Low and wide: What Renault Arkana says about 'crossover'

Renault Korea has launched the Arkana, a new global flagship crossover that aims to blend the best of both SUV and sedan worlds. This vehicle, designed to appeal to drivers accustomed to smaller sedans, presents a striking first impression with its substantial size, yet it offers a surprisingly car-like driving experience and a spacious interior.

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The first impression of the Renault Arkana for someone who has driven mainly compact sedans was 'long and large.' However, when I actually drove it, the feeling of getting into a high SUV was less, and the interior space was as spacious as a large car. The driving feel was closer to a sedan.

The Arkana's design philosophy emphasizes a 'sedan plus SUV' combination. Externally, its long and wide stance is noticeable compared to sedans, while its low-slung roofline and smooth silhouette offer a more refined profile than typical mid-size SUVs. This design contributes to an easy ingress and egress, similar to a sedan, while providing the commanding view often associated with SUVs.

Inside, the Arkana boasts generous space, alleviating the cramped feeling sometimes found in smaller vehicles. The ride quality is notably refined, with less jarring and noise compared to many SUVs, drawing comparisons to the quietness of electric vehicles. This comfort is particularly evident during long journeys, where the supportive seats and adjustable lumbar support minimize driver fatigue.

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The 'sedan and SUV combination' is what Renault Korea emphasizes when explaining the Arkana. This is evident from the exterior. Compared to sedans, the large body and wide front are prominent, and compared to mid-size SUVs, the low roofline and soft side silhouette stand out.

Under the hood, the Arkana is equipped with a hybrid E-Tech powertrain, promising both performance and fuel efficiency. During a test drive covering over 260 kilometers, including city traffic and highway cruising, the vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 16.4 km/L, exceeding its official combined rating. The hybrid system seamlessly integrates the electric motor and gasoline engine, providing smooth acceleration and a quiet driving experience, even at highway speeds.

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The 2nd and trunk space are also generous, giving a strong impression that this is a car designed with long-distance travel with family or friends in mind.

While the Arkana excels in its blend of comfort, space, and efficiency, its advanced features, particularly the AI-based voice assistant, still have room for improvement. Although capable of controlling various vehicle functions, the AI's contextual understanding and responsiveness could be more refined. Nevertheless, for drivers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and efficient vehicle that bridges the gap between sedans and SUVs, the Renault Arkana presents a compelling option.

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The comfort and quietness closer to a sedan were prominent during long-distance driving. Although the Seoul-Sejong round trip exceeded 5 hours, the physical fatigue was not significant.