Photo: Renault
It's been almost three years since Renault introduced the European version of the Arkana, which is unrelated to Russia's eponymous model, and now, the diamond brand has given it a mid-cycle refresh. Changes revolve around the looks and are minor, and the series gets a new range-topping Esprit Alpine trim level.
Decorated by the brand's new diamond logo, the grille is new and has a different mesh pattern. It's flanked by fresh headlamps that look a bit sharper, and the bumper was slightly revised. The updates are even more discreet at the rear, and the most noticeable are the new taillights and the same corporate emblem on the tailgate, above the Arkana lettering. Black, Deep Glossy Black, and Satin Black elements have replaced the chrome trim, and the Midnight Blue hue was added to the color palette.
The lineup comprises the Evolution, Techno, and new Esprit Alpine trim levels. The latter gets 19-inch alloys, a spoiler at the rear, a blade in Satin Gray at the front, and Shape Gray badging in Deep Glossy Black on the side trim. The seats sport a mix of Eco Tep, which consists of 10% bio-sourced materials and faux suede in a larger presence than on the former R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered. A blue horizontal overstitch with the Alpine logo on the back and two blue stripes on the seatbelts are other highlights of this model, which also gets red, white, and blue stitching that evoke the French flag.
As for the most affordable version of the 2023 Arkana family, the Evolution, it comes with the Easy Link infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also sports a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Renault says the mid-spec Techno has a blade in the same shade as the rest of the body, Satin Chrome logo and lettering at the rear, and the same wheels that were previously reserved for the R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered variants of the subcompact crossover coupe.
The powertrain family comprises mild-hybrid assemblies with 140 and 160 ps (138-158 hp/103-118 kW). Customers can also order the electrified E-Tech variant that combines a 94 ps (93 hp/69 kW) 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, including a high-voltage starter generator, for a maximum of 145 ps (143 hp/107 kW). This version gets a smart multi-mode clutch-less dog box and a small 1.2 kWh battery. According to the French manufacturer, it starts on electric power and can run on zero emissions for up to 80% of the time in the urban environment.
Renault says the order books for the facelifted Arkana will open this summer. The pricing, which has yet to be announced, will vary from market to market, though it should be similar to its predecessor, which starts at €31,000 ($34,525) in Germany.
The lineup comprises the Evolution, Techno, and new Esprit Alpine trim levels. The latter gets 19-inch alloys, a spoiler at the rear, a blade in Satin Gray at the front, and Shape Gray badging in Deep Glossy Black on the side trim. The seats sport a mix of Eco Tep, which consists of 10% bio-sourced materials and faux suede in a larger presence than on the former R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered. A blue horizontal overstitch with the Alpine logo on the back and two blue stripes on the seatbelts are other highlights of this model, which also gets red, white, and blue stitching that evoke the French flag.
As for the most affordable version of the 2023 Arkana family, the Evolution, it comes with the Easy Link infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also sports a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Renault says the mid-spec Techno has a blade in the same shade as the rest of the body, Satin Chrome logo and lettering at the rear, and the same wheels that were previously reserved for the R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered variants of the subcompact crossover coupe.
The powertrain family comprises mild-hybrid assemblies with 140 and 160 ps (138-158 hp/103-118 kW). Customers can also order the electrified E-Tech variant that combines a 94 ps (93 hp/69 kW) 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, including a high-voltage starter generator, for a maximum of 145 ps (143 hp/107 kW). This version gets a smart multi-mode clutch-less dog box and a small 1.2 kWh battery. According to the French manufacturer, it starts on electric power and can run on zero emissions for up to 80% of the time in the urban environment.
Renault says the order books for the facelifted Arkana will open this summer. The pricing, which has yet to be announced, will vary from market to market, though it should be similar to its predecessor, which starts at €31,000 ($34,525) in Germany.
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