Renault says it'll build and sell Arkana SUV in Asia; India is unlikely to get it
Renault has revealed the new Arkana C-segment SUV coupe at the ongoing 2018 Moscow International Auto Salon. The name of French carmaker's new SUV coupe is derived from the Latin word 'Arcanum', which is used to refer to events of special importance.
Commenting on the new model, Laurens Van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design of Groupe Renault said, "The ARKANA show car is a distinctive coupé-crossover, striking balance between the elegance of a Sedan and the powerful stance of an SUV. We have dialled in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch.”
The front-end of the Renault Arkana is characterized by the company's distinctive C-shaped lighting signature, first seen on the 2016 Megane. Another highlight is the large, upright diamond logo that takes centre stage on the broad grille. The new C-SUV gets a coupé-like roofline. The rear of the car features a Talisman-like taillight setup. The show car rides on 19-inch wheels and has a high ground clearance.
Renault confirms that the Arkana will be manufactured and sold in several global markets, starting with Russia next year. Underpinning the Russian-spec model will be a new version of the B0 platform. For mature markets, the company will use the CMF-B platform to underpin its latest C-SUV. Details on the powertrain options aren't available yet, but four-wheel-drive will be offered.
Though the press release reads "Renault ARKANA will be later manufactured and sold in Asia and other regions, with this same unique design but adapted also to local customers’ expectations," the company maybe referring to factories in China (Dongfeng-Renault JV) and South Korea (Renault Samsung Motors) where premium crossovers Koleos and Kadjar are the mainstays.
With only 3,814 units of the Captur being sold since its launch in November 2017, Renault India would take a more conservative approach in its product programs and stay away from niches. SUV buyers in India, who prefer upright and traditional designs, give a very high importance to the rear headroom, an area that coupé-crossovers fare poorly in.
