RENAULT Arkana Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Renault introduced the Arkana lineup on the market in 2019, offering an affordable SUV coupe for those who couldn't or wouldn't pay the high sticker price of a BMW X4 or a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. Sales went through the roof, and despite the 2020 pandemic situation, it exceeded 240,000 units by 2023 when the French automaker launched the upgraded version of the vehicle.

Since the automaker promoted the vehicle as a sporty alternative to a hatchback, it added some muscular looks to the vehicle. At the front, the 2024 Arkana featured a new bumper fitted with a large, trapezoidal grille flanked on the sides by a pair of scoops that channeled air onto the front discs. The radar for the adaptive cruise control and the advanced safety systems was placed in the middle, and Renault added a lip spoiler underneath it. On the upper grille, the automaker installed the redesigned company's logo, connected with the headlights via a shiny black line. From its profile, the sporty-looking SUV coupe featured fake exhaust vents on the front fenders, and the side sills were emphasized by dark tones. Furthermore, the automaker adorned the wheel arches with black plastic moldings, which created the impression of larger wheels. On the rear fascia, Renault added a new bumper decorated with fake exhausts mounted under the underbody plastic shield that mimicked aluminum.

Inside, Renault added new materials made from recycled elements. On the dashboard and seats, it introduced the Eco-tep and imitation suede, while the door cards boasted red, white, and blue stitching, resembling France's national flag. Between the bolstered front seats, the center console housed the e-gear lever that was completely electrical, without any cables between it and the gearbox. On the dashboard, the carmaker kept the same digital instrument cluster, and the touchscreen display for the infotainment system was placed atop the center stack. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding bench for three that could expand the trunk area. Even though the headroom was nothing to write home about it, it was suitable for children and average-sized adults.

The automaker built the Arkana on the CMF-B platform and installed gasoline and hybrid powertrains. But despite the crossover look, all versions sent their power to the front wheels only. Furthermore, unlike other SUV-coupe vehicles on the market, the Arkana featured semi-independent rear suspension since it was a more affordable technical solution. For the 2024 Arkana, Renault offered a choice of engines ranging between 140 PS (138 HP) and 160 PS (158 HP). The carmaker also installed a hybrid version that provided a total output of 145 PS (143 HP) from a 94 PS (93 HP) internal combustion engine, helped by a 36 kW (48 HP) electric motor.

Renault introduced the Arkana in 2019 on the Russian market and, two years later, it adapted it for the European market, making the SUV-coupe available at an affordable price.

While the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe were true contenders in the SUV-coupe niche market, there was no other carmaker to challenge them. Later on, Audi joined the party with the Q5 Sportback. But all three of them were in the premium segment, with prices that were high above the mass-market products. Then, Renault considered that it could offer something similar, at a fraction of a price.

The French carmaker already had a very successful platform used for the Dacia/Renault Duster. It used it to build the Arkana and sold it to Russia. After it saw the results, it transformed it into a Euro6d product to comply with the European Emission regulations and introduced it in 2021. Its design was a mix between a Renault Megane front, with a Megane Sedan profile and a shortened trunk. But the French designers made it even better on the interior.

Renault didn't spare any effort to make the Arkana a market conquerer. After all, it was the first mass-market SUV-coupe with four doors. It featured a leather-clad interior for the upper trim level, while the base version featured cloth seats. Renault already offered the R-Link infotainment system and the TFT display for the instrument cluster in the compact-segment, and they were introduced on the 2021 Arkana as well.

Under the hood, Renault offered a choice of turbocharged and hybrid gasoline engines with front-wheel-drive systems. They were paired either to a manual or a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmissions.

While the SUV-coupe class was not new when the Arkana was introduced on the Russian market in 2019, there was no mass-production car-maker in the segment. Renault was the first to try.

Due to the Renault-Nissan alliance, the French manufacturer was able to start building an entire lineup of cross-overs and SUVs. Most of them were front-wheel-drive since the West-European market was dominated by FWD cross-overs and SUVs. On the other hand, Russia was a different market. There, the poor quality roads and harsh winters demanded a 4x4 vehicle.

The SUV-coupe featured an aggressive front fascia, with lines that resembled the Talisman limousine or the Megane compact vehicle. The raked A-pillars don't look like those from other cars in the Renault lineup. The sloped end and the small greenhouse enhanced the coupe-look of the car.

Inside, there was a mix of different Renault models, starting with the center stack that looked like the one on the Dacia Duster, and an instrument cluster that featured classic dials.

The Arkana was based on the Dacia Duster platform available with front or all-wheel-drive systems and it was built at Avtoframos, the Renault factory outside Moscow. It was fitted with a choice of two engines. A 1.3-liter and a 1.6-liter, respectively, which were mated to a standard manual transmission. As an option, a CVT or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch) was available.