Every now and then a car comes along which stops you in your tracks. This morning in Moscow, Renault unveiled just such a car.
It’s called the Arkana, and it’s quite the battle to even describe it. Renault says it’s a coupe-crossover — rather in the mold of the BMX X4/6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC/GLE Coupe — but that doesn’t quite cover all of the bases here. If anything it’s more of a saloon-crossover, meaning Renault has invented a new market segment.
According to Laurens Van den Acker, senior vice-president of corporate design at Groupe Renault:
“The Arkana show car is a distinctive coupe-crossover, striking balance between the elegance of a saloon and the powerful stance of an SUV. We have dialed in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch.”
Technical details are a little scarce at the moment. Renault says it’s a C-segment crossover, so it will likely share some significant common components with the Kadjar crossover. This latter car is closely related to the Nissan Qashqai, itself a niche pioneer. That would suggest a similar range of engines, with 1.5 and 1.6-liter diesels and the 1.6-liter DiG-T petrol.
Although Renault refers to the Arkana as a “show car”, it’s not likely to be too different when it comes to production. However Renault is yet to reveal any interior images.
Renault chose the Moscow Motor Show for good reason. The initial concept came from Renault Russia, and Russia will be the primary market for the car in 2019. Around 28% of all new car sales in Russia are Group Renault vehicles, and it represents the brand’s second-largest market worldwide. Arkana is part of a plan to push that into first place.
Following the launch in Russia, Renault will introduce the Arkana to other markets. This includes Asia, with market-specific alterations, but Renault has no plans to sell the car in Europe.
Nicolas Maure, senior vice-president and Chairman of Eurasia Region, comments:
“The idea for this innovative concept came from Russia and the project was conducted with the strong involvement of Renault Russia teams. Arkana will meet Russian customers’ aspirations but also the ones of new customers in many countries worldwide, enabling Groupe Renault to further pursue its international growth as part of its Drive the Future strategic plan.”
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