The Renault Arkana wasn’t on sale in the UK for long, with a production run of just three years between 2021 and 2024. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to premium coupé-crossover rivals, the Renault Arkana targeted urban drivers and young families seeking a blend of bold design, practicality and efficient hybrid powertrains. Even today, the Arkana doesn’t feel outdated alongside rival models such as the Nissan Ariya, Toyota C-HR, Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona, and Peugeot 3008. Even though it is no longer on sale, its relative rarity makes it a curiously interesting option for those who want something a little bit different from the norm.
If you’re after an affordable, stylish coupé-SUV with efficient hybrid technology, the Renault Arkana deserves serious consideration even if it might not be immediately on your radar. It’s practical, roomy, and well-equipped for the price, with striking looks that set it apart from conventional crossovers. Some compromises in rear passenger comfort and infotainment usability exist, but overall, it’s a smart and highly affordable choice for families seeking a late-model used car.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe Renault Arkana is no longer available new, but was competitively priced when it went out of production at £27,095 for the entry-level Evolution trim, to £30,995 for the flagship Esprit Alpine.
On the used market, it holds its value fairly well and is more on a par with the rivals it undercut when new. You’ll pay around £11,000 upwards for a 2021 model with sensible mileage, with the most recent Arkanas coming it at closer to £21,000.
The Renault Arkana was offered with two main engine options. The entry-level TCe 140 mild hybrid combines a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 12V electrical assistance, delivering 140bhp and achieving 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive.
The E-Tech Hybrid 145 uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a multi-mode automatic transmission. Total output is 145bhp, and 0-62 mph takes 10.8 seconds. This full hybrid system enables electric-only driving at low speeds and maximises fuel efficiency for urban and suburban journeys.
Both variants provide refined and quiet progress, with instant torque aiding in city traffic. The Arkana’s hybrid systems deliver smooth acceleration and contribute to its low running costs.
The Arkana offers a competent and refined driving experience, both in town and on the motorway. The elevated seating position gives good all-round visibility, while light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Acceleration is brisk enough for daily driving, though neither engine is designed for outright performance. The hybrid system transitions almost seamlessly between petrol and electric power, and noise levels are well contained except for some wind rush at higher speeds.
Ride comfort is generally good, though the suspension can feel firm over potholes and rough surfaces. The Arkana remains stable at speed, with minimal body roll despite its SUV ride height.
With a relatively short wheelbase and well-tuned suspension, the Arkana feels agile in urban environments. The steering is precise and responsive, enabling confident navigation through traffic and tight car parks.
Multiple driving modes (Eco, Sport and the personalised MySense) allow drivers to tailor throttle response and steering weight to their preferences. Handling is secure and predictable, with the hybrid models benefiting from low centre of gravity thanks to battery placement.
While not a sports SUV, the Arkana offers reassuring grip and stability, making it a pleasant car to drive, albeit not one that you feel compelled to push hard.
Despite the coupé-inspired roofline, the Arkana’s cabin is spacious and cleverly packaged, with generous head and legroom for front occupants and adequate space for three rear passengers. The rear seats may feel a little snug for taller adults on longer journeys, though, and the low roofline means taller passengers may feel a bit compromised in terms of headroom.
The dashboard features a digital instrument cluster (7-inch as standard, 10.25-inch on higher trims) and a central touchscreen (7-inch or 9.3-inch depending on trim), supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Materials are of decent quality, with soft-touch surfaces on key areas, though harder plastics remain in lower trims.
Seats are supportive and well-padded, with lumbar support and multiple levels of adjustment. The controls are also logically arranged, ensuring ease of use, while higher trims add ambient lighting and heated seats.
Family buyers will appreciate the standard Isofix mounts on the outer rear seats, standard on all specifications.
The Arkana offers 513 litres of boot space with all seats in place – ample for weekly shopping or medium-sized luggage. Folding the 60:40 split rear bench boosts capacity to 1,296 litres, making it versatile for larger loads.
The boot opening is wide and low for easy loading, with underfloor storage for valuables and a false floor on selected trims. In-cabin storage includes large door bins, cupholders, a generous centre console, and a spacious glovebox.
All Arkana models are well equipped, with the Evolution trim including LED headlights, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and a suite of active safety systems.
The Techno adds a larger touchscreen, wireless phone connectivity, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded upholstery.
The Esprit Alpine flagship brings heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, premium materials, a panoramic sunroof, and exclusive exterior styling details. Options include a Bose sound system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and advanced parking assistance.
Renault keeps the options list concise, focusing on value and essential features across all trims, so only a handful of additional items were offered, mostly dealer fit such as towbars, mats and mudflaps.
The Arkana was available in three main trims: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine.
Evolution offers essential features and safety, including a digital driver display, air conditioning, LED lighting, and smartphone connectivity.
Techno adds larger screens, upgraded upholstery, ambient lighting, and enhanced convenience features.
Esprit Alpine introduces heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, exclusive design accents, and the full suite of Renault’s driver assistance technologies.
Of the three, it’s highly worth seeking out an Esprit Alpine model with all of the kit, as the price differential is much smaller on the used market than it ever was when new.
Colour choices range from classic Glacier White and Metallic Black to more expressive and vibrant tones such Zanzibar Blue, Flame Red, and Iron Blue, as well as the incredibly vivid Valencia Orange, which is bound to polarise opinion.
Built on Renault’s CMF-B platform, the Arkana prioritises safety, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating achieved in testing in 2021.
The Arkana scored 76% for adult occupant protection, 83% for child occupant protection, 75% for vulnerable road user protection, and 74% for safety assist systems.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver attention warning.
Higher trims feature adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and advanced parking sensors. Renault’s reputation for reliability is solid, and the Arkana’s proven engines and hybrid systems should ensure dependable long-term ownership.
The Arkana’s hybrid engines deliver impressive fuel economy, with the E-Tech Hybrid achieving up to 58.9 mpg and emitting just 109 g/km CO₂ (WLTP). The TCe mild hybrid returns up to 48.7 mpg, with emissions peaking at 131 g/km.
Insurance groups range from 14 to 19, and Renault provides a five-year/100,000-mile warranty, with the hybrid battery covered for eight years. Servicing intervals are every two years or 18,000 miles, helping to keep ownership costs competitive.
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