Coupe-SUVs was reserved for the posh section, however Renault took the physique fashion mashup mainstream with the compact Arkana launched just a little over three years in the past. Quick ahead to mid-2023, the corporate with the diamond emblem is introducing a bigger mannequin named after a 1934 racing aircraft. Meet the Rafale, a D-segment swoopy sport utility car serving because the model’s first mannequin to completely embrace the brand new design language.
It makes use of the contemporary entrance grille design and new matrix LED mild signature because the lately facelifted 2024 Clio. Very similar to the supermini, it is provided in a flagship Esprit Alpine trim additionally accessible for the Espace from which it has inherited the two.74-meter (107.8-inch) wheelbase. Due to its sloping roofline, it might probably’t match the practicality of the conventionally styled SUV however it nonetheless gives a beneficiant cargo capability of 530 liters (18.7 cubic toes) with the rear seats in place.
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It loses the Espace’s third row as Renault intends to promote the Rafale solely with 5 seats, with minimal rear headroom loss regardless of the coupe-like roofline. The brand new arrival in Renault’s rising lineup stretches at 4.71 meters (185.4 inches) and is 1.86 meters (73.2 inches) large whereas having a large 1,470 x 1,117 mm (57.8 x 43.9 in) panoramic glass roof that may go from totally opaque to completely clear. It has two extra settings for the reason that entrance part might be opaque whereas the rear is clear, or vice versa.
It ought to look extra imposing in actual life than the Espace contemplating the broader axles (+4 cm) and chunky 245-mm tires. One other novelty is represented by the evolution of Renault’s rear-wheel steering to enhance grip and cornering velocity on uneven surfaces. The Rafale will get unique Satin Pearl White and Alpine Blue paint colours, with the latter being a extra intense blue shade than on the A110.
Inside, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is joined by a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen to echo lots of Renault’s newest fashions, together with the Megane E-Tech Electrical the place it was put in first. Working on Android Automotive 12, the infotainment helps wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Clients will be capable to get the coupe-SUV with a 9.3-inch head-up show projecting the related data onto the windshield.
Energy is supplied by a hybrid setup combining a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a pair of electrical motors. The 1.2-liter gasoline unit produces 130 hp (96 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque whereas the principle e-motor is rated at 70 hp (50 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). As for the secondary e-motor, it’s a starter generator with 34 hp (25 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Mixed, Renault touts a complete output of 200 hp to reflect the Espace.
At a later stage, the Rafale will obtain a newly developed plug-in hybrid setup that includes 300 hp and all-wheel drive by putting in an electrical motor on the rear. It too may have the up to date rear-wheel steering together with model-specific chassis tuning.
