A robust crossover coupe, for Russia, by Renault at an affordable price.

Renault has commenced deliveries of its new C-segment crossover, the Arkana.

The product strategy with Arkana is to offer an affordable crossover coupe to customers who aspire to pseudo gravel travel styling, with a sloping roofline.

Built as part of a very complex joint venture between Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Daimler, the Arkana’s launch market will be Russia. It combines frontal styling elements from the latest Clio and Koleos with a coupe-like profile and crossover stance.

Measuring 4.54 metresin length, the Arkana will accommodate five passengers and 508-litres of their luggage. Fold down the rear seats and that luggage capacity swells to 1 333-litres. Renault has confirmed that even the entry-level Arkanas will feature an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, climate control, heated seats and parking sensors.

The Coupe SUV trend is now filtering down from the premium brands.

Powering the Arkana are two engine options. A naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine is good for 85 kW and drives the front wheels. For those customers who seek all-wheel drive, there is a 1.3-litre turbopetrol, boosting 112 kW and 250 Nm, paired with a CVT transmission.

Appearance might underestimate the Arkana’s ability, as it registers a very ample 208 mm of ground clearance – which means it should make light work of most gravel journeys and mild off-road work.

Renault is launching its Arkana at an equivalent price position of R315000, for the entry-level front-wheel-drive version. Unfortunately, Renault South Africa has no plans to bring this in, despite its seemingly good value and stylish appearance. Possibly the lack of interest in 'big Renaults' locally has something to do with it as the brand struggles to shift things like Koleos and Megane in meaningful numbers.

Renault is planning to bring in the recently revealed 7-seater Triber – you can read about that here.