Renault today revealed its striking new Arkana Concept at the 2018 Moscow International Motor Show.
The crossover features a coupe-like silhouette riding on huge wheels - much like the BMW X6 - and will likely be positioned between the Captur and the Kadjar in Renault's SUV line-up.
Renault says that the name Arkana is derived from Latin Arcanum which means 'Secret', and was used for centuries to mark events and phenomena of special significance. The company also says that the name Arkana underlines the uniqueness of the future crossover and its incredible magnetism and the model is associated with mystery, attractiveness and pioneer spirit.
The French automaker didn't release any technical information or interior shots, but it’s widely expected to ride on the same platform as the Kadjar and share its powertrains too.
“The Arkana show car is a distinctive coupé-crossover, striking balance between the elegance of a saloon and the powerful stance of an SUV. We have dialled in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch,” said Laurens van den Acker, senior vice president for corporate design at Groupe Renault.
The idea for the Arkana apparently came from Russia, with Russia being Renault’s second largest market worldwide, and is set to become the company’s leading market by 2022. Because of this, the Arkana will be built in Moscow, with Russia being the first country to market the crossover, before it reaches other Eastern markets shortly thereafter. However, Renault Russia has pointed out that the sporty SUV will not be sold in Europe, meaning it will be very unlikely that Renault South Africa will introduce it locally.
Also worth a look: the New Renault Duster Arrives in South Africa: Pricing & Detail and the New Renault Duster: Tech, Turbo, and Tougher Than Ever.
FAQ
Q: What does the Renault Arkana cost in South Africa?
The Renault Arkana concept isn't available in South Africa and likely never will be, as Renault Russia confirmed it won't be sold in European markets, making a local launch extremely unlikely.
Q: Is the Renault Arkana worth buying?
You can't buy the Arkana in SA, but if you could, it would probably slot between the Captur at around R400,000 and Kadjar at R500,000, making it a decent coupe-SUV option if Renault actually brought it here.
Q: What engine does the Renault Arkana have?
Renault hasn't released technical specs for the Arkana concept, but it's expected to share the same engines as the Kadjar, likely including turbocharged petrol options producing around 120kW to 140kW.
Q: When will the Renault Arkana be available in South Africa?
The Arkana won't be coming to South Africa at all, as Renault plans to sell it only in Russia and select Eastern European markets, completely bypassing Western Europe and other global markets.
Q: What are the best alternatives to the Renault Arkana in South Africa?
For coupe-SUV styling in SA, your best bets are the BMW X4 from around R800,000, Mercedes GLC Coupe from R900,000, or wait for more affordable options like the upcoming coupe versions of popular crossovers.
Should You Buy It?
You literally can't buy the Renault Arkana in South Africa, so this is more of a "should you cry about missing out" situation. The answer is no, don't shed any tears. While the coupe-crossover looks properly striking with that swooping roofline, Renault's decision to keep it in Russia and Eastern Europe means we're stuck admiring it from afar. If you're after that coupe-SUV vibe, save up around R800,000 for a BMW X4 or consider the regular Renault Kadjar at roughly R500,000, which shares the same underpinnings but lacks the sexy roofline. The Arkana would probably have slotted in around R450,000 if it came here, making it a tempting middle ground, but since it's not happening, your money is better spent on something you can actually drive off a South African showroom floor.
