Renault Arkana will soon have an older brother. This is what the diamond firm has just announced officially the arrival of a new D-segment coupe SUV, which will be called “Rafale”. This name originates from the early years of the brand’s history, when Louis Renault, the company’s founder, was still involved in the aviation industry.
A 1936 aircraft named “Rafal” broke several records of that time. Among them is Hélène Bouchet, the first woman to fly more than 1,000 km by plane.
Renault Austral DNA in the new formula
The press release presented by Renault is accompanied by the first teaser, which is characterized by an image of the silhouette of the car. The SUV coupe should share a platform and many components with the Austral, even if from a purely aesthetic point of view, it should be very different.
Indeed, on closer inspection, the taillights appear quite narrow, while the front lights incorporate a double vertical element that echoes the aesthetic codes of the new Clio. The lines seem tauter and more muscular, and on the shields you can see two red profiles that give a slight hint of sportiness overall.
Inside, however, The Renault Rafale is set to take over much of the Austral’s technology, starting with a dual 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment screen. To emphasize the more “sporty” and exclusive side of the model, Renault should offer special seats and inserts.
Highly electrified SUV
On the engine side, perhaps the Rafale will inherit the Austral’s most powerful unit, viz 1.2-liter E-Tech hybrid with a capacity of 200 hp. However, it’s possible that even more efficient powertrains, perhaps battery hybrids, will be part of the game to set this model apart more generally from the rest of the lineup.
Renault describes its new product as “standard” in its range, so it should have specific elements that will distinguish it from the Austral and Arkana.
The world premiere of the new Renault Rafale will take place in 54 yearsthousand International Aerospace Salon in Le Bourget on June 18.
Source: Auto Plus
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