The introduction of the coupe concept to SUVs seems most appropriate. Not only do I defend it for the aesthetic detail, it can also mean the partial modification of the vehicle’s touch. The same happens with the Renault Arkana, the latest member of the diamond firm’s SUV family , which, not only is beautiful on the outside, it also feels slightly more sporty and reactive than the rest of its siblings. We told you about it at its launch but, on the occasion of its election as a finalist for the Car of the Year in Spain, we have been able to test it thoroughly for a whole month. The Arkana is available in two ECO engines, one with 140 hp micro-hybrid and the E-Tech with 145 hp and self-recharging hybridization . In our case, we have opted for this second option, more in line with the usual use of a model of these characteristics and with enough power to avoid staying at half throttle in a conventional section.
It has been 30 days in which we have made all kinds of routes, with fast roads in between and a lot of city. We have benefited, and very happily, from your DGT ECO badge to park in blue zones for half the price and not suffer if you enter Central Madrid. Its size has seemed ideal for a family of four , with up to 480 liters of luggage capacity that can be used due to its square shapes and wide loading mouth. The spaciousness in the rear seats will not generate any battle due to lack of space, even traveling three children without the need for approved seats.
The propulsion system of this unit is made up of a 94 HP and 148 Nm of torque gasoline thermal block that is supported by two other electrical blocks, of 49 HP and 20 HP respectively. The lithium-ion battery is probably its weakest point, with 1.2 kWh of capacity . Something that does not combine too well with an automatic transmission, standard in both versions, with four gears. In the following gallery we will detail the driving sensations better and we will compare it with the rest of the range.
