Renault Arkana ready to roll
Aussie arrival of French brand’s swoopy new SUV imminent, but electrified models not on agendaThe all-new 2021 Renault Arkana is set to arrive in Australian showrooms imminently as the first major model launch for the French brand under its new independent distributor.
Replacing the Renault Kadjar in Australia, the swoopy Renault Arkana coupe-style SUV will slot in between the new second-generation Renault Captur small SUV and the ageing Renault Koleos mid-size SUV.
Local pricing and specs for the new Arkana are still to be announced by importer Ateco, which took over Renault distribution from the previous factory operation on April 1 this year.
However, full details for the right-hand drive model range in the UK were announced overnight, showing us the way for the Australian line-up that is sure to be highly specified.
The UK range has three model grades – Iconic, S Edition and RS Line – that are loaded with equipment, particularly in the areas of safety and technology.
On the safety front, all Arkana models are fitted with:
• Renault Emergency Call
• Front airbags, front side airbags, front/rear side curtain airbags
• Cruise control and speed limiter
• Lane departure warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Active emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist detection
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist with active steering and lane departure warning
• Safety distance warning
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Automatic wipers with rain sensor
• Electric parking brake with Auto-Hold function
• Front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera
• ESC with ABS, emergency brake assist, hill start assist
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• LED headlights (C-shape DRL and 3D rear lights) with automatic activation
The S Edition adds blind spot warning and rear traffic warning, automatic headlights (including active high beam), traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control, while the RS Line adds Easy Park Assist (hands-free parking) and has the option of stop-and-go and lane centring with the adaptive cruise.
On the tech front, even the base Arkana Iconic model is fitted with:
• Colour instrument panel (4.2-inch or 7.0-inch, depending on variant)
• Renault Automatic emergency call
• EASY LINK Multimedia system with 7.0-inch touch-screen
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth
• Arkamys Classic sound system with six speakers
• Electric parking brake with Auto-Hold function
• USB ports
The S Edition and RS Line add a 9.3-inch EASY LINK screen with sat-nav, a 7.0-inch TFT driver’s information display and MULTI-SENSE customisable driving modes and “interior ambiences”.
As RS moniker indicates, the range-topping model inspired by Renault Sport brings 18-inch ‘Silverstone’ alloys and an aggressive aero-optimised bumper (with F1-style blade), while on the inside there’s a mix of black, aluminium and carbon-look detailing, and red RS Line highlights across various touch-points including the dashboard, door panels, seats and steering wheel.
The UK market will offer the choice between a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid powertrain and a 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid.
However, the Australian Arkana model range will be powered solely by the a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine found in the Renault Captur, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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