2021 Renault Arkana

Stylish coupe-SUV for Megane money
The Renault Arkana is fairly unique. For while there are other swoopily-styled coupe-like SUVs on the market, they're mostly premium offerings such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLC Coupe. The Arkana takes this approach and applies it to a more affordable, more attainable model in the Arkana. But does it work? And should it tempt you away from the Toyota C-HR, Nissan Juke or Honda HR-V you might also be considering?
In this CarGurus UK review, Rebecca Jackson gets to know the Arkana, and gives you the lowdown on its practicality, its quality, and how it drives.
Read our full Renault Arkana expert review:
www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/Renau...
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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 - Introduction
00:54 - Subscribe here
00:59 - Styling
01:32 - Practicality
02:24 - Interior and technology
03:53 - Driving impressions
06:08 - Verdict
06:36 - Let us know what you think
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#cargurusUK #RenaultArkana #Arkanareview
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[@martinsmith9947]

Reviews that approach this car from the luxury SUV standpoint are always too critical imo. If you don't earn enough to afford an expensive SUV crossover, then this car is a godsend. Thanks Renault, at last a car I'm really looking forward to owning - got an RS line full hybrid on order and can't wait.

[@jwvandegronden]

Bang on. Annoyingly arrogant, and unnecessarily so I thought. I hope to drive one too. indeed, well done Renault!

[@allwheeldrive]

A better-looking X6, actually! Practical, parsimonious, comfy, a bit sporting and priced right. What's not to like?

[@uB4oTo1]

It is a very nice car that I have the pleasure to own. My impressions are from the first 2000km. First of all, the modification in the video is not the most expensive one. This is the mid-range while the more expensive RS line adds leather inside with red stitches, softer materials on the doors, nicer rims, better looking front. In addition there is a very nice 10 inch digital display in front of the driver. This car has everything you need in your everyday life - economy in the city, BIG trunk, most of the modern technologies in the cars. I think it is the best in this price range. CHR has much less space and no climate control in the back and very small trunk; C4 and 2008 have very laggish display, worse economy and smaller trunks; T-Roc is full of plastic and more expensive. The only car I equally liked in this price range is Karoq. At the end I decided in favour of the Arkana because of the economy. In general it does all the work great - the only seriously negative impression on me is the acceleration after 40 mph - up to 40mph it is great; up to 70mph - very good and that's it :) There are just 4 improvements I would do in the next generation to make it really impressive - improve the electric engine so it could drive without the petrol engine at 40mph speed (it is up to 20-30mph now); put a slightly more powerful petrol engine so this car could drive comfortably at 70-80mph and to accelerate 0-60mph under 10 seconds; more functionality in the trunk - nets, hooks, electric 5th door etc; memory of the position of the driver seat + panoramic roof.

[@seth1455]

Yours is better review than hers

[@uB4oTo1]

@@seth1455 I have more experience from my everyday life and I know what bothers me and what I enjoy in this car :) Thank you though!

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@uB4oTo1 fake

[@uB4oTo1]

@@louisbeerreviews8964 What is fake?

[@sdemosi]

My kid sister liked it except the boot which, as you say, isn't powered and has a latch that's a weapon for taller people. She's over 6 ft & thought the boot was the only poorly designed bit of the car. The front is a bit boring in the way of modern Renault but not a deal breaker. Apart from that, it's a very good car for the money. Needs a bit more power too but it seemed smooth on a dual carriageway and tidy for City driving.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Wow, so much negativity about this car. I think it looks great and very distinctive. The interior is on the same level as a Corolla or Leon easily. It’s a mistake to compare this to cars like X6s, it’s really an alternative to C Segment hatchbacks and works well when viewed like that

[@MrStitty26]

I have the 1.3 RS line, it's an amazing car. And the space inside is absolutely amazing as well. And it's great for long journeys. I also think it's a great looking car that also doesn't stand out to much saying look at me. And for a 1.3 the car can get it ls power down very well and is good for over taking and when you put the foot down it fairly shifts. Also love that there are actual buttons for the heated seats and AC etc unlike alot of these car you need to use the touch screen to adjust anything. So no need to be using the touch screen for anything while on the move.

[@Tom-ed-w]

i have the 1.6 hybrid not a RS line. Do they not do the RS in 1.6? im confused

[@TheKhosroshahi]

I like the shape of it a lot, looks stylish for me.

[@bobwalsh3751]

Spotted one for the first time at the Rock of Cashel the other day and I thought WHOA what a cool looking car!

[@miketuppen6438]

I've just got a full hybrid RS Line and it's absolutely astonishing. I don't think the review is fair, really! It stands out with lovely styling, it drives beautifully in MySense and Sport mode, it gets 50+mpg and the safety tech is up there with Merc and BMW. I had a Kadjar prior to this and I'm happy to confirm that the Arkana is a significant leap forward in every way

[@speedandpowah1620]

i was waiting for this review!

[@CarGurusUK]

We hope it was helpful!

[@anlighten]

Own the Etech hybrid RS line. The styling is love at first sight, a fierce-looking family car! All the practicality for my family is just perfect. i browsed most of the small-medium size SUV in the market before the purchase, only this one has an adequate trunk size, so we can do long travel. I was at one point confused why Renault set the car at 142bhp, shouldn't it be at least 240 in modern standard? Then after driving it most of the time with my family inside, i know the bhp is adequate and i do not need that extra power. So far very happy with the purchase and enjoying every bit of it!

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review

[@corradox11]

I have to say, we have an Arkana and Mercedes GLE. The Renault is more quiet inside and really comfortable. Of course the Mercedes is more luxurious but it costs more than double so what do you expect? And the seats are not less comfortable in the Arkana. For the price of the Arkana you still get good value for money.

[@MacVeneti]

I am sure it didn't blow you away cause the badge on the Bonet is not BMW or WW. you have to present the facts subjectively and not objectively as you do by imposing your own opinion. Comments like " Renault will never take bmw customers" are really unnecessary. This shows how biased you are towards the specific brand. I have watched mostly all the previous about this car and everyone agrees that this model is the beauty flare that renault has presented for years. You are really cute and always longing to view your presentation .

[@Heavenreck]

Do a little bit of research @cargurusuk. The RS line does come with a panoramic roof. I would not say the CHR, Troc or Mini are even competition. Having owned a CHR for a year and having to sell it because of tired interiors and the worst possible design and engine issues. Clearly the reviewer is a disgruntled BMW fan. unless you are an egotistical badge hungry car buyer this is more than bang for the buck as a family car

[@julianowens4071]

I like it, love Renaults, always think they think French which I really appreciate

[@markskeplorn6593]

Currently driving a s line with the autobox whilst my Clio is having some warranty work, also test drove a rs line hybrid, would choose the hybrid over the auto, very comfy car and in a motorway run was getting 55mpg, if was getting one would spec the s line with the hybrid and get the heated seat and steering wheel pack, my only complaint is no wash wipe on rear screen, but other than that I think it’s a lovely car and well worth a look.

[@pearhat640]

For the budget it actually looks good than the twos you mentioned. Change the rim and this would be my go to car

[@aidanwilson6035]

Prefer the styling of this Renault to the Toyota , BMW & Peugeot which are just as generic as their other cars , i guess corporate identity still helps sell cars if you make the whole range look much the same , most buyers just want familiarity & follow the herd rather than stand out with a unique design.

[@adn_guizar]

It's stylish, for sure.

[@jamesmccormack3229]

Remember a couple years back Renault where never bringing this model to the UK, so they must feel there is a market here for them. It looks very similar in silhouette to the new Audi SUV sportbacks. With much lower price tag is not necessarily kit or spec.

[@zuti071]

Very good looking car in person, especially RS version. Only shame there is no diesel engine.

[@tomhayes1571]

Fabulous looking SUV just ordered one

[@alexchristiann4685]

Hi! They say when your car is arriving? Like, how much time are you waiting?

[@1KriticalShoota]

It will be good to see a review of the new self charging Renault captur etech hybrid

[@eslamhafez9110]

Our winter is 20 degrees here mostly :) .. (in Celsius)

[@swifthylton9231]

Im buying one on Saturday but i just noticed on the video sent over, on standby there is a blue battery white engine and white wheel light on the dash is this normal with renaults

[@ysjmichael]

Could there be a shoot-out between arkana and civic hybrid?

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

Looks better then the Megane but surely it's more of an X4 rival then an x6 as it's much smaller

[@SethPinnock]

Why aren't more automakers using this transmission, if the electric motors move the car initially we are golden.

[@krause79]

I tested this car, was really impressed with this transmission on a Renault Clio E tech, It's quick and silent from a stop. it surprised me for how long it goes on a EV mode in city. I own an Auris and now it feels old and ourdated...

[@philipc239]

Stylish and affordable enough to drive the kids to school and back getting groceries and all

[@SethPinnock]

I would do only two mods, I backlit Renault grille and colored seat covers

[@petervernelen6784]

Thanks for the video, drove the 140bhp (mild hybrid) and find it somewhat underpowered back passengers space is a bit underwhelming as well, don't think I would spend 35K on this.

[@Tom-ed-w]

please dont wink at me! ive been alone through covid haha

[@anthonystevens8683]

A well rounded review Rebecca. I quite like this car, it may not win any style contests but it seems to do everything pretty well. I am a little concerned about the harder ride quality as this can seriously bruise the bananas you find in all the little cubbies. Thanks for sharing.

[@CarGurusUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@naferemix]

I quite like the shape, but you’re right; the front end needed to be distinguished, not just a fat clio.

[@garypedley3940]

If only Renault had tweaked the front styling just a bit then this would have been an all round head turner. I don't like the fact that the tailgate is powerless & the Arkana S seems to look better looking than the RSI. It seems Renault spotted a gap in the market but rushed to fill it, just a few little refinements here n there & I'm sure it would have been a top seller

[@alansmith3815]

For a real unbiased review watch the OSV review which is 47 mins & goes into a lot more detail.

[@storytimefarther4126]

I think it's awesome

[@madsbuhris]

Why did they not put the Renaults plug in Hybrid E-tech engine in this. It makes 160 bhp and can drive upto 35-40 miles on pure electricity. Check out the Captur plug in E-tech. Its basically the same car without that coupe end.

[@whitemoor66]

When I first saw pictures of this I really liked the look of it, though I appeared to be in the minority! Still like it now. Biggest problem is that it's a Renault with its associated dubious reliability record. Will probably be a good buy on the used market, but I don't see me picking it over a CHR which is top of the list currently for my next car.

[@krause79]

What is that reliability a problem? I owned three Renaults, never had an issue that could not ve fixed with 150 Euros in 30 years.

[@whitemoor66]

@@krause79 five in the family (3 scenic, 1 Laguna, 1 Captur), only one hasn't fallen to pieces and/or been a money pit (the Captur). Dealers here are poor too. Nice cars when they are working properly, but sadly that's not often enough in our experience.

[@richards4456]

@@whitemoor66 Capturs are good. I had one and miss it actually.

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

French cars not that good

[@oliverstemp9132]

Renault are very reliable these days

[@sasicuomo3973]

Renault bellissima🔝🔝❤️❤️💪

[@Ambienfinity]

Good car, but if there's one car in the BMW range you wouldn't want to take design inspiration from it's the X6, surely?

[@SethPinnock]

I love it, can't buy it even if I had the money, but I LOVE it 👍🤙

[@wolvoman1]

Only 5 foot 4 and a half, but it could depend on the height of the seat, for an accurate head clearance.

[@juriebezuidenhout2538]

A beauty

[@ethandennis6832]

Is there even a point of a self charging hybrid that only does 2 miles…?

[@krause79]

It's about 3000 cheaper than a plug in hybrid and will be the way to go for all those that don't have where to recharge their cars daily.

[@oliverstemp9132]

It will get you all the way across a town centre

[@alansmith3815]

It Does Much better than that. You need to watch the fuel consumption test on the 1001cars channel.

[@ridehead8771]

Why would anyone buy this when there's Kadjar which is more spacious and practical, but again to each their own.

[@krause79]

Kadjar's boot is smaller actually and this one more fun and accurate to drive

[@oliverstemp9132]

The Kadjar is very dated now

[@lexmal84]

Отличный автомобиль, но не без мелких недостатков... Замечания есть в основном к слабому мотору и низким внедорожным показателям

[@jimmacgregor4122]

Sounds like some pretty complicated technology to achieve such a limited range on battery power alone - would a bit bigger battery, mated to a conventional stepped automatic, not achieve the same fuel economy with less complication? 3 of my friends have Toyota self-charging hybrids and they run a lot of time in town on electric power, and so get very good economy - they're also very reliable - not sure I would be so confident of this Renault achieving that.

[@slider2c2]

The third gen Prius was doing the same miles in ev mode up to 40mph and was still getting over 60mpg in London used as a minicab

[@BenzinioB]

Slightly unfit, Rebecca? Cant really get the SUV coupe. A good wagon is way more stylish then the awkward shape of the unreal coupe - 4 door is not a coupe neither jacked up... they a "like" and that says all

[@74Noway74]

Did she say how much it is?

[@CarGurusUK]

Here is a full written review if you need it: www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/Renault-Arkana-2021--Generation-Overview-mg544

Excellent review Banana jajaja

[@danmccarthy4700]

2 miles on battery alone is kinda pointless, no?

[@bondjamesbond9041]

It is alright, but an forgettable car. These coupe/SUV's are a bit weird and |I am not sure what the manufacturers are trying to achieve. In its favour, Renault are the best French brand currently due to their engines being a better design than the Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall equivalent.

[@Truthbomb918]

How much space is there in the back for a normal sized person, with herself it's possible to judge room kids will have, rent someone of normal height just to sit in the back

[@krause79]

Gonna sell like cupcakes. Mark my words.

[@MrNeurotix]

the resurrection of the banana ... :)

[@H4M24UK]

I had the Koleos before it got discontinued in the UK. This I assume is the replacement which is basically a Koleos with a coupe back. It even has the same tail light design. Both these cars are built in South Korea. Only thing with the Arkana is it's outdated. This first launched in 2018 in Russia then gradually released in selected European countries with the UK being the last.

[@oliverstemp9132]

It doesn’t replace the Koleos, it’s more an alternative Megane.

[@ShonSnow93]

It’s a totally different car than the arkana in russia

[@Chair.dreamer]

Hm... Did anyone noticed Banana...!

[@matthewnightingale4675]

Excellent review, the production quality and video style is great. The Arkana is a strange car for me. I like it, however I can't help but feel they should have just called this a Megane and replaced the current one with this. It fits in a niche no one asked for but is around becuase of the C-HR which is an anomaly as it wasn't designed to be a Toyota at all but had the badge slapped on at the last minute. I am not against the Arkana, I think it looks great and will be a good car, I just don't see a market for this and wonder if Renault could have spent the time and money on other things.

[@CarGurusUK]

Thank you for your kind words. We are glad you are enjoying our reviews, as a lot of work goes into making these.

[@cristeaantoniu]

Like an X6..hmmm... More like an X4

[@welephant2013]

5 foot 4 and her head was nearly touching the roof in the back?

[@seanmchugh6136]

I was thinking the same what happens if your 6 foot 4.

[@andywalker737]

I'm 6'1 and still had head room when I test drove the car. It's actually very deceptive and head room wasn't a problem for me

[@mrmawson2438]

It's alright but it does look better with you driving it 😜

[@morgankarlsson3526]

Får nog säga att man får mycket bil för pengarna trots allt.

[@peterclifton6312]

I must confess personally I still don’t get coupe style SUVs, that headspace in the back would be quite uncomfortable for someone 6 foot plus and for batteries that will only give you one or 2 miles it begs the question what’s the point of putting in there

[@phil36310]

thank god you brought your banana !

[@gregoryuk]

HEY! 😁 Where has Rebecca been?

[@CarGurusUK]

She is back, did you watch this film she presented? kzbin.info/www/bejne/joa1eGWkq7hkhKM

[@jeffchristie1541]

She likes her Nana's does our Beccy lol 🤣 Not to sure on this Renault just looks like an estate not an SUV .

[@biltztom2685]

I think it looks way better than the Juke and the CH-R, that are ugly cars. Thinking many years ago the Fiat Multipla was ugly like them.

[@Truthbomb918]

It just doesn't look right, it's like a normal saloon but on stilts, just odd looking, it's suv height with none of the blockyness and usefulness that comes with a boxy body

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

It will not hold it's value second hand because Renault's don't.

[@mccleaf724]

BANANAS! Thank you Rebecca! Renault isn't sold in the US, but memories are not positive. However, I do like to see how far they have come since the "Le Car".

[@johnrobson7367]

No such thing as a self charging hybrid, limited hybrid would be a closer term,,!

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

A self-charging hybrid car uses both an electric motor and a petrol/diesel engine to provide power to the driven wheels. They are fitted with a battery pack that is charged by both regenerative braking and the petrol/diesel engine itself, meaning it never needs plugging

[@johnrobson7367]

@@louisbeerreviews8964 that means it needs petrol or diesel to charge not very environmental and the batteries are so small they can cover only a very small distance by their own power.

[@johnrobson7367]

@@louisbeerreviews8964 it’s just a con started by Toyota to make people think they had a good product instead of a substandard system

[@johnrobson7367]

@@louisbeerreviews8964 it is not a car that can travel any distance on pure electric so it is bad as a petrol or diesel car for polluting and using fuel as it has to carry the weight of both systems.

[@kokoscom]

It appears that ARKANA is made in KOREA by RENAULT SAMSUNG motors (SOLD as XM3 instead of ARKANA) - I would probably get a full EV car instead of HYBRID... I dont like HYBRIDS.. Overcomplicated and not... so green as they claim.. (especially if you drive them in the motorway)

[@neilruddick67]

EV s are not green in any way

[@kokoscom]

@@neilruddick67 Sure. But they will probably be more.. green in 5 years or so...

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@neilruddick67 they are

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@kokoscom he doesn’t know about EVS

[@oliverstemp9132]

What’s wrong with building a car in Korea?

[@Truthbomb918]

It's hard to judge how much room there actually is when she's so short

[@smasher19831983]

Thank you for pointing that out...I saw this on other channels as well, the presenter is not that tall but claims the space in the back is good. The tilted roof is a design mistake if you ask me.

[@shanjanusman9974]

This is a nice car and also Rebecca's looking fabulous

[@Silver-st2zq]

Can get normal cars and SUVs but these look awful like a normal car but on stilts 🤢

[@yigitocaktaner6824]

Bunu al Arkana bakma

[@garybrown5769]

You got a cold kiddo ?

[@tacodias]

It’s just look like a Megane sedan on stilts…. Ugly

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

No It’s made in south Korea

[@athollmcnicoll256]

No like many others on here Rebecka I'd pick the CHR over this any time, even 2nd hand , as it has a concept look about it, where as this - its bland and irrespective.

[@andrejkumer4607]

It is ugly just as BMW X6🙈🙈🙈

[@Trevorfoggia]

There’s only one thing going about the particular car, take Rebecca out of the frame and it’s a crap car.

[@mrmawson2438]

Baby Tesla 😆👌

[@Silver-st2zq]

She was taking about the info style screen not the rest of the car 🙄

[@mrmawson2438]

@@Silver-st2zq yes I know 😂

[@Silver-st2zq]

@@mrmawson2438 So with the screen being smaller then a Tesla size screen it was funny 🙄 bless.

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

If you want reliability and a self charging hybrid buy a Toyota Hybrid instead! Toyota has nearly 30 years experience in self charging hybrids and a far far better reliability rating over any Renault product ever made.

[@oliverstemp9132]

This is actually more advanced than a Toyota

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

@@oliverstemp9132 haha

[@oliverstemp9132]

@UCGhiASYR3Br6y_SWLS1aUkQ have you even read a reliability survey in the past few years. The French brands are rated very highly these days. It’s those Germans you need to worry about, they are always breaking down. French=unreliable is an old myth

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

@@oliverstemp9132 Point me to a trusted source then. I never mentioned any German brands, they are becoming as bad as the French!!

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

@Roger if over the next 20 years Peugeot and Renault are in the top 5 reliable cars brands from a trusted source I might consider one. That’s plenty of time to catch up to Toyota but I won’t hold my breath!

[@GarryMcGovern]

That is one ugly car.

[@gabydicu]

Rubbish

[@entropy5431]

Ugly car. Pointless car.

[@newbeginnings8566]

Those wheels look like cheap wheel trims.. As always the Renault abounds in cheap plastic and will start to fail as the warranty runs out.. Performance is nothing and you won't fool anybody into thinking it's a fancy, cool prestige vehicle... Avoid..

[@LgsPhotography]

Renault have come a long way in terms of build quality and reliability. I own a 2016 Megane and the interior has no squeaks or rattles, lots of soft touch materials and a lot of technology that you have to pay out of your ass in German cars. Having quite a few different car brands in the friend group I can vouch for what I'm saying. So please don't talk crap just because you don't like the brand.

[@SD-ur2iy]

bullshit

[@HybridViking]

Not an EV, why even bother...