Is this the new classy Renault we are after?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the design of the Rafale and to start with it is different from what we have seen from other Renaults. It almost looks concept like with these edgy headlights that have Matrix technology. Just below the headlights we get the daytime running lights that are integrated into the side vents and these have a similar design to other Renaults. The grill has a new shape that is big and wide but also sharp and again edgy. It also has this cool effect that changes when you look at what angle you look at it. This was the first car to have it, but we have seen it on other Renaults too now. Finally, the lower central air vent is also sporty and sharp looking because of the sharp creases but overall is a good size.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side of the Rafale and we get what I liked about the Renault Arkana. The overall side profile has a saloon look to it. Its not like these coupe SUV’s that look like they have been chopped in half and have an odd-looking rear end like it shouldn’t be there. This has been designed as a coupe SUV and it looks like and SUV saloon. We get some gloss black wheel arches and side panelling to give it a premium off-roader look. We also get some sharp creases along the side to give it a premium look. The wheels also have a good design to them, and the sizes are 20 inches in size which is becoming a standard size right now.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we are going to start with the spoiler as it has these cat ears just like the Peugeot 408. The boot area has this boot lip spoiler look to it just like a saloon and we also don’t get a rear wiper just like a saloon too which is annoying but forgivable. The taillights have this edgy look which suits the car, and we also get the Rafale lettering as a script which we haven’t seen before on a Renault, but it makes it feel more premium. The bumper gets a sporty design too with some more gloss black plastic which I do like, and you also don’t get any fake exhausts which is also good. Right, lets have a look at what engine and gearbox options you can have with the new Renault Rafale.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the engine range of the new Renault Rafale only can be had with one engine. This is a 2-litre turbo engine with mild hybrid technology. This has 198 bhp. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with 2 additional electric motor gears and the power is sent to the front wheels. 0-62 time is also delt within 8.9 seconds. Renault also have a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 298 bhp and 4-wheel drive which may be released later in the year if not next year so we will have to wait and see what that one will be like. The price of the new Renault Rafale starts at £42,195. Let’s have a look at the interior of the Rafale.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new Rafale and you get the interior straight from the Austral. This means you get a 12-inch touchscreen that runs Android Automotive. This means you get all the google apps including Google Maps and Google Assistant which gives you the best experience in my opinion. It is easy to use, and the layout is very good. It also gains some new graphics on this model, and this will be brought to the rest of the Renault range in the future. You also get some physical climate control switches just like other Renault’s too. The instrument cluster also gets these new graphics too and again this is easy to see. The stalks are a bit confusing though. You get the usual indicator and wiper stalks, but you also have the gear selector stalk which is in an awkward place. I would have liked this in a better position really. The steering wheel is the same as the rest of the new Renault lineup, but it does get a new badge design in the centre. You also get this full electrochromic panoramic roof that changes how much light it lets in depending on what setting you have it set on. The centre console is the same as the Austral as too is the door cards and the overall fit and finish and feel is high end and premium and not what you would expect really from Renault. Let’s have a look and see what the rear seats is like.
Practicality
So, getting into the back of the Rafale and it has a sense of high luxury. Yes on the top part of the door cards you do get hard plastic but the overall design is very premium and once you do get in the back you get a decent amount of legroom and headroom even for a 6 footer like me. You also get your own air vents as well as 2 USB C ports and the centre of the middle seat folds down to reveal a huge arm rest with cupholders and some premium finishes. Under the arm rest there is also some storage and 2 more USB C ports. You also have smartphone holders in there too. You can also keep folding down to have through loading from the boot. Talking of the boot lets have a look and see what that is like.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot electrically and you are welcomed with 535 litres of boot space with the seats up which is a decent amount. Folding the seats down and you get 1,709 litres. It is also very practical with a big boot opening just like a Vauxhall Insignia for example.
Summary
And this brings me on to the summary. I believe that cars like the Renault Rafale are the next cars to replace the executive hatchback. 10 years ago, you had cars like the Vauxhall Insignia, Peugeot 508 and Volkswagen Passat, but times are changing, and I believe that this is the next step. Personally, Renault does it best over all its rivals with its styling as it feels unique and sleek and like a proper coupe SUV should be like. The interior is also premium, and you get a good amount of technology too and finally the practicality is also decent. Overall, then this is a good car and is worth considering if you are going to be coming from a saloon or executive hatchback.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 15/15
Model | Renault Rafale Iconic Espirt Alpine |
Engine | 2.0l Turbo, 198bhp, 0-62 = 8.9 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 6 Speed Automatic + 2 Electric Gears |
Price | £44,695 |
On Sale | Now |
Comments