- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Renault Arkana SUV. Secret for the chosen
The Renault Arkana is Renault’s compact SUV. The model premiered in Russia, at the 2018 Moscow International Motor Show. The vehicle is one of the global models of the brand. It was built on a thoroughly modernized B0 platform, which gave life to Dacia vehicles. Serial production was first launched at the Renault Russia plant, after which the SUV reached the markets of other countries. In September 2020, the manufacturer presented the Renault Arkana version for the European market. In some European countries, the SUV is sold as the Renault Megane Conquest.
The name "Arkana" is derived from the Latin word "arcanum", which translates as a secret or a mystery.
Exterior
The European version of the Renault Arkana differs from the Russian one, as it is built on a CMF-B platform (used by the second-generation Renault Captur). The wheelbase is the same, and the exterior is similar. The model is produced at the Renault Samsung Motors plant in South Korea. Depending on the market, the SUV is 4,545-4,568 mm long, 1,802-1,821 mm wide and 1,565-1,576 mm high. The wheelbase reaches 2,720 mm. The trunk volume is 480 or 513 liters, depending on the modification (the hybrid has a smaller trunk), with the rear seats folded down, the volume grows to almost 1,300 liters. The ground clearance of all-wheel drive versions is 205 mm.
Interior and equipment
The new Renault Arkana is well-equipped. The entry-level version features LED headlights, a digital dashboard, and a climate control unit with air purification. Additionally, a sunroof, electric and heated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel are available. Premium sound quality is provided by the Bose sound system.
The entry-level SUVs for the European market come with a full range of traditional security systems: ABS, ESP, hill start assist, and collision avoidance system with automatic braking function. The vehicle will also offer traffic sign recognition and high beam control systems. Blind spot monitoring and parking assistance systems are optional.
Engines and chassis
The 2020/2021 Renault Arkana can be equipped with two engines. The first is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated H4M engine with 114 hp and 156 Nm, already known from other Renault and Nissan models. The second is a completely new Renault H5H turbocharged power unit, producing 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine was developed jointly by Renault and Daimler engineers. The Arkana with a 1.3-liter engine is available only with a CVT and front-wheel drive, and the 1.6-liter version can have a front-wheel drive system with a 5-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive with a CVT, and an all-wheel drive system with a 6-speed manual transmission. The front-wheel drive Arkana has a semi-independent rear suspension, and the all-wheel drive boasts a multi-link suspension. The vehicle features a MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front.
There is an E-TECH Hybrid model, which is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 92 hp, an electric starter-alternator and an electric motor integrated into the transmission, the latter producing 49 hp. (36 kW). The SUV can do 80% of city trips without an internal combustion engine, and fuel consumption is only 4.4 l/100 km. There is also a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline TCe engine, producing 140 or 160 hp, depending on the boost, coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Such vehicles are equipped with a mild hybrid system, and all the versions are front-wheel drive only.
