THE FIRST RENAULT ARKANA SET ITSELF apart as the pioneering SUV coupé in the mainstream market, providing customers with a combination of premium European design and great value.
With the latest updates and revised specifications, new Arkana builds on that history, proudly showcasing Renault’s new logo and adding modernity to its already striking design. Additionally, the standout esprit Alpine variant introduces an unprecedented level of style, inspired by the iconic design elements of Alpine Formula 1 cars.
“New Arkana seamlessly integrates into our existing SUV range in terms of size and offering, yet remains a distinctive body style that few other mainstream brands offer,” says Glen Sealey. “With its commanding driving position, innovative design, and unparalleled spaciousness, new Arkana continues to stand out as an exciting addition to the Renault brand.”
DESIGN
In 2024, new Arkana is initially available in two distinct trim levels: techno and esprit Alpine – an entry-level evolution variant will be introduced at a later date.
The esprit Alpine, positioned at the top of the range, boasts a sleek, sporty design with modern features. Adorning the front of the vehicle is a restyled glossy black chrome-finish grille with the new Renault emblem, giving it a look of robustness and elegance.
The rear of the car features twin black exhaust tips, a blacked-out nameplate, and translucent smoky tail lights, emphasising its dynamic character.
Additionally, the F1-inspired aerodynamic blade in gunmetal grey, glossy black detailing, and 19-inch two-tone ‘elixir’ alloy wheels give Arkana a distinctive, sporty appearance.
Step inside the esprit Alpine, you’ll notice subtle Alpine Blue highlights through the cabin, from the stitching on the upholstery and gearshift to the embroidered Alpine “arrowed A” on the sculptured suede-style and leatherette seats. The French influence is further evident with the ‘Tricolore’ stitching on the perforated steering wheel and suede-style door trims, serving as proud reminders of this vehicle’s French design heritage.
CONTROLLED DRIVING
The updated Arkana introduces enhanced safety and driver-assistance features aimed at providing maximum peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The vehicle’s already impressive 5-star ANCAP rating is further reinforced with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies.
Key safety features include lane keep assist with lane centring, Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with pedestrian & cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition with speed alert & over speed prevention, adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, blind spot warning, and automatic high/low beam headlights. These advanced systems – along with Renault’s innovative QRescue code to assist the emergency services in the event of an accident – are designed to assist the driver in various real-world scenarios and contribute to overall road safety.
Moreover, new Arkana comes standard with a 360-degree camera system that provides a complete view of the surrounding area when reversing, and easy park assist hands-free parking which aids entry and exit from parking spaces. Additionally, the inclusion of rear cross traffic alert serves as an extra layer of awareness, warning the driver of approaching vehicles while reversing out of a parking space.
FEATURE LEAD
New Arkana is designed to offer a fantastic driving experience with a particular focus on comfort and connectivity. The driver-oriented cabin includes a large 9.3-inch easy link floating portrait touchscreen for greater readability, and a 10.25-inch cluster in front of the driver, combining to give it one of the largest display areas in its class.
The easy link system acts as an on-board computer, providing access to satellite navigation and control of key functions, including driving aids and the customisable multi-sense functionality, which offers access to specific drive modes and eight ambient lighting colour options.
Bluetooth phone pairing, wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone replication ensure a connected experience when driving, while the Bose premium sound system (standard on esprit Alpine), featuring eight speakers and a strategically placed subwoofer that does not encroach on boot space, warrants an aural experience like no other.
The driver enjoys a heated 8-way electrically adjustable seat with lumbar support – 6-way electrically-adjustable for the front passenger – and rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel.
With best-in-class boot space of 485 litres and a split-level boot floor for securing valuables, along with an additional 26.2 litres of storage throughout the cabin, there is ample space for both passengers and cargo.
Key highlights for new Arkana techno and esprit Alpine models are as follows:
Renault Arkana techno
Active safety
- Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with pedestrian & cyclist detection
- Safe distance warning
- Lane keep assist with lane centring
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Blind spot warning
- Front, rear & side parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Connectivity & multimedia
- Arkamys Classic Sound system with six speakers
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto smartphone replication
- 2 front & 2 rear USB ports & 1 AUX port
- Wireless smartphone charger
- 9.3-inch portrait multimedia touchscreen
- Instrument display with colour 10.25-inch screen
Convenience
- Hands-free key card
- Automatic ‘walk away’ door locking
- Automatic high/low beam
- Electric parking brake with auto-hold
- Easy park assist hands-free parking system
- Electric folding door mirrors
- Split-level boot floor
Comfort
- Electrically adjustable front seats with electric lumbar adjustment for driver
- Heated front seats
- Black leather & suede-style upholstery with cream stitching
- Multi-sense with three driving modes & eight interior ambient lighting options
Exterior styling
- 18-inch two-tone ‘silverstone’ alloy wheels
- Front & rear skid plates – grey
- Front bumper with body-coloured F1-inspired blade
- Shark fin antenna
Options
- Metallic paint – $750
- Black roof & door mirrors – $600
- Opening sunroof $1500
esprit Alpine (techno +)
Connectivity & multimedia
- Bose premium sound system with eight speakers & subwoofer
Comfort
- Heated steering wheel with perforated sides
- Black suede-style & leatherette upholstery
- Opening sunroof
- Rear privacy glass
Interior styling
- Alpine ‘A’ embroidered into front seats
- Blue stitching on seats, front central armrest & gear shift
- ‘Tricolore’ French flag stitching on steering wheel & in-door trims
- Slate-look interior trim
- Suede-style trims in front doors
- Frameless automatic-dimming rear view mirror
- ‘Esprit Alpine’ front door sill plates
Exterior styling
- 19-inch two-tone ‘elixir’ alloy wheels
- Black door mirrors
- Gun metal grey F1-inspired blade, front & rear skid plates & lower door protection strip
- Esprit Alpine badge on side wing decoration
Options
- Metallic paint – $750
- Black roof – $600
Colours
- Solid White (solid – not available on esprit Alpine)
- Universal White (metallic)
- Zanzibar Blue (metallic)
- Metallic Black (metallic)
- Metallic Grey (metallic)
- Flame Red (metallic)
- Night Blue (metallic)
DRIVETRAIN
Arkana is equipped with the latest generation engine meeting the Euro 6 emission standard. The aim is clear: improve efficiency, reduce air pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change while maintaining a high level of performance and driveability.
The efficient 1.3-litre TCe petrol engine, a compact 4-cylinder delivering 115kW and 262Nm and returning a class-leading 5.9L/100km for internal combustion engines, and just 133 grams of CO2 per 100km.
And once again, a 7-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures a quicker, smoother delivery of power and the certainty of being in the right gear at the right time.
OWNERSHIP
Recommended retail pricing for new Arkana Techno is $41,000 and Arkana Esprit is $45,000.
As with every Renault, the 5-year Easy Life ownership model allows for peace of mind driving with the five years unlimited kilometres warranty, five years roadside assistance, and five years capped price servicing totalling $2385 over the period.