Is the new Renault Arkana Facelift more than just looks?
Exterior – Front
So, whats new at the front then, well not much has changed but to be honest I am fine with that is the Arkana still looks very modern in todays standard. We do get some changes though. Let’s start with what is the same. We get the same LED headlight units that look modern although I would have liked to have seen the new LED Day Time Running Light graphic like what the Clio has. We also get the same bumper and lower central air vent and side vents. The main grill is different though with this new 3D effect grill. When you look at it from different angles it changes how it looks. We also get the new Renault logo too, to keep it in line with the newer Renaults. You can easily tell though that this is the smaller brother to the Rafale.
Exterior – Side
Along the side we can clearly see the saloon silhouette design up top but move lower down and you can see that it is an SUV. The Arkana from the side looks very premium and at the back we almost have the Hofmeister kink. Lower down we also have some plastic cladding. We do get some new colour and wheel options though and a new fake air vent on the Esprit Alpine model replacing the RS-Line air vent.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and again the changes are very minimal. We get the same bumpers as before which I am fine with, but the logo has changed, and we get a new design to the taillights that gives them a smoked clear look. Just like what the Clio has. This does make the car look more modern too. We also get some black lettering too making this car more aggressive and sportier. Let’s have a look at what engine options you can have with the Renault Arkana Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
so, Renault has completely changed the engine options that you can have in the Arkana Facelift. it now only offers a fully hybrid petrol engine. This is called E-Tech Full Hybrid 145. This uses a 1.6 litre engine with 2 electric motors producing 143 bhp. Renault claims you can do 620 miles of driving on a full tank of petrol. You get a 4-speed automatic gearbox in this car and you get a 0-62 time of 10.8 seconds. This isn’t anything to set the road alight on a drag strip, but it isn’t bad considering the size of the car. The price of the Renault Arkana Facelift starts at £26,995. Let’s have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, getting inside the new Arkana Facelift and we get some new materials that makes this car feel more premium than before. comparing the RS-Line version to the Esprit Alpine model, you can feel a difference between the two. We get a new sportier seat design with more premium alcantara materials. We also get new dashboard materials too as well as a new stitch pattern on the steering wheel. The steering wheel also has the new logo on it and the software that is in the vehicle has been updated slightly. We now have Google integration on the navigation system so this will make it easier to find the destination you want. Apart from that everything else is the same but better than before. let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, moving round the back legroom is OK but headroom is not that great because of the sloping roof but it isn't that bad as a saloon rival. If there was a 6-footer in the front seat and another behind, then they won’t be that comfortable. The seats are comfy though and they have a sports style. There is also an arm rest, Air vents and some USB C ports.
Boot Size
So, going round to the boot we have a big hatchback style opening just like before. There is no load lip as the boot door is very low. The boot size for the Renault Arkana is 480 litres with the seats up and if you fold them down it is 1,263 litres. Compare this to the Peugeot 508 which has 487 litres with the seats up and 1,537 litres with the seats down and this shows that the Arkana is still just about as practical as a normal Saloon car in this segment.
Summary
So, in summary then the Renault Arkana Facelift is an improvement. Whilst you may not be able to notice the changes at first, it doesn’t really matter all that much as it was already a decent car. The changes that have been made though have been well thought out as they have made the car more modern but also more premium and it keeps it in line with the newer Renault cars. Even within 3 years since the car was launched you can see how far Renault has become.
Exterior 4.5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 14.5/15
Model | Renault Arkana Espirt Alpine E-Tech Full Hybrid 145 |
Engine | 1.6l, 143bhp, 0-62 = 10.8 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 4 Speed Automatic |
Price | £31,395 |
On Sale | Now |
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