The forgotten Crossover? 2024 Renault Arkana Review (UK Hybrid)

The Coupe Crossover market is growing every day but is this a market that makes no sense? Cars made to look sporty without the power to back it up and practicality that is compromised.
You can test drive the Renault Arkana at Renault Ipswich here: www.johnbanks.co.uk/renault/c...
If you want to support the channel by donating me a coffee then you can do so here: ko-fi.com/tishautosocialuk (I am very grateful but please ONLY if you can afford to, there is no obligation and I still love each and every one of you!
Want to see new Auto Social UK content every day? Then make sure you're following me on both Instagram: / auto_social_uk and TikTok: / autosocialuk
---------------------------------
Music : Way Home by Tokyo Music Walker
Stream & Download : fanlink.to/tmw_way_home
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
---------------------------------

[@AutoSocialUK]

How long have you been subscribed to the channel?

[@garethtalbot8950]

Almost a year I think

[@DJAYPAZ]

At least one year.

[@edmundhayes1840]

Since sometime around your pocket rocket reviews. Fantastic channel

[@robfinney310]

Probably about a year now. Your videos are as good as any car reviews on KZbin. Keep up the great work.

[@meryuk]

Two, two and a half years? 🧙🏼‍♂️😊

[@socanwejusttalk]

Just subscribed! I've been watching for a while and thought I was already subscribed 😅 thanks for the reminder!

[@colinjamesharper]

Get rid of the Faux Tailpipes - as for the Windscreen Wiper - so much rain and wind in the UK, so no probs. Excellent review as always, Tish. 🤟😀

[@StellaLove]

I am subscribed!... have been for a while ...ps love the jeans...keep up the good work🏆

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Tish, another great review, happy driving👍

[@natetonbong]

Very nice car tish and another perfect review

[@johnbartley3563]

Great reporting and well produced!

[@vijaymistry4169]

I’ve definitely subscribed

[@mattbaker3797]

Had my Arkana for 14 months now and I have to say I have not missed a rear wash wipe at all. I would agree with Renault in that the rake of the rear window and the lip on the boot lid means the back window doesn’t actually get any road grime on it. My version which is one of the early S Edition (mid range) cars doesn’t have the fake tail pipes either. I have to say though I am a huge fan of the new Esprit Alpine interior. I’m also now wanting to add a set of those side steps to my car as I think they really finish off the look. All in all I love my Arkana and definitely made the right choice.

[@adamhughes2052]

I’m thinking of getting rid of my Audi A3 Saloon and getting an Arkana. The 1.6 full hybrid version.

[@middelstevanpapa10]

Mooi video

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you ☺️

[@awesomeonceagain4359]

Very well reviewed !

[@AutoSocialUK]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Hugely underrated car. For the money, which frankly isn't too high compared to its rivals, it offers decent value. Yes, the performance is leisurely, but it was never intended as a sports car. Unfortunately the mild hybrid has been discontinued, which is a crying shame, as it offered the perfect balance between performance and economy.

[@nicolaicelis6431]

I ordered the Mild Hybrid a month ago is it only in the UK that it's discontinued?

[@tancreddehauteville764]

@@nicolaicelis6431 Perhaps.

[@Dazzaisaac]

@@nicolaicelis6431 yes. The uk only has one engine.

[@Dazzaisaac]

Love my Arkana. Great car.

[@andrewjones5740]

@@Dazzaisaac how long you had yours mate and any problems with it mpg you getting ?

[@mikenotley528]

Thanks for this video, really like the Arkana, what’s the honest opinion on the non back wiper? Also out of the Arkana and the 2024 Kona which one is the better choice? Thanks

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

Hi Tish luv your channel, now the Arkana looks great with the new face, so would I if I got one 😂, I have a Hyundai Ioniq which suits my job as a driver taking cancer patients to/from appointments and get 60 mpg, now the Arkana is the ideal replacement when due next year the MPG will be comparable and interior is nicer than the Jogger with the same engine, I don't need 7 seats, great review as usual

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

Decided to watch this again as I'm due to replace my Hyundai Ioniq in a few months and this looks like the car I'm more interested in economy and comfort than sporty performance, I went through that stage many years ago great review Tish

[@paulgraves7949]

Excellent review ....nearly bought one but got the Formentor instead....Ps rear windscreen wiper all day long!!

[@AutoSocialUK]

Good choice!

[@grahamjones7604]

Good review, would have liked to hear some ambient sound though. No engine sound, no door closing sound etc. Great channel, thanks.

[@barriepountney3598]

It certainly looks a nice stylish car not a fan of the colour you reviewed but lots of good kit included a nice review Tish 😮

[@paulcarter4115]

I'd rather have wipers on rear screen. Very good review. 👍

[@AutoSocialUK]

Fair enough! Thank you

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome🤙🤙

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you very much

[@garnray8568]

I think it's a great car! I like it !

[@pure_awareness]

Looks so good this car

[@user-ri2dd1tm6f]

Good review. I own the 1.3 mild hybrid R.S line, which is a bit quicker than the 1.6. The 1.3 is turbocharged and is lighter, with a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. Compared to the 1.6 naturally aspirated engine with a 4 speed box. It's a brilliant and fun car to drive, but i do have to say, the carbon dash is miles better than the new one.

[@hello88820]

The first time I saw the car presented, it was my no 1 choice for buying because I was in the process of buying new car.But a couple weeks later, after seeing it on the road I was deeply disappointed how it looks .Literally lifted Megane with bigger wheels.

[@Dazzaisaac]

I have a 2023 Arkana and don’t miss the rear wiper. I will keep the faux exhaust pipes.

[@robalexander32]

I would rather have the rear wiper, I use it regularly, I have the Grandland X SRI nav 2020, it also has the false exhaust, I haven’t even paid attention to it since the day I collected it. New subscriber since yesterday.

[@br164]

Do you have the hybrid4? Would you recommend it?

[@sharonec5419]

The Arkana is starting to get old now but has been very popular here in Ireland. I actually think it looked better before the revamp. I think the Rafale should replace it unless Renault decide to make a MK 2 Arkana.

[@BrianAnderson-ge1oo]

I have just taken this off my my list of cars to look at this year. Thanks for the review. Think it's the honda for me.......

[@stevencampbell1150]

I was under the impression that there was only going to be the 1.6 hybrid and the 1.3 mild hybrid was being discontinued. I have been subscribed since summer last year following your appearing in Nobby on Cars' channel.

[@user-ri2dd1tm6f]

The 1.3 was discontinued early 2023. A much better car than the 1.6 though, with far fewer problems.

[@kickstand801]

Is it OK for less powerful cars to look sporty? Absolutely! Right off the bat: the proportions! The grill, badge, LEDs, body lines, coupe design, I love how everything is well put together. Now there are some silly mistakes, like those fake vents at the front and back, and fake exhaust Not to mention the dead pedal. Both the throttle and brakes have aluminum, but the dead pedal is plastic? That should be aluminum too, so those are my zonks. Still this car has potential. However, aside from Citroën and BYD as top tier rivals, I'm looking at that new Toyota C-HR as well. Yes, it's lacking in space and practicality, but clearly people don't care about that, because the C-HR is everywhere in Jamaica. So will this Renault survive the Coupe SUV war? Hopefully it does. Excellent review.

[@michawalczak5661]

Ordered mine two weeks ago... Honestly, I was not even thinking about Renault when I started looking for a new ride. Surprisingly, I ended up in Renault dealership, jumped inside Arkana and I loved it! Test drive convinced me even more, so now I am impatiently waiting for delivery. :) 1.3 mHEV 160, Esprit Alpine. P.S Do not expect sporty performance, you will not find it in Arkana. However, it's perfect for cruising and more than enough for me.

[@stevencampbell1150]

I thought the 1.3 was being discontinued and plus at best it's 145hp not 160.

[@michawalczak5661]

@@stevencampbell1150 maybe in Uk it’s available only with 140HP. In Benelux, we do have 160. 160 is not a hybrid, it’s mHEV. Hybrid E-Tech has 145 indeed but there is 1.6 engine.

[@stevencampbell1150]

@@michawalczak5661 I thought you were in the UK and yes we only only have the 1.6 hybrid now. I am aware the 160 is a Mhev. If we had it here in the UK I'd definitely be interested though the no rear wiper is one of the things putting me off.

[@P.J.B.769]

Not a bad looking car. I actually thought they were fully electric and more expensive! A friend recently bought one. Another great review under your belt Tish.

[@P.J.B.769]

Oh! I'd have the rear wiper over the fake exhausts.👍

[@didley3211]

I've always been a fan of the Arkana and the Peugeot 408 are my favourite. Bring the rear wiper back, I find the rear view cameras a waste forever wiping the lens clean only need parking sensors. As for road noise it's not always the cabin sound proofing or the tyres it's actually the difference types of road tarmac if you drive around the country you'll find some roads are noisier than others so not always the car itself.

[@JonBushell]

We have one and yes you defo do need a wiper that they don’t provide.

[@AutoSocialUK]

That’s really interesting to know! Thank you for sharing

[@richardhargrave6082]

I quite like it I'd like a rear wiper, the fake pipes don't bother me The lack of headroom in the back could kill it for me

[@mrmawson2438]

Morning Tish

[@DigitalHardrock]

This model has huge problems with security alarm, I have 3 of these on my street, and each of them from time to time triggers waking up entire neighborhood. Owners are snowed under complains and notices from a local council to address it, but apparently nothing makes the issue gone once and forever.

[@davidwynn-davies252]

Sure local Renault dealer can sort. I had similar issue and Renault Assistance (RAC) came and advised connection in roof was the problem. No trouble since

[@Lookbusybuddy]

Looks good. Id have minus the battery and motor lump.

[@Silver-st2zq]

Can get a normal car and a SUV but this looks hideous but a good review all the same and a subscriber for over 2 years 👍

[@sabeehb9514]

Lovely car but no rear wiper, never heard of that before ! Sorry a game changer, this is huge, quite silly to not have it. What about icy conditions when you can scrape mostly but the wiper helps, what about a rain pour down which is fairly common - not good.

[@cornwallkev201]

I did have a test drive of the arkana and hated the gearbox. I have now bought the Iconic Esprit Alpine Austral. So much better.

[@sunnygill2671]

Good review nat i do like the leather interior with the blue stitching and you still looking fit haha been following your channel since day 1 also follow your travel channel x

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In the former Yugoslavia, the Arkana is called the Mégane Conquest.

[@DonDixit]

As to "forgotten": This car was introduced in Korea in 2018 as Samsung XM3, turned out successful for 2,5 years after which it became outdated. In Korea. With low expectations, it was introduced in Europe in 2021, and much to Renault's surprise, the renamed XM3 turned out quite popular. Let's face it, 80.000 units per year for a Cross-Over Coupe ....impressive! PS: RuZZia had a simlar shaped Renault Arkana, but that car was based on the Duster.

[@ellisrochlin2267]

yep your spot on , russia may 19 for sale and 2020 korea for sale but with newer platform

[@ellisrochlin2267]

perhaps the new tweeks maybe should have gone further , spesh in the current battery power and improved 0-60 time.

[@user-sh5ps2hi6e]

Nice Review. I´m driving an Mazda CX-30 and thought to buy an Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine with the E-Tech Motor but it´s not so good as my CX-30 with the X-Motor. I have 2 Liters and the Renault only 1,6L !!! I have 186HP and the Renault only 143HP!!! It´s more expensive in the Insurance in Germany. I can drive my car with 5,2L on 100km without any big E-Motor. I will keep my CX-30 it has better Brakes. 33,9m from 100km/h to 0. The Renault Arkana has 34,5m. The Tires are much more Expensive. I´m using 16" Winter Tires in the Dimension 225/60/16" from Kleber they are calm, only 69db. The Summer wheels have 17" also 225/55/17" with Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance II Tires. Arkana is a nice car but my CX-30 is much better to drive it´s shorter and more agile. The Manual transmission is a dream. And my CX-30 saved my Life on 26th January from a Ghostrider on a normals Road at 100km/h i had to make an emergency braking down to 50km/h and to drive on the green by the the side of the road. It was an experience that changed my Life. We bothe Drivers could be death or in an Hospital in the Emergency Station but nothing happened. My Car saved my Life!!!

[@kostask.9146]

Without windscreen wiper? I think it will be problem in a rainy day!

[@davidmehlhorn726]

Renault have a habit of discontinuing great cars and replacing them with dross. Examples, I had a late model Laguna in 2011, beautiful car inside and out that was discontinued for the rubbish Fluence. I currently drive a 2021 Megane hatch which is also a beautiful car that was discontinued in favour of the electric Megane E and this Arkana abomination. So I’m now in a quandary about where to go for my next car. Electric doesn’t interest me (and more and more people as EV sales have stalled here in Ireland) and I detest “crossovers”.

[@visionsinblue7093]

Why the permanent voiceover? There's no sound of doors shutting, wind noise when driving, engine noise or anything.

[@ellisrochlin2267]

no wiper on the rear DER !

[@mikehambleton5410]

Prefer a rear wiper , also no power socket and shopping hooks in boot

[@alfie4734]

does it have ambient lighting?

[@AutoSocialUK]

Yes it does ☺️ probably not on all trim levels but definitely on the Esprit Alpine

[@gorfonibla1060]

Your head was nowhere near the roof lining, Titch

[@sharonec5419]

Fun fact. Ssangyong invented the SUV Coupe with the Actyon but of course ask anyone and they will so oh it was BMW wasn't it. No it was not. The same way KIA were first with a lifestyle SUV ie the Sportage but ask anyone and they will say Toyota with the RAV 4 eh eh wrong.

[@bubandit06]

Renault are so close to making these popular. They've improved designs, drivetrains, interiors and infotainment. But then they put all of that into the EVs (which are wholly more attractive) while neglecting their ICE and hybrid cars. The Arkana is particularly ugly at the back end. It sits high on its hips and looks like it was crushed from the back. Looks great from the front. At this point though I think the 2nd hand market on the electric Mégane and Scenic will be very popular, but this specific car won't do well

[@robertmackenzie5850]

I test drove this car in the previous model , we ended up getting a Toyota Corolla touring 2 litre hybrid . The Toyota is so much more refined and the 5 th gen Toyota hybrid made the Renault feel it was 10 years behind . I have had Renaults in the past as a company car and the company had Renualt and Citroen cars on the fleet they were always back at the dealer for faults to be put right . The company had many cars , but it was always the Toyotas that never went wrong, even with 100k after 3 years they just kept going . Im not too sure where this Renault sits in the market place it’s one thing or the other

[@nicksmpsn6546]

Apologies in advance, but there is nothing to like about this car, in my opinion. Looks dumpy and cumbersome and the interior just doesn't do it for me. I'd pay more for the Cupra, for sure.

[@robissonwillard7266]

Nice🇸🇦

[@marisahu6420]

How good the car is, if hasn't got good looks is not of interest. Front shape is not of modern car. Renu should change its shape of front grill and its whole interior.

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

Also im an ex bus driver so dont need rear wiper

Well I don't know anyone with 6 feet so we should have no issues with head room...

[@wayneheyes4934]

I still think it should have had the new Renault face not just facelift the badge and grill

[@sasicuomo3973]

Renault❤

[@hlandims]

Arkana vs New Dacia Duster?? 🤔

[@kaciidir9522]

Such a beautifull car

[@123ralliscrv11]

Like the front outside more than the back. Don't like the interior I'm afraid, not a car I would buy

[@AR-1806]

I don‘t like the upgraded grill

[@laurahayward1853]

👍👍👍

[@wayneheyes4934]

I thought this car was axed ? I thought it was getting another generation

[@genepatrick4232]

Never been a fan of Renault and still am not. The interior is the best part of the vehicle minus the small space. I don't like fake tailpipes period because it looks very cheap, so I guess wipers on the rear glass is a yes. I've been subscribed since about 2021.

[@zzhughesd]

I see 1/2 a week max. Hardly any. And I’m always on the road in the motor trade and don’t see them. The Taigo VW is genuinely goood looking. Mini Urus shape. This Arkana in shape or form is just a nothing car. Even the huge 7 seat Koleos is better looking. I don’t get it. It’d have to be very cheap on monthlies to even consider it. Maybe it isn’t cheap on lease so that’s why you don’t see them. It’s not awful it’s just so plain and so easy to ignore. Plus it’s a Renault. And not an exciting Renault like the new Renault 5. The Avantime. Etc etc.

[@sergiosilva7411]

Too expensive in my country, I can get a Mazda CX-30 for the same money, a superior product imho.

[@sharonec5419]

Prefer not to have fake tail pipes.

[@jamiep61]

I particularly like the updated front fascia, I like the Leather Trousers that you were wearing for the review 😊

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

Uncalled for comment

[@edmundhayes1840]

Lol. 'should' come off; ambitious from Renault. I'd rather have a rear wiper than real tail pipes

[@sharonec5419]

Its Al-pine Tish not pene pine.

[@AutoSocialUK]

It’s not ☺️

[@sharonec5419]

@@AutoSocialUK But it is 😊

[@robfinney310]

Windscreen wiper all day long. My wife has a Hyundai ipniq 5 and it doesn't have a rear wiper. Rubbish.

[@user-bs1wx1tb7e]

Honestly, it is not that underrated.

[@actualfacts1055]

More like an SUV sedan crossover.

[@pawerafako3184]

❤😘👍

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

🙂👍😘

[@klx100]

I'm the first 😬 keep up the good work Tish 🎉

[@AutoSocialUK]

First the worst 🤪

[@klx100]

@@AutoSocialUK haha 😄 warm regards from Malta 🇲🇹

[@tochukwuezinwa2122]

That's a terrible back looking

[@jeffworthington9286]

It’s so ugly.