But when is its Aussie arrival?
French carmaker Renault has pulled the wraps off its hotly-anticipated new global model, one that could be capable of launching the brand into the mainstream. The Arkana is a swoopy-roofed SUV that is the very first of its kind in the mass-market segment, taking a body style that was pioneered by BMW (and capitalised on by nearly every other manufacturer since), but has thus far remained in the realm of luxury car buyers.
With the Arkana, Renault will put itself on the forefront of the coupe-SUV market for many family car buyers, taking the lead in a niche that everyone knew would be created eventually. And while the bodystyle is divisive to say the least, it must be said that in the Arkana, the French marque has really made something that looks special.
Built off a platform that’s unique to Russia, we had originally assumed that the Arkana would be released only in related markets. However, Renault has gone to great lengths to emphasise that the Arkana is a “global SUV” that’ll reach all of its critical markets. And make no mistake it’s better for it too: Just look at the thing.
With its full-LED headlights up front, strong haunches, dramatic profile and truly remarkable rear light signature, the Arkana certainly has presence by the bucketload. It’s chosen launch colour does well to highlight the Arkana’s design features, helping to underscore the athletic proportions and driver-focused intent.
Very few specifics have been released about the Arkana along with the launch of this show car, though we're sure we'll hear no end of it closer to launch. What we’re certain of is that it’ll be offered with a variety of powertrains depending on various market demands, from turbocharged to naturally-aspirated mills, spanning both petrol & diesel, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Electrification might not be on the horizon for the model though, given that it sits on a unique, and rather dated platform that hasn’t yet served as the underpinnings for a combustion-electric hybrid powertrain.
We also don’t know what it looks like inside. But an educated guess, looking at how similar in size it is to a Megane hatchback, has us assuming that we shouldn’t expect anything too vastly different from what we’ve been presented there. Renault’s design might be more adventurous now than it’s ever been, but they always remain somewhat familiar from model to model.
We’ve yet to hear back from Renault Australia regarding the possibility of the Arkana making Australian landfall, but we’re hopeful that it will. With SUV-coupes all the rage presently, the Arkana might just be the model to push the Renault brand into the mainstream car buying consciousness, the same way the Stelvio has for Alfa Romeo, and the Levante for Maserati. Fingers crossed.
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