The Renault E-Tech full hybrid is now available to order in three different trims — Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine, forming a revised, simplified range with an enhanced standard specification, and starting at a highly competitive price of £26,995.
Combining the original Arkana’s distinguished looks with Renault’s bold new ‘Nouvelle Vague’ visual identity that the French automaker has been imbuing in all of its latest models, this also marks the introduction of a range-topping Esprit Alpine version.
The borrowing of the Esprit version from its sportier line Alpine began with the Renault Austral, but has now popped in most of Renault’s E-Tech refreshes, including the latest stylish Clio E-Tech, and even to some extent in the Rafale, with its Alpine blue paint job.
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The new Arkana also continues the trend of combining elegance and sportiness, with the Esprit trim featuring unique 19-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors, some special Esprit Alpine exterior detailing and even a bespoke Esprit Alpine F1 blade.
There are interior finishes too, such as heated power-adjustable front seats and Esprit Alpine TEP artificial leather and suede upholstery. It also comes at a premium cost, priced at £31,295.
But if you don’t want to shell out the premium money for the premium features, Renault has the Evolution and Techno trims too. The Techno builds on the Evolution’s generous level of equipment with such features as blind spot warning, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold function.
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All versions are powered by the smooth and powerful E-Tech full hybrid 145hp powertrain. It combines two electric motors — the main motor is a hefty 36kW and then it also has an additional 18 kW High-Voltage Starter Generator, with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre 69kW (94hp) petrol engine via a smart multi-mode clutch-less gearbox and a 1.2kWh battery.
The new Renault Arkana E-Tech full hybrid starts off in electric mode by default and can run on pure electric power for up to 80 per cent of the time in city driving. The highly efficient drivetrain also results in CO2 emissions as low as 105g/km and includes an innovative e-save feature that can keep the battery’s charge at a minimum of 40 per cent, providing the extra backup to keep on driving in electric mode if required, or to assist the engine on steep uphill slopes.
