Renault unveils all-new Arkana show car at Moscow show

MEDIA RELEASE

31 August 2018

Cross-country strength meets urban style as Renault unveils its Arkana show car, a distinctive coupé-crossover with a design that addresses the broadening desire for an SUV for every purpose.

Arkana was revealed this week at the 2018 Moscow International Auto Salon. Initially, it will be built in Moscow, ensuring the massive Russian market can be served and demand satisfied with minimal delay.

Renault New Zealand General Manager, Henry Belt says the Arkana balances sedan elegance and SUV sturdiness and is “an innovative concept to meet new expectations and diverse uses in town or country, at the ski fields and the beach and of course for effortless long-distance travel.”

 “When it goes on world-wide sale in 2019, Arkana will offer customers a French take on SUV life. We will be watching developments closely to decide whether the new model is right for this country and in what format,” he said.

In Arkana’s design and styling, robustness is expressed through a high ground clearance, wide wheel arches and large 19” wheels. Mr Belt says the elegance of the Arkana’s high waistline, well-realised glass areas and sloping coupé roof-line are emphasised by chrome glass strapping and a wide panoramic glass roof.

“Make no mistake, Arkana has a bold road presence, but at the same time the well-judged use of Renault’s signature styling cues endow it with a light and gentle ‘feel’ when viewed from the side and it thus looks at home in both urban and provincial environments,” said Mr Belt.

Renault’s designers have successfully brought together the powerful and practical look of the large coupe-crossover with specific Renault ‘family’ cues and a strong, sensual design overlaid by the distinctive French touch the company’s customers expect

Globally, the Arkana will be available with a wide range of engines and either two or four wheel drive. Mr Belt Renault would choose driveline options that best suit New Zealand “and how and where Kiwi families work and play”.

As an all-new model, and a flagship for Renault’s Drive the Future programme, Arkana expands Renault’s range at a crucial point, and is expected to introduce many new motorists to the global Renault family when it launches in 2019.“Images of this powerful and attractive design indicate the vehicle is very much in a road-ready state so we will be watching closely as key details and timings are confirmed,” Mr Belt said.

For more information, please contact:

Henry Belt
General Manager, Renault New Zealand
+64 27 448 7030

Renault New Zealand

Renault is part of the world’s biggest global alliance of automotive brands. The company was established in France in 1898 and now offers a range of award-winning models. The Captur small SUV has been best seller in its class since launch in 2013 and has garnered numerous awards. Locally, the Trafic Van was named Van of the Year in Light Commercial Vehicle magazine 2017; the larger Renault Master Van was Driven magazine’s Van of the Year 2017.

Renault has a proud heritage in motorsport that is apparent in the sporting influences evident in its modern vehicles. The company is a multiple Formula One champion, has long been a rally winner at World Championship level and dominated touring car racing in Europe and the UK.