Renault Arkana brings champagne looks on a budget

Got your eye on a premium European coupe-like crossover, but can’t stomach the six-figure spend? This could be the car for you.

Renault is taking aim at BMW, Audi and Mercedes fans with a new machine that brings champagne taste on a beer budget.

Styled after swooping coupe-like SUVs such as the BMW X6, Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Renault Arkana brings premium looks to customers on a tighter budget.

Renault’s Arkana SUV is on sale now.

Priced from $33,990 to $40,990 plus on-road costs, the Arkana is based on the same platform as Renault’s compact Captur crossover.

Power comes from a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 115kW and 262Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Renault’s Arkana joins the Megane RS, Koleos and Captur in a compact range.

Renault claims 6.0L/100km fuel consumption for the reasonably compact machine.

There’s no hybrid or performance version in the range – though that may change in the future.

BMW established the coupe SUV trend with the original X6 in 2007.

The brand does not hesitate to name premium machines such as the Audi Q3 Sportback as potential rivals, mainstream machines such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Mazda CX-30 are closer competitors.

Renault promises the Arkana will be fun to drive.

The base Arkana “Zen” model has a 4.2-inch driver display and 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Climate control, faux leather trim, LED headlights and 17-inch alloys also feature in the cheapest version.

Standard safety features include auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance and active cruise control.

The Arkana’s cabin has a premium look.

Mid-grade Arkana “Intens” models priced from $37,490 plus on-road costs add 18-inch alloys, heated and ventilated seats with leather trim, sat nav, rear cross traffic alert and more.

The range-topping Arkana R.S. Line offered from $40,990 plus on-roads adds a sunroof, leather and suede trim, wireless smartphone charging and other niceties.

High-grade versions have mood lighting and a massive central touchscreen.

A 10.25-inch digital dash is an optional extra on the top grades.

Renault backs the car with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of capped price servicing.

Originally published as Renault Arkana brings champagne looks on a budget