Renault will open up the order books for the 2021 Arkana throughout Europe this month, almost two years after sales of the compact SUV coupe started in Russia. Underpinning the model that will be sold in Europe is the CMF-B modular platform that is also used by the current Renault Clio and Captur. The Arkana sold in South Korea, badged as the Samsung XM3, also utilizes the same platform while the one sold in Russia uses the same B0+ platform as the Dacia Duster.
The Renault Arkana will be offered
exclusively with hybrid powertrains in Europe. The E-TECH hybrid features a 91
hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that works alongside two electric
motors, an “e-engine” with 48 hp and a 20 hp high-voltage
starter generator, as well as a multi-mode clutchless dogbox transmission. This
innovative powertrain produces a combined 140 hp and, according to Renault,
allows the SUV to run on all-electric power for up to 80 per cent of the time
during city driving.
Two micro-hybrid powertrains will also be
offered. Both utilize a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol unit coupled to an
EDC dual-clutch transmission and an alternator-starting system paired with a
12V lithium-ion battery located under the passenger seat. The entry-level
variant of this engine will produce 138 hp while the flagship model will have
158 hp, although the latter won’t launch until October.
Like the Samsung XM3, the Renault Arkana
being sold in Europe will be made at the company’s Busan plant in South Korea.
