Renault Arkana coupe-crossover revealed

Renault has a staged the world debut of an all-new mid-size coupe-crossover that’s said to represent “a unique fusion between the elegance of a saloon and the sturdiness of an SUV” – and it could be coming to Australia.

Revealed at the Moscow motor show overnight, the Renault Arkana concept will morph into a production model for Russia in 2019, followed by other markets around the world.

“Renault Arkana show car prefigures a new Renault offer for the C-segment with global ambitions,” said the French car-maker.

“This new model in the Renault range will contribute to the Group’s international expansion especially on the Russian strategic market.”

Renault says there are “no current plans” for the Arkana to go on sale in Europe, but its chances of gracing Aussie showrooms appear far better.

“Australia has a strong SUV market and we believe there is opportunity to increase Renault’s SUV presence in the future,” Renault Australia corporate communications manager Emily Fadayev told motoring.com.au.

“We are reviewing this new crossover and we are currently discussing it with the factory.”

Indeed, we understand that both the new Renault Arkana and Europe’s existing Renault Kadjar, which will soon receive a midlife facelift, are both being considered for release in Australia, where either or both models would complement the small Captur and mid-size Koleos SUVs.

Renault says the Arkana’s “class-unique design” will be a novelty in the competitive C-SUV segment – Australia’s largest and fastest growing SUV sector, led by the Mazda CX-5.

“The Arkana show car is a distinctive coupe-crossover, striking balance between the elegance of a saloon and the powerful stance of an SUV,” said Laurens Van den Acker, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Design at Groupe Renault.

“We have dialed in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch.”

No technical details have been revealed for the Renault Arkana, but its maker says generous ground clearance, wide wheel-arches and 19-inch wheels make it “a sturdy vehicle ready to face harsh driving and tough weather conditions”.

Furthermore, Renault says the elegance of a high waistline and sloping coupe roofline is emphasised by side chrome detailing and a panoramic glass roof.

Renault makes it clear that Russia – its second largest market -- will be the primary destination for Arkana, which is vital to hitting its target of five million annual sales by 2022.

The French brand already holds a 28 per cent share of the Russian market, with 448,270 vehicles sold in 2017, and expects it to be its biggest market by the end of its current five-year plan.

“The idea for this innovative concept came from Russia and the project was conducted with the strong involvement of Renault Russia teams,” said Nicolas Maure – Senior Vice-President and Chairman of Eurasia Region.

“Arkana will meet Russian customers’ aspirations but also the ones of new customers in many countries worldwide, enabling Groupe Renault to further pursue its international growth as part of its Drive the Future strategic plan.”

However, Renault confirmed that various iterations of the Arkana will also be produced and sold in other regions -- including Asia, where Australia’s version would be built.

“This new production vehicle will be produced and marketed in different countries throughout the world, beginning with Russia in 2019,” it said.

“Renault Arkana will be later manufactured and sold in Asia and other regions, with this same unique design but adapted also to local customers’ expectations.”