Renault Arkana Crossover
Earlier this year, at the 2018 Moscow Motor Show, a new addition to the Renault family emerged, known as the Arkana. The French automaker has been in business for more than 115 years and it was only a matter of time before they put their skills to the test producing a coupé-SUV type vehicle. It is underpinned by Renault’s B0 platform already in use with vehicles such as the Renault Captur and Duster.
While Renault is better known for producing quality trucks, buses, SUVs, coupes, vans, and even auto-rail vehicles, the new Renault Arkana crossover really shows what they are capable of. They’ve successfully achieved a fine balance, combining the elegance of a coupé and the functionality of an SUV. The ground clearance, wide wheel arches, and larger wheels suggest that it may even have some off-roading capabilities.
Specifications aren’t readily available but we have it on good authority that the Renault Arkana has the same engine and transmission as the Russian Captur. It may even include the latest in turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel engine technology along with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system from the Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi Alliance.
What’s with the name you ask? Arkana is derived from the Latin word, ‘Arcanum’ which means secret. And it’s rather fitting as Renault teased the public with the launch for quite some time releasing several images suggesting that it would share similar characteristics to the Captur, at least in terms of overall appearance. However, the difference lies in what’s beyond the C-pillar as the Arkana will be one of the first budget vehicles with this particular design, usually reserved for premium brands and boy does it look the part!
As stated by Laurens Van den Acker – Senior-Vice-President, Corporate Design of Groupe Renault, “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”.
According to Renault, the Arkana is only available in Russia for the moment but it could find itself in other countries as early as 2019. Looking at the Indian car market alone, the Arkana will rival the Jeep Compass placing it above the Renault Captur. A car this unique and innovative will likely do extremely well wherever it goes. In a statement from Renault, they believe that the Arkana underlines the uniqueness of future crossovers and wants the public to associate it with mystery, attractiveness and their pioneering spirit.
While there is no confirmation when, or if, the Renault Arkana will make its debut in South Africa, we always keep abreast of vehicle launches across the globe. Keep an eye on our blog or follow us on Facebook to be the first to know.
