With 14 new electrified models by 2025, Renault is seriously initiating the partial “decarbonisation” of its range. Tests today of the “full hybrid” Arkana and the Mégane PHEV sedan.
In Europe, as in the rest of the world, the Arkana is fitted with the CMF-B base of the Clio-Captur, which allows the installation of a hybrid or hybrid-rechargeable driveline. Due to its sporty line, the SUV therefore inherited a HEV engine, full hybrid therefore, in order, according to its father François Laurent, to avoid a surge in weight, contained at 1,435 kg.
From the first hectometers carried out on the electric motor capable of traveling 3 to 4 km up to approximately 45 km / h, the road behavior proves to be of the highest caliber.. Firmly standing on its 18 ”wheels, the coupe SUV exudes a beautiful driving pleasure, which fits perfectly with the hybrid“ machine ”; which, associated with an unprecedented clutch transmission allowing up to 15 combinations of ratios depending on the driver’s demand, reveals a very appreciable smoothness of use.
Quiet, flexible and fast enough for those looking for performance, this Arkana E-Tech is seductive. Especially since, on the test route of this first grip, our consumption was established at 6 l / 100 km over 103 km of town, road and expressways, carried out at a decent pace. The 111 g CO2 / km announced by Renault therefore seem realistic and the autonomy can easily flirt with the 750 km, thanks to the 50 liters of the tank identical to the thermal versions. Better, the small Hitachi battery located above the rear axle only amputates the trunk volume by 33 liters compared to the TCe 140 and 160 (480 liters instead of 513). Add to that good suspension comfort and ideal roominess for a family of four or even five, and you have a very convincing Renault hybrid SUV Coupé. Even the price, from 31,200 € in Zen, is not exorbitant.
Verdict :
At Auto-Moto, we advocate the simple hybrid (non-rechargeable) for its measured additional cost, its practical aspects and its easy use. In this game, the Arkana fulfills its role very well. More oriented towards businesses, the Mégane E-Tech PHEV displays very low fuel consumption if it is used correctly, but suffers from a high price and a trunk that is too fair.
Renault Arkana E-Tech: the technique
Renault Arkana E-tech 145 from €31,200
Thermal engine: 4-cyl., Injection, 16 valves, 1,598 cm3, chain distribution, 94 hp, 148 Nm at 3,600 rpm.
Electric motor: 36 kW, 205 Nm.
Batterie : Lithium-ion, 230 V, 1,2 kWh, 30 kg
Transmission: multi-mode with jaws, 15 combinations.
Cumulative power (hp): 143
Cumulative torque (Nm): 403
Weight (kg): 1,435
Max speed (km / h): 172
0 to 100 km / h / 1,000 m DA (s): 10.8 / 32.6
CO2 / bonus-malus: 111/0 €
Price (from): 31,200 €
Renault Megane E-Tech: the technique
Renault Mégane E-tech 160 Plug-in hybrid from 37,300 €
Thermal engine: 4-cyl., Injection, 16 valves, 1,598 cm3, chain distribution, 94 hp, 148 Nm at 3,600 rpm.
Electric motor: 49 kW, 205 Nm.
Batterie : Lithium-ion, 346 V, 10,4 kWh, 105 kg
Transmission: multi-mode with jaws, 15 combinations.
Cumulative power (hp): 160
Cumulative torque (Nm): 344
Weight (kg): 1,530
Max speed (km / h): 175
0 to 100 km / h / 1,000 m DA (s): 9.4 / 30.9
CO2 / bonus: € 28 / 1,000
Average consumption AM / const. (l / 100 km): 3.2 / 1.3
Price (from): 37 300 €
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