2024 Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine new car review
This stylish SUV appeals to Grand Prix fans looking for a sporty SUV that presents a point of difference.
Renault’s “Esprit Alpine” promises a taste of Formula 1 glamour at an affordable price, even if its F1 team has not tasted champagne for a while.
The Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine shapes up as a sporty and stylish coupe-like SUV that leans on the brand’s Grand Prix heritage – for a much lower price than on-track rivals such as Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin or Mercedes-AMG.
The Esprit Alpine starts from $45,000 plus on-road costs, the same price as its predecessor, the Arkana R.S. Line.
The price is certainly appealing and makes the Esprit a compelling option for those seeking a stylish, sporty SUV coupe without breaking the bank.
The Esprit Alpine variant is the top-of-the-range model, which boasts a sleek coupe-like profile, combined with bold design elements inspired by Renault’s Alpine Formula 1 aesthetic.
The exterior features a glossy black chrome-finish grille, twin black exhaust tips, new Renault logo on the rear, new tail lights, reflecting a sporty yet sophisticated appearance.
Additional design elements such as the F1-inspired aerodynamic blade and the 19-inch two tone alloy wheels enhance its look.
Inside, the vehicle carries on the sporty theme with a cabin that is appealing and comfortable for a range of customers.
The seats are upholstered in a beautiful combination of suede-style and leatherette however the material used across the dash feels cheap.
A French influence is noticeable through the new tricolour stitching of red, white and blue.
The interior is very functional with a mix of buttons available under the infotainment system and on the steering wheel.
The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable, provisioning ample support for long drives.
The steering wheel is also heated, a feature that is great on those cold days.
The rear offers generous space, dual USB ports, rear air vents and fold-down armrest with separate cup holders.
As for the technology, the Arkana offers a 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen, which is great in size and easy to navigate.
It offers all the modern connectivity features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus wireless charging.
The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster adds to the hi-tech feel, though it doesn’t display CarPlay or Android apps for instance, which might disappoint those who rely heavily on smartphone navigation. But you can use the 9.3-inch infotainment system for smartphone connectivity.
Two new upgrades include the Bose premium sound system featuring eight speakers and subwoofer, and a 360-degree camera however the quality is average.
A handful of colour options are available.
It has a generous boot but the tailgate is a manual proposition – there is no power assistance.
On the road, the Arkana handles itself well.
But power is modest – the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine delivers just 115kW and 262Nm.
No wonder Alpine is on the back of the F1 grid.
A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provides smooth and timely shifts, but there is noticeable lag when taking off from a stop.
Despite this, the Arkana is efficient with a fuel consumption rating of 5.9 L/100km, making it a cost-effective option.
Safety is a strong point for the Arkana with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and it comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features including active emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
Every Arkana is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.
If you’re looking for an SUV that has a sporty design, a decent driving experience, is efficient and won’t break the bank, the Arkana is worth considering.
However, be prepared to accept a few trade-offs.
At the end of the day you get what you pay for, and for many buyers, that will be just fine.
Verdict: 3/5
The Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine is a stylish and affordable machine in the SUV coupe segment.
It offers a good mix of design, technology and functionality at a competitive price point.
However, this F1-inspired machine is not without compromise.
RENAULT ARKANA ESPRIT ALPINE
PRICE About $49,000 drive-away
MOTOR 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 115kW and 262 Nm.
WARRANTY/SERVICING Five year/unlimited kilometre, five year capped price servicing totalling $2,385
SAFETY 5-star ANCAP safety rating, auto emergency braking, traffic recognition, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera
LUGGAGE 485 litres
‘Woke, outdated’: Jaguar ad brutally roasted
A bizarre new ad for car brand Jaguar has been widely mocked as “woke” and “outdated” by social media users.
Sorry over 50s, you need driving tests
A proposal suggesting drivers take on mandatory driving lessons triggered a nerve with Aussie motorists. But it’s true.
Catch: Buy a ‘Lambo’ for 20pc of the price
It goes like a Lambo, feels like one and even performs like one - and it’s only 20 percent of the price but there’s a catch.