Renault Arkana brings champagne looks on a budget

Styled after swooping coupe-like SUVs such as the BMW X6, Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Renault Arkana brings premium looks to customers on a tighter budget.

Priced from $33,990 to $40,990 plus on-road costs, the Arkana is based on the same platform as Renault’s compact Captur crossover.

Power comes from a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 115kW and 262Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Renault claims 6.0L/100km fuel consumption for the reasonably compact machine.

There’s no hybrid or performance version in the range – though that may change in the future.

The brand does not hesitate to name premium machines such as the Audi Q3 Sportback as potential rivals, mainstream machines such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Mazda CX-30 are closer competitors.

The base Arkana “Zen” model has a 4.2-inch driver display and 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Climate control, faux leather trim, LED headlights and 17-inch alloys also feature in the cheapest version.

Standard safety features include auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance and active cruise control.

Mid-grade Arkana “Intens” models priced from $37,490 plus on-road costs add 18-inch alloys, heated and ventilated seats with leather trim, sat nav, rear cross traffic alert and more.

The range-topping Arkana R.S. Line offered from $40,990 plus on-roads adds a sunroof, leather and suede trim, wireless smartphone charging and other niceties.

A 10.25-inch digital dash is an optional extra on the top grades.

Renault backs the car with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of capped price servicing.