The car is equipped with a four-wheel drive system, 2.5-liter power plant, working together with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It is possible to get “Japanese” from 22 119 $. This is probably one of the most popular lists of competitors of the French Renault Arcana 2019. Which car to choose, a question of personal preferences and needs.

Pluses and minuses

Tooths

After the review of the latest conceptual French novelty in the face of Renault Arkana 2019-2020, there are still mixed feelings. The car has pleasant, modern and even sporty appearance. The front area of the all-wheel drive crossover, which has received some chrome elements, a pleasant radiator grille, a muscular hood and modern optics with the use of LED light.

The uniqueness of LED-lines will be appreciated by many car owners. The side part has small inserts on the front wings, clearly decorating the appearance of new products, as well as massive wheel arches, which can be placed even 19-inch light-alloy “rollers”. The rear part is distinguished by a large and comfortable luggage compartment door, stylish LED headlights and neat chrome exhaust pipes installed in a silver plastic diffuser.

There is not much information available on the inside, but manufacturers assure that potential buyers will definitely like the salon. The interior has a functional and time-tested steering wheel, original dashboard and a small display of the multimedia system. Inside there is a lot of free space both on the front row and on the back.

I am glad that there is a function of heating of front and back seats, various electronic assistants and safety systems (though there is no exact information on them yet). Also technical stuffing is unknown. Some experts believe that the serial version will not have so many chrome elements, LED lighting and other pleasant elements that we can now see on the concept of the Renault Arcana 2019.

What will be the assembly line option, only time will show. But we can safely say that the novelty has clearly brought revival and freshness to the line of inexpensive vehicles of the Renault Company. Separately, it is necessary to thank the French company for the car adapted to the difficult Russian conditions.

We advise you to read the article: History of Renault Company

Renault Arkana photo