It took Renault more than a year since the Arkana’s launch in Russia to realize that a compact SUV coupe is just what the doctor ordered for its European lineup. On sale in Russia since July 2019, the Arkana has also been introduced in South Korea in February this year as the Samsung XM3. Now, Renault has officially announced that the Arkana will reach European markets from the first half of 2021.

Looking just like the Korean-spec model (minus the badges), Europe’s 2021 Renault Arkana is based on the CMF-B modular platform shared with the latest Clio and Captur. Furthermore, it will be built alongside the XM3 at the Busan plant in South Korea. The modern platform differentiates it from the Russian-spec Arkana, which uses the older B0+ platform shared with the Dacia Duster.

 

There are significant differences between the Euro-spec Renault Arkana and the Korean model. For starters, the Renault offers an all-hybrid lineup consisting of the 140 PS E-Tech Hybrid powertrain and the TCe 140 and TCe 160 turbo petrols with 12V micro-hybrid assistance. Shared with the Clio, the self-charging E-Tech system consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors (an e-motor and a high-voltage starter generator) and an innovative multi-mode clutch-less dogbox transmission.

Always starting in EV mode, the E-Tech hybrid is said to provide up to 80 percent of city driving time with all-electric power, reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by up to 40 percent over a conventional combustion engine in urban driving. As for the two micro-hybrid powertrains, each features a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol unit matched to an EDC dual-clutch transmission and an alternator-starter system paired with a 12V lithium-ion battery located under the passenger seat. The first to arrive will be the one with an output of 140 PS and 260 Nm of torque, followed by the 160 PS unit.

 

Another difference to the Samsung XM3 is the Renault Arkana’s R.S. Line trim, which sharpens up the looks courtesy of a unique Orange Valencia body color, black and dark metal exterior trim, sportier front bumper with F1-inspired aerodynamic blade and red inserts, as well as exclusive Shadow-Tinted wheels. Other upgrades include an R.S. Line badge on the front fenders, a chromed dual exhaust outlet and a darker skid plate.

Inside, the Arkana R.S. Line brings a carbon-finish dashboard and door lining, red trim running along the top of the dashboard, a black headliner, red topstitching, red strip on the seat belts, and aluminum pedals, e-shifter gear lever and R.S. Line badges. As with the Renault Samsung XM3, the Arkana features a high-tech cockpit with a digital instrument cluster (4.2-, 7- or 10-inch display) combined with the Easy Link center touchscreen (sporting either a 7- or 9.3-inch display) that’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Depending on the trim level, Renault will equip the Arkana with its latest Driving, Parking and Safety driver-assistance systems including Highway & Traffic Jam Companion semi-autonomous system, Safety Active emergency braking system, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and lane guard system, 360-degree camera and more.