Renault Arkana E-Tech Hybrid: test, SUV coupe, engine, price

So the passengers enjoy a quiet and locally emission-free Locomotion. Only when the battery indicator in the fully digital instrument cluster (series from the Intens line) has completely approached zero or you are not very careful on the accelerator does the four-cylinder ignite and disturb you Silent monastery-like background noise. The unit is hardly noticeable in the city or on country roads. When the selector lever of the automatic is in B, the drive recuperates vigorously and loads the car so diligently small battery and allows relaxed One-pedal driving. It falls on the autobahn Hybrid with its low power output. At the brisk Overtaking turns and roars Suction gasoline tidy, but hardly makes a stretch.

The hybrid demands a certain amount of composure and vision, otherwise the concept won’t work. Who constantly the top speed of 174 km / h Aimed at, the Arkana E-Tech won’t be happy in the long run. This is also evident in terms of Chassis and steering. The Arkana rocks reliably over long waves reasonably comfortable. However, the chassis and 18-inch model pass through short bumps noticeably. the Steering looks doughy, there is a lack of feedback. What does it look like inside the fashionable hatchback body? Well! Because Renault does not fall victim to the touch madness like many other manufacturers. The French find a successful mix of digital and analogue controls. Renault positions important buttons such as those of the lane departure warning system within easy reach to the left of the steering wheel. Here you will also find the optional steering wheel heating.

You operate the volume and the desired source for musical entertainment via a small satellite that is located on the right behind the steering wheel and can be quickly operated blindly. It is not done blindly at all navigation through infotainment, but quite simply. However, the system should implement touches a little more quickly and be a little more structured.

It is flawless Climate control: Three large controls plus a few switches do not raise any questions. This Analog concept It deserves praise, because Renault is returning to entirely analogue controls, not relying on a mixture of classic controls and touch displays as it did some time ago. And what about that Space available? Quite well. In the front, the driver and front passenger sit on sufficiently comfortable armchairs, the Renault with leather and on request electrical adjustment offered. In the second row, on the other hand, it is much narrower – no revelation. Because of the right deep roofline passengers must keep their heads down when boarding. Once swung in, the offers Arcana but a lot of headroom, even over 1.90 meters it still fits quite well. Knees, legs and feet are also okay.

That Luggage compartment of the full hybrid holds 480 to maximum 1263 liters, with the gasoline engine there are 513 to 1296 liters. For comparison: an Audi Q3 Sportback has a volume of 530 to 1400 liters, an X4 has a volume of 525 to 1430 liters. Objects can easily be pushed through when the rear seat is folded down double loading floor make it possible. But it is better to transport bulky goods elsewhere – the sloping rear window restricts the space. In this context: a Rear wiper would be very desirable. And the overview, especially towards the back, is really bad, the rear view camera (always standard) only provides very modest images in the dark. The only real remedy here is that Parking beeper, which fortunately are already on board from the entry-level Zen line.

With moderate 2000 euros surcharge however, we recommend the same Intens equipment. Among other things, it brings with it adaptive cruise control, digital instruments, navigation systems and traffic sign recognition. For 32,650 euros there is still no weird SUV sympathizer among the German competition. (Calculate maintenance costs? To the car insurance comparison)