While the French didn't invent the crossover-coupe niche, they will certainly help popularize it. So while the BMW X6, which started this craze, is currently rivaled by the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Porsche is also working to bring us a Cayenne Coupe. But what if you're looking for such a model while being on a tight budget? Well, Renault now has something for you, with the French carmaker having introduced the Arkana. Nevertheless, there's a catch here.
Now, before you call your local dealer, you should know that the Arkana isn't destined for Europe. The crossover will be built in Russia, but it won't be limited to the local market, as it will also be offered on Asian markets.
We're looking at a C-segment crossover, so this isn't a large car. And while the carmaker mentions 19-inch wheels (not exactly what you want for broken roads) and a generous ground clearance, there's no word about four-wheel-drive.
Regardless, the presentation model we have here (this comes with the concept label, but we're not expecting too many changes en route to production) comes with a panoramic glass roof.
"The Arkana show car is a distinctive coupé-crossover, striking balance between the elegance of a saloon and the powerful stance of an SUV. We have dialed in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch," says Laurens Van den Acker - Senior-Vice-President, Corporate Design of Groupe Renault
Renault hasn't offered the specs of the Arkana so far. If this were a European offering, we'd engine range to include multiple versions of the 1.5 dCi diesel, along with at least two turbocharged petrol units, namely the 0.9 (three-cylinder) and the 1.2 (four-pot) TCe.
Then again, the emissions standards are different in Russia, with the engine used over there including naturally aspirated four-cylinder motors that go up to two liters.
In the transmission department, the obvious manual should be joined by an optional EDC dual-clutch unit.
The Arkana could be an appetizer, so we might see the French automaker introducing a similar model on the Old Continent. Meanwhile, you can check out the Arkana show car in the live video below.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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