UK is now a ‘dumping ground’ for Renault and its Russian Arkana
You can say what you like about some carmakers, Iain Robertson does, as he highlights a far-from-enterprising practice that he believed ceased to have any purchase for the past thirty years, while Renault introduces its latest SUV.
It was the sometime Datsun/Nissan and Automotive Finance Group UK supremo, Octav Botnar, who, despite having donated in excess of £100m during his lifetime to various charities, watched his business dissolve into a mire of controversy and politically motivated bankruptcy. Even though he had been responsible for introducing the early Datsun and subsequent Nissan models, let alone the inspiration to Mrs Thatcher’s government for a car production facility in Sunderland, he was disgraced and his Nissan UK forced out of business by the incoming Nissan Motor GB.
To be honest, I never liked the chap, as he was exceptionally rude to everyone, although I did respect his business acumen. He possessed an East European brusqueness in his attitude, which served to colour most opinions. Yet, an immigrant, he was a self-made millionaire, who made mostly unsung but massive donations to worthy causes throughout his working life. He was often accused of using the growing UK new car scene (from the 1970s to 1990s) as a ‘dumping ground’ for various Datsun/Nissan models. However, whether he was guilty, or not, that same period was rife with what became known as ‘grey imports’; vehicles not really intended for the UK market and sometimes not even ‘road legal’, as they did not comply with UK Construction & Use laws.
Various foreign carmakers, importers and their UK representatives, early concessionaires such as The Colt Car Company (for Mitsubishi), or International Motors Group (Subaru, Isuzu and Daihatsu), could have shouldered some of the blame levelled at Botnar, as the UK market grew like Topsy. Although the much abhorred practice seemed to die off prior to the turn of the New Millennium, it does seem as though Renault is willing to reintroduce it with its new Arkana model range.
When French car manufacturer Renault introduced us originally to its Arkana last year, the company stated that it was a car produced solely for the Russian market and that it would not be sold in the UK, or the rest of Europe, because it would (probably) not meet new car legislation in those markets. It was a news snippet that hardly stirred the waters of the new car scene here, the new model looking Renault-like but also strangely anodyne and lacking in Gallic character. Therefore, it has come as a surprise that Renault has carried out a volte face and determined that the SUV-heavy UK market is more than ready for yet another niche-filler.
Based on the CMF-B modular platform that is shared with the latest Clio and Captur, the Arkana is available with a full complement of ADAS, which is to be expected. Its choice of powertrains is similarly comprehensive, with an emphasis on enhanced efficiency balanced with good performance across both electrified options: the E-Tech hybrid and TCe petrol micro-hybrid.
Arkana features a coupe-like profile, without compromising much on accessibility or space. Its front-end provides a distinctive and sleek presence, with its LED lamp array in the current Renault style. Tinted glazing, chrome detailing, 3-D rear LED lamp units and 17.0-inch diameter diamond-cut ‘Bahamas’ alloy wheels are standard on entry-level Iconic models, finished with body-colour door handles and chrome and black lower door protection.
On S Edition versions, 18.0-inch ‘Pasadena’ alloys get a diamond-cut finish for a more upmarket look, while deeper tinted windows and slate grey satin front and rear skid plates highlight the SUV message. I have already been highly critical of Renault’s purportedly more dynamic RS Line specification and I fear that even with the minor trim titivation it is similar to the other overpriced RS Line variants. The double chromed tailpipes and 18.0-inch grey and black alloys, complete with red spoke highlights are magpie elements that wise buyers ought to avoid like the plague. A contrasting black roof is available as an option on S Edition and RS Line models, while the Arkana is offered with an extensive selection of exterior colours including the vibrant Valencia Orange.
A well-proportioned boot carries up to 513-litres of goods, although the hybrid loses 33-litres of it. As to the rest of the interior, it is a virtual replication of any other product of the brand. The RS gets hide, faux suede and red stitching details befitting of a costlier sporty-ish variant, plus acres of phoney carbon-fibre to satisfy the sporty-ish soul. Typical Renault dashboard and central touchscreen details feature across the line-up.
On the power front, the E-Tech Hybrid 145 powertrain combines a strong, efficient 1.6-litre petrol engine, 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, delivers frugality, responsiveness and refinement. It is sure to be the more popular option in today’s new car scene, even developing a modest 145bhp, with good mid-range energy from the electric motors. It emits a mere 111g/km of CO2 and returns up to 57.6mpg.
Featuring an intelligent ‘dog clutch’ as part of the transmission system means that the Arkana hybrid operates in all-electric mode more of the time, however, when operating with electric motors and engine in tandem, it transitions smoothly between each of its automatic gear ratios. When calling on the system for more punch, either by depressing the accelerator pedal more aggressively, via the Multi-Sense menus, or through the dedicated button on the dashboard, the petrol engine weighs in with minimal intrusion.
The alternative engine (mated to a 7-speed automated-manual gearbox) is the familiar 1.3-litre TCe 140 petrol engine with micro-hybrid technology. It offers 140bhp and propels the car from 0-60mph in 9.5s, while offering up to 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 131g/km. Pricing across the two engine, three trim level range starts at £25,300, rising to £30,900. For what it is worth, it feels very Captur-like on the road and similar to most other Renaults. Whether its build quality is up to much is yet to be determined.
