​Renault presented its new top model in Paris — a 4.71-meter-long “SUV-coupe” that bears the name of the plane: Rafale. The car will also have the most powerful hybrid engine produced by the company: E-Tech 4×4 300 HP.

The “flagship” Talisman in the brand’s range is replaced by the Rafale model, which will enter showrooms in the spring of 2024. Renault hasn’t really sold the model it presented as a “flagship” in large numbers, but with the Rafale it hopes to achieve more success, especially with its design, technology and powerful engines.

Renault’s photo

The new Renault Rafale is the first production car designed entirely in accordance with the new visual language brought by Gilles Vidal as Renault’s design director. The auto concern presents the Rafale as a “powerful SUV-coupe, a status symbol.”

Renault’s photo

The new Renault Rafale has a length of 4.71 meters and a width of 1.86 meters, which is directly related to the D segment, and the dimensions are similar to those of the Espace model. The weight of the car will be more than 1650 kg, and the trunk volume will be 647 liters.

Renault’s photo

The basic version of the E-Tech will develop 200 hp, of which 130 hp. from a 1.2-liter gasoline engine. The most powerful version will be E-Tech 300 HP, 4X4.

For efficiency, the Rafale will share many components that are also found in the Austral and Espace models.

At launch, the car will be available in five different body colors.

Renault’s photo

Luca de Meo, the head of Renault, announced that he would focus on the C and D class models, where profitability is higher. He explains that Renault will no longer insist on a constant increase in sales volume, but on larger models with a higher profit margin.

Renault’s photo

The C-segment saw the launch of the Mégane, Arkana and Austral models, while Renault will now focus on the D-segment, which has a 15% share of the European car market.

Renault Rafale Dimensions and weight

Total length: 4.71 m

Total width: 1.86 m

height: 1.61 m

Wheel base: 2.74 m

Front console: 942 mm

Rear console: 1029 mm

Ground clearance: 180 mm

Weight: from 1653 kg

Trunk volume: 647 liters

ENGINE

E-Tech full hybrid with a capacity of 200 hp

Thermal engine: 1.2 l 96 kW (130 hp) and 205 Nm

Electric motors: 50 kW and 205 Nm / 25 kW and 50 Nm

Battery: 2 kWh / 400 V

Gearbox: automatic multi-mode dog clutch

E-Tech 4×4 300 hp

Available later