Renault Arkana Fastback E-Tech Hybrid

Went by to catch a glimpse of this new coupe SUV. First looks, its an enticing coupe SUV, being similar to Mercedes's GL Coupe series (at a fraction of its price). In it is powered by a 1.6L Hybrid engine that generates 141hp (WOW). Interior is an astounding design (being French is good at styles and designs), pampered by nice leather seats with intuitive display at its cockpit. Its 7 inches console comes with simplified and easy to use functions which you see you will know how to operate. Drawback that it does not come with electric tailgate (not even option) where the boot can be pretty heavy to lift down. Driving off is a breeze which it auto disengages handbrake when move off (standard nowadays to cars with electric brake). Throttling is not an issue whereby powered by hybrid, being only 1.6L, its able to throttle smooth and gear changes are absolutely quiet too. During drive, at certain speeds, you can see what drivetrain is using, be it electric or petrol. In it comes with cruise control with limiter, hill start assist, lane departure warning where all can be seen in the dashboard, which is something out of the usual with other makes. U turning radius is small as the wheels are curving in for this big SUV. Overtaking is certainly easy as its responsive, probably they share what their famous Megane RS gearbox with no halts or pauses. Back at showroom, tried the easy park assist and was not so intuitive as it could not detect to engage parking with driving by an empty lot, despite the car is up close to the others. If you are keen to have sunroof, then wait for the later model where everything is the same except it comes with sunroof, Bose sound system, 9.3 inches console and 18 inches wheels, that is coming sometime second quarter 2022. Overall, this is a considerable coupe SUV with its great stylish looks.... Read More