Currently reading: Renault Arkana goes upmarket with new Esprit Alpine trim

Coupé-SUV is reworked with sporting cues in a bid to further capitalise on C-segment success

The Renault Arkana has been updated in line with the French brand’s move upmarket, bringing sharper looks and a new range-topping trim inspired by the Alpine performance brand. 

A subtle restyle introduces Renault’s new ‘Nouvel’R’ brand identity – in which the trademark rhombus logo is divided into distinct geometric lines – finished in black, satin chrome or dark chrome.

The chrome elements around the grille, windows and side skirts of the Arkana have been replaced with black-painted parts.

Additionally, the ‘blade’ front bumper previously reserved for the range-topping RS Line and E-Tech Engineered trim levels is now included on the mid-tier Techno variant.

This is painted satin grey on the new Esprit Alpine trim – which effectively replaces RS Line, as the firm distances itself from the Renault Sport branding – and matches the body colour on Techno models.

Renault arkana 2023 dashboard

The range of trim levels has been simplified to just three: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. In turn, Evolution has been upgraded to include sat-nav integration as standard, as well as the 18in wheels found on the outgoing RS Line and E-Tech Engineered cars.

The engine line-up is unchanged. Buyers can choose a mild-hybrid petrol unit with either 138bhp or 158bhp, or a full parallel hybrid with 142bhp.

Prices are expected to increase slightly from the current starting point of £28,395, in line with the updated car’s more premium billing.

Renault enjoyed great success with its renewed selection of crossovers and SUVs in the first six months of 2023, with the Austral, Arkana and Mégane E-Tech accounting for 136,195 of the brand’s total 770,800 sales. The Arkana was its best-seller in the C-segment, recording 41,821 sales, of which 55% were full-hybrids.

Renault hits 770,000 vehicle sales in 2023 driven by C-segment push

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Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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FastRenaultFan 12 July 2023
Well done Renault. It looks even better. Good to see they have not given up on the Arkana and are still developing it. I wonder will the Rafale eventually replace this or will there be a new model Arkana in a few years an electric one maybe?