2023 Renault Arkana (inc. 0-100) detailed review

[@LikeBrettles]

A lot of ignorant comments here. The car looks good, is very economical and drives well. Once you get used to driving the DCT it's a non issue.

[@sasopetrusev4784]

Hi, how you finding the heater in winter? How long you need to drive to get the heater running? Thank you

[@g.o.3623]

HI. I BOUGHT IT 4 DAYS AGO AND IT IS ASTONISHING!!!!!!! IT IS THE MILD HYBRID 1.3 GIVING 140BHP AND 260 Nm TORQUE. IT IS A MAGIC CAR. DRIVING IS LIKE FLOWING ON AN AIR CARPET. VERY POLITE BEHAVIOR IN ROAD BUMPS AND IN EVERYTHING. STEADY BODY. ENOUGH ACCELERATION FOR A FAMILY MAN, 26 Nm IS FAIR ENOUGH. VERY QUICKLY GETS TEHE 100KM AND YOU HARDLY REALIZE IF IT IS RUNNING, YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN OPEN THE DOOR AND GET OUT. AND ALL THIS FOR JUST 28900 EURO NOW WHEN EVERYTHING BECAME MORE EXPENCIVE AND WITH AN IMMEDIATE DELIVERY IN 2 DAYS. I AM VERY SATISFIED. WHEN I AM DRIVING IT , I WISH MY DESTINATION WAS MORE FAR SO I WILL ENJOY MORE DRIVING. REGARDS FROM CYPRUS!!!

[@nick_sta]

I can understand the excitement, but please relax just a tiny bit chief.

[@marquisdaily7715]

Arkana sells well in France and it probably took Renault by surprise. Reasonable priced, trusted brand (in France), practical, a good alternative to the ICE Megane hatchback, and this overwhelming feeling it is one of the last of its kind before the whole of Europe goes electric with cars no one can afford

[@MegaBandit1250]

I drive mainly on country roads and test drove a number of different small SUVs before settling on the Arkana. The transmission works fine, It's no Megane RS but it's not suppose to be. My biggest annoyance is the door lock system. Every time you walk past the car with the key in your pocket and no intention to get in it still locks and unlocks. Boot space is great , my two Border Collies have heaps of room when we travel. Just finished a 9 hour drive and found the driving position and comfort quite good . Love the heated/ cooled seats. AVG 5.5 ltd /100 km on 95 Oct. I do carry a second jack as the one supplied with the car is pretty ordinary.

[@Shahraman]

You can disable that on the settings via the touch screen

[@4andronicus]

will it fit someone who is 6' 4" - 192cm?

[@kennethprocak5176]

One of the few makers that have a wheel wells that can still accommodate a full size spare, even though it is not supplied as standard. The robotic clutch take up from standstill is just one of Renault DCT things. At least it’s reliable.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Interestingly, there is an AWD version of the Arkana for sale in some CIS countries like Russia and Kazakhstan. It uses a turbo 1.3 litre engine with around 150hp, mated to a CVT. However, it’s built on a different platform (it’s built on the Dacia B0 platform instead of the CMF-B platform that the European, Korean, Japanese and Australian specs use).

[@aimanfitri0iv]

i see so what sharing with other models related to b0 platform including cmf-b platform

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@aimanfitri0iv There is a Captur built on the B0 platform too, sold in CIS countries and Latin American countries. In fact, that’s the same platform that the Dacia / Renault Duster uses, that is sold in CIS countries, Latin America, South Africa and Europe. The Arkana Russian spec and the European spec look quite similar to me, but of course, built on a different platform.

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@DaveDVideoMaker they got french car in Mexico which is North America

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@louisbeerreviews8964 The Captur (which is based on the B0 platform) is sold in Mexico. French manufacturers haven’t been on sale in the US for like three decades. But I know Peugeot and Renault still sell vehicles in Mexico. However, Renault doesn’t sell the Arkana in Mexico.

[@50Gameplay]

Good review. I love the car. Interesting to see smaller differences between same models. My RS Line Fast Track version of the car hits the mentioned 9,1 seconds from 0-100 with automatic shifting. If I do it manually I reach ±8,8 seconds. But who cares... The car is SO much fun to drive and fast enough. I never had a car with that good fuel consumption the arkana has. It´s increadible. Even with faster moving you can reach ~6l/100km

[@pmn6748]

Hi Paul, I enjoy your reviews along with watching a fee other car reviewers. One aspect that no car reviewer seems to cover is interior illumination,dials,buttons..etc This has become even more relevanr with many models now 9 interior ambient lighting. Which Australian reviewer will be first to add this,if only just 1 minute

[@Grvmps]

I asked CarExpert to do this last year. Still waiting!

[@nabillarif]

They probably have the car for only few hours during daylight

[@protoedj2071]

@@nabillarif Could probably take it into a garage with no lighting and then test it

[@pmn6748]

@@nabillarif I figured as much They can throw a cover over the car. But interior illumination is an interesting component and even more so in 2022

[@haivu_melb88]

so true. ambient lighting is lit.

[@scott429]

Yep, take off is perky and jerky and I feel like a P plater with occasional minor wheels spin. My Cabin hates. The centre console is too close to my left leg. It it rubs and hurts. While you also feel too far from the door so can't rest arm there. It's just annoying that it feels like its not centred correctly. Android connect requires a cable. It then doesn't fit into the charging area and rattles about. It's a work car, it is good for my needs, slightly stylish, moderately comfortable, just enough zip. I would say it's a car that compromises everything for a broad range, but dose it all well enough. I like its looks are slightly different to every other car of its type.

[@lordcaptain73]

I’ve never seen someone as underwhelmed as Paul was during the acceleration test, oh no.

[@iVicTech]

i went for this car for the looks, fuel consumption and boot space. really like the coupe suv sport hatch styling. I came from a 2016 gti (really struggled with boot space as we family do a lot of travelling with luggages) so ill be missing some performances but loving the fuel economy, interior design, ambient lighting and digital dash. I have the 10inch digital dash which is must have as its fun to change designs. you are right about the jerky take-off (i give it a second to move before a press the pedal to help with that), but it changes my driving style which helps with my full economy which is important these days. I think if it had traction control the take-off (not sure if im right on this) would address the jerky take off? Im also hearing some minor cabin squeek sound maybe because its just way too new when i got it and it needs to flex a bit more. other than that. fun to drive and you definitely get the looks as theres not many around yet. Pro's looks interior design and lighting wireless charger seemless Android auto integration huge boot space heated steering / heated seats / cooling ventilated seats electric seats con's jerky take-of Updated: some cabin squeek (it's not the cabin, it's the seatbelt where it's plugs in is where the squeeky noise is coming from. cabin is excellent.) - found the squeek which was coming from the seatbelt mechanism which in disappeared the more i use it. i am guessing the metal metal bit was too new.

[@haivu_melb88]

cant agree more with you on this especially the pros and cons. i am getting used to the jerk off accelaration from standstill by giving it half or 1 sec before pressing on the pedal.

[@SP-ct3pd]

Can I ask a question. I’m looking at getting this car but I want to ask how does it handle going uphill with a 1.3L engine in a SUV??? Thank you very much in advance

[@haivu_melb88]

@@SP-ct3pd i am mostly an urban commuter but occassional uphill drives have seemed ok so far. dont quote me on that though.

[@SP-ct3pd]

@@haivu_melb88 what about multi-storey parking? Does the engine grunt going up?

[@haivu_melb88]

@@SP-ct3pd absolutely fine. 1.4 turbo can handle that

[@williammartin5734]

The Arkana is the replacement for the Renault Kadjar (uk). Heard Paul mention the Koleos which is a size up from the Kadjar. In my opinion this is a backward step from the Kadjar which had much more room in the rear and cargo space as it didn't have the coupe shaped rear end.

[@ytlurker220]

The Austral replaced the Kadjar

[@sasopetrusev4784]

​@@ytlurker220for Australia arkana is replacement for kadjar, I owned a Kadjar and is bigger then arkana, only downside with kadjar is the heater, takes too long to warm up the car in wither and aircon is very disappointing

[@TaxEvasi0n]

I LOVE Coupe SUVs. Everytime I see one, it's either a Merc, BMW or Audi. I saw this on the road the other day and couldn't believe it was a Renno. After looking in to the BMW make, I learnt a little about BMWs and decided it was a hell no. Merc and Audi are both too expensive. I really like this one, it'll to on the list!

[@jacksonstudio42]

Thanks for the review - I have just bought one so have only test driven so far! I drove a Captur rental car in the UK recently and loved it which caused me to want a Renault SUV and to trade in my Honda Jazz. My first choice was a Captur but there wasn't one available and I was offered an Arkana - didn't realise I could get an SUV that looked like that as I am new to them - so looking forward to picking mine up later this week. Cheers from Tassie :)

[@JediJT74]

I’m a big fan of Paul’s review but he lost me with this one. I test drove an Arkana yesterday and didn’t get any of the gearbox issues he talked about. Why? Because I drove it like 99% of people will which isn’t burying the peddle to the floor. It’s a good car and does it’s job well. I ain’t a sports car and should be reviewed as such.

[@JamesZ888]

Amazing review as always, looking forward to seeing you getting your hands on the new BYD Atto 3 electric SUV for a review

[@busterdudefly]

I see all these with wireless phone chargers not but you have be wired to use smart phone so why do you need wireless?

[@TestAndReview]

I saw one of these 'sporty' crossovers the other day... and it had drum brakes in the rear :D

[@drivesafely12]

Always does good reviews. Thank you.

[@bereal7266]

Very good detailed review. New subscriber

[@kevinadams3729]

RS Line is no longer the top spec here in the UK. There is now an E-Tech-Engineered spec which is one grade up from the RS. I have one on delivery in March 23 - been waiting over 8 months.

[@gablaristgablar9751]

Yep me too. Mine estimated for feb 20 e tech engineered model. Let’s hope no further delays for us

[@lazydiamond369remembertesl7]

Happy New Car Day!!😂🎉

[@kevinadams3729]

@@lazydiamond369remembertesl7 Ah...its been delayed again :( Thanks anyway :)

[@raechelstones902]

Is the car nice to drive

[@50Gameplay]

The RS Line is still the top spec. The E-Tech Engineered just uses the renault "Full-Hybrid" System so it´s just a different System for driving.

[@simonjebb8180]

Great review, would love one on the Citroen C4 or Peugeot 3008 both have a torque converter

[@johnedds2327]

I like the hatch type styling, but the rear tight seating would rule it out for me, notwithstanding that I rarely carry passengers in back. Driving a VW as I do, I find that dual clutch autos are a familiarisation thing. I've never driven Renaults version though. I like it apart from those back seats. Good review;Thanks.

[@marvinfano9081]

Does the new Arkana 2023 still have the old classic Renault logo outside? Thought it has the new all black and flat Renault logo, like on new Renault Austral

[@Grvmps]

The French do some great styling but the quirks tend to put me off. Also re-sale. Thankyou for showing the 80-120km/h time, much appreciated :)

[@mpsftmfw]

They also use this engine in the new merc a class, we have had our rs line for 2 months and fuel economy sits around high 5s freeway and city traffic. Sport mode car goes great, only gripe front seats are on the firm side.

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

Coupe SUV BMW X6 X2 Renault Arkana & Refale Ford Evos what else is there ?

[@Subh8081]

9:37 353L? Brochure says 485L cargo space.

[@dmbarchive92]

I have a lexus rx300 and a renault arkana RS... i prefer the Arkana, it seems much more fun and comfortable. But the lexus gets much more attention, so i have to keep it as a business status.

[@GagandeepSingh-pv5oo]

Please also always check car stereo system quality. Humble request.

[@0123juned]

Hi. Can someone please help me. How do I get the heated and ventilation setting for the car seats on the infotainment display? As shown on the video at 8.08 minutes. Thanks :)

[@leannebarp7627]

You will find the heated and ventilated seats button at each end of the push button selector under the infotainment screen. Once you push the button it will come up on your infotainment screen

[@campbellellis7934]

Bloody French cars! The styling is so good! Unfortunately however the dealer network is near on non existent, the reliability is average at best, but worst of all, the re-sale is horrendous!

[@matthewnew13]

Ah Renault. Clio RS was the best car I have ever owned. The need to bring it back!

[@sergeyliflandsky3231]

Are you kidding, one of the ugliest cars I ever seen. When the rental agency showed me the car my heart sank.

[@GeeeEm61]

I love the styling, but it needs a more powerful engine for mine. Rear leg room also a detractor.

[@KOBBSdiesel]

I have no idea why it’s called coupe suv. Coupe car has only 2 doors

[@alexm1126]

Is the Australian version a mild hybrid? I'm in EU and we have only hybrid models, be it mild or full hybrid. No PHEV available sadly

[@daweigo6851]

No, think Australian cars come from Korea and have different mechanical

[@alexm1126]

@@daweigo6851 I got mine a few months back and it also comes from Korea

[@dylanmpendaga2255]

hello Paul, I would like you to do a review on the Audi A8L please

[@mvnorsel6354]

I think it looks quite good, what am I saying I hate SUVs. Its not the worst looking vehicle ?

[@jeremygeduldt936]

I am happy 😊 that the GWM P-Series name will become Shanghai in 2024 but in Australia name is Canon X .

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Do any Renault cars have headlights with active shadowing?

[@Tony-fh2wi]

This more nice than the captur model

[@aimanfitri0iv]

it looks great in person

[@jjwoody6532]

We recently test drove the Arkana and fair dinkum I could have written your script for this review. I found the driving position uncomfortable after about 10 minutes due to the hard edge of the centre consul digging into my left knee. We also drove the Captur and it is a blast to drive but it’s fixed passenger front seat made it difficult to enter and exit the cabin with out banging your head. We ended up buying a Skoda Kamiq. It had the best of both the Renaults in the one car and is better built.

[@Jose_hernandez970]

What kind of psychopath has 70 unread text messages? 😂

[@ankitpatel6447]

What about Hyundai palisade 2023 review bro? I’m waiting for your review.

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

Renault Arkana model with Captur Hybrid should bought come Septrember model launches delayed for South Africa ..

[@RamKumar-vh2pb]

when it's launch in india

[@Phantom____________________]

I have a request can you make a review on the Kia niro ev and the Kia stinger

[@tannn_06]

I absolutely love the design 🙌

[@TheHayabusa09]

Great review..For the money, this or the Haval H6 GT??

[@MrrrrMime]

Haval no question

[@SmRandmAzn]

The Haval is a significantly bigger and more powerful vehicle

[@cs5675]

Arkana over Haval, yuk Haval is plastic and fake leather

[@campbellellis7934]

Going to burn money with either!

[@emanuelferreira6875]

Great review. Prefer the captur

[@ValdeSanus]

Put the key in your wallet and forget about it! It's great

[@PrabhatXLR8]

Hi from New Delhi.. Hopefully by the end of this year, it will launch in India.. I was researching about it, came across your video

[@kurtosvideoworld3065]

Yeah I don’t know bit small in inside and for a SUV I wish its all wheel drive than front wheel drive

[@TenzWang88]

JDM fans never forget that Renault has saved Nissan when it nearly fall in the 1990s.

[@cs5675]

We have an Audi S3 and an Arkana and I much prefer to drive the Arkana over the Audi!

[@markallen2984]

Nice looking.

[@CobusDerrenberg]

CUTE ! ⭐ LOVE IT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@jaco8709]

There's two things i really hate with passion on today's vehicles......... Almost every piece of plastic that isn't body colour......is PIANO black😒 and the other thing is......FAKE exhaust tips. Today's cars are more Tupperware than Tupperware itself.

[@daweigo6851]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewho2680]

Shame with the gearbox, family has a clio with similiar characteristics at low speed. It's terrible when you're reversing into a parallel park on a incline

[@pauld6556]

My interest perked up when I saw these. I quite like the styling- but Renault’s EDC (electronic dual clutch) is absolute garbage. A car of 2022 should not hesitate and jerk. Even higher speed gear changes are terrible. Huge let down they are still using them. My mate’s Clio had the nickname “Frogger” because it jumped and jerked due to the EDC.

[@alenalavanja6543]

They've been using EDC in couple of different versions for almost 10 years now, so it's not that bad; if your mates one was jerking and hopping that badly, he should've taken it to get fixed, as I've been driving my one almost every day for the last 3 years with no issues

[@matthewsammut3253]

Agreed, have two friends with a EDC Renault , no issues.

[@adriangoddard4009]

I have never seen anyone drive so poorly with that gearbox. I have the car it’s seamless.

[@lexa7759]

Sorry, thats Bullshit.

[@aliekexie8467]

Saw it in the salon, looked nice, but it has too much electronics for my liking and that its auto

[@khansahab2328]

Plz Paul review of the new Lexus RX plzzzzz

[@daweigo6851]

Not in Australia yet

[@pauloconnor2980]

Of course coupe SUVs should exist. I just bought two of them!!!!!

[@JerryChan26]

I am thinking seriously to get one but there are few things make me hesitate to buy it like gearbox and no electric tail gate. Especially, a lot of people say that the gearbox is really headache esp going uphill and sliding back. Any idea to tell Renault to fix the gearbox

[@cs5675]

I have one and an Audi S3 and I prefer to drive the Arkana than Audi! Love the Arkana

[@LgsPhotography]

I've had my Arkana for two months now and the gearbox is actually really good, shifts are fast and smooth and it's quite a punchy engine, the jerkiness that everyone talks about is mostly lack of knowledge, you have to learn how to use the car, the start stop kills the engine 90% of the time when you're near a stand still so when you release and accelerate there will be that slight jerk but if you get to a stand still and the engine cuts lift the brake slightly and the engine engages and will be set in gear ready for accelation and there will be no jerkiness at all. On inclination the hill assist that automatically holds the brakes is what makes the car jerk while parking and not the gearbox but once you know the car well it becomes second nature, I highly recommend the car it really is a looker and does everything superbly, also self parking is great for small European parallels. Give it a good long test drive I'm sure you'll love it 👌🏻

[@jonathongellibrand3632]

The problem with this will be trying to sell it later. All French cars are such niche players here and not many are prepared to take the risk.

[@daweigo6851]

Koleos holds value ok

[@pjkr123]

I had a dream or imagination that this would be rebadged by Mitsubishi as Mitsubishi Lancer, and sold in US market

[@tomislavcukac9677]

This Renault in south East Europe is Renault Megane Conquest because of Serbian war crimial that was called Arkan.

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

No and the car called arkana

[@parvathipuram1]

If u need more room. U can remove driver row seats.

[@jeremygeduldt936]

The Renault Arkana is coming to South Africa January 2024.

[@caalcb7]

Coupé SUV shouldn't exist in the first place. Can't believe someone like them.

[@AnonTriple]

I said the same for SUVs 2 decades ago and look at them now. 😑😑

[@_anindith_]

I don't care cause I'm not gonna buy....I'm just waiting for the launch of Renault Austral

[@DanGoldstone]

I’m 5 mins into this review and I’m bored. He just tells me what I’m looking at. A review is meant to give educated opinion and information not “here’s the logo, here’s the exhaust”. I can see that for myself.

[@ytyndale3643]

The ZRV 1.5 turbo is quicker than this, cheaper to buy and more reliable.

[@coldude2559]

Always been a bit hesitant to purchase any brands like Renault or Peugeot..nothing stopping them leaving the country whenever the sales aren't great..which could be any moment 🤔

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Same can be said about any manufacturer

[@peanutbutterjelly1368]

That's the same situation anywhere in the world. Here in India too, almost all French OEMs' (and their subsidiaries/parent companies - Stellantis, Nissan, etc) future is uncertain.

[@daweigo6851]

Like Holden and ford left

[@djizzah]

who in their right mind would buy a Renault in Australia

[@daweigo6851]

Plenty of people do...

[@jjwoody6532]

I did 8 years ago and my Megane is about to click over 160,000ks with absolutely no issues whatsoever. It’s been a great, comfortable little car and still drives very well.

[@davidlove7825]

If you buy Nissan you are already half way there.

[@mpsftmfw]

Haval or mg driver I’m guessing?

[@ValdeSanus]

I've had 5 different RS's, they've all been awesome

[@HerfingPug]

Spoilt only by excessive KZbin advertising.

[@MannyMeez]

Seating position is terrible in this car...

[@farhancsgo_25]

Haval H6 Coupe still roomier than Renault Arkana

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

No,Chinese cars are bad

[@LikeBrettles]

And far less economical. Depends on your priorities. Doesn't make one better than the other.

[@cs5675]

Haval with cheap fake leather 😂🤪

[@MegaBandit1250]

I thought it was a good car for the money but ruled it out when I drove it at highway speed on country roads. It had a rocking motion which I could not live with.

[@ravicia8711]

Back Tail lights from dodge charger

[@mahdimir]

🙏

[@wrigzzx]

I had one as a rental when my kamiq got hit. Kamiq was first ever dual clutch trans but didn't take long to get used to. The Renault one was quite horrible by comparison. Would never ever choose the lower model of the arkana either. The screen graphics look terrible on the lower screen

[@memeguyTM]

you mad. Renault offers so much more than any other car in the range.

[@wrigzzx]

@@memeguyTM very vague reply. Was not saying the base model isn't value packed but the screen in that model would be a deal breaker. Graphics aren't much better than a 1990s Gameboy.

[@memeguyTM]

@@wrigzzx stop making things up. I saw the infotainment. There's nothing wrong with it.

[@wrigzzx]

@@memeguyTM this video is the top model. Therefore not the screen i am referring to. Base model screen is landscape

[@teenee4]

🤜🤛

[@elitecarguy79]

Hi

[@Mexxx65]

Like *most Renaults...too soft...too soft for Australian roads

[@dylannnr3166]

Renault Megane RS Cup/Trophy??

[@Mexxx65]

@@dylannnr3166 Opposite end of the spectrum!! Too harsh for Australian roads!

[@rsmnh7892]

XV is still a winner for the money, space and capabilities.

[@nurullah5845]

Why would anyone buy a Renault? you have to be crazy or want a headache.

[@daweigo6851]

Koloes are very reliable, some rental fleets use them...

[@SD-ur2iy]

I think there's no luggage in your head

[@dmbarchive92]

I just have 3 renaults in my garage.. renault kadjar 2017, renault arkana 2021, renault clio 2007... i just spent 100 dollars in an ignite sensor for the clio 2007.... kadjar and arkana only annual checkup.

[@sasopetrusev4784]

I own a kadjar with 140xxx km on the clock with scheduled service and not even 1 problem

[@erwinvandevegte3992]

wow , mg cheaper and better equipped

[@thomasyouil4504]

Idk what it is about the exterior, but I find that it is one of the most boring designs - it reminds me of a car design from 2013 or something.

[@rambo7554]

2nd

[@rmanningau]

Not in black.

[@JayG0o]

Looks dated Already, maybe just me

[@yodesuyo]

Unreliable