Stylish Renault Arkana scores mid-life update

RENAULT has updated its stylish Small segment SUV-coupe this month, the South Korean-sourced Arkana adopting refreshed looks, a new high-spec esprit Alpine variant, and updated equipment offerings.

Pricing is unchanged commencing at $41,000 plus on-road costs for the mid-tier Techno (replaces Intens), while the entry-grade Evolution (replaces Zen from $37,500) will join the range later. The flagship esprit Alpine (replaces RS Line) retails from $45,000 + ORC.

Arkana Techno includes as standard 18-inch alloy wheels in two-tone Silverstone finish, front and rear bumper inlays in grey, shark fin-style antenna, black leather-on-suede upholstery with cream stitch, electrically adjustable front seats, three-setting drive mode selector, and eight interior ambient lighting options.

The Arkana’s practical split-level cargo area remains unchanged at 485 litres.

The mid-tier variant further includes keyless entry and ignition, an Arkamys six-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, front and rear USB charging ports, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

A comprehensive array of standard safety equipment includes a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, auto high beam, automated parking assistance, blind spot warning, front, side and rear parking sensors, lane centring and lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.

Options include metallic paint ($750), a contrasting black roof and door mirrors ($600), and a sunroof ($1500).

Moving up to the top-of-the-range esprit Alpine, we find a gloss black grille with new-look Renault emblem, twin exhaust outlets, blackened badging, smoked tail-lights, 19-inch Elixir alloy wheels, gun metal grey skid plates, and black door mirror caps.

Inside, the Arkana esprit Alpine is adorned with Alpine Blue highlights throughout the cabin, suede and leatherette upholstery, Tricolor (red, white and blue) stitching, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, sunroof, rear privacy glass, and eight-speaker Bose audio system with subwoofer.

Optionally, the range-topping variant is available with metallic paint ($750) or a contrasting black roof ($600).

The updated Renault Arkana is available in a choice of seven paint colours. Solid White (not available on esprit Alpine) leads metallic hues Universal White, Zanzibar Blue, Metallic Black, Metallic Grey, Flame Red, and Night Blue.

Under the bonnet, the Arkana continues to draw motivation from a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 115kW and 262Nm.

Once again paired as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive, the model returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km. CO2 emission are listed at 133 grams per kilometre.

Renault Australia backs the Arkana with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, as with all its passenger models. The package includes five years’ roadside assistance and capped price servicing costing $2385 over the period.

“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,” said Renault Australia general manager 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.”

2024 Renault Arkana pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.