Renault Arkana crossover coupe hits NZ, pricing confirmed

Renault’s latest crossover, the coupe-shaped Arkana, is set to roll out at the French firm’s dealerships around the country in the coming weeks, with the brand’s local arm confirming spec and pricing for the model overnight. 

The Arkana fills a gap in the Renault SUV line-up between the compact Duster and the mid-size Koleos, rivalling the likes of other sleek crossover coupes like the Mazda CX-30. 

Three models of Arkana are set to be offered in New Zealand; the entry level Zen, the mid-spec Intens, and the sporty RS Line. Pricing kicks off at $39,990 for the Zen, extending to $44,990 for the Intens. 

Renault has yet to reveal pricing for the RS Line, which is set to arrive in the country later than the other two models. 

Each model comes with the same turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW of power and 262Nm of torque. It’s paired to a seven-speed electronic dual-clutch transmission, which helps send that power to the front wheels. 

Each model gets adaptive cruise, a heated steering wheel, parking assist, climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as standard, although there’s still a fair amount of spec difference between the trims. 

The Zen features a 7.0-inch touchscreen and 17-inch wheels. Those grow to 9.3-inches and 18-inches respectively in the Intense. It also throws in leather and suede upholstery, heated and electronically adjustable front seats, and ambient lighting. 

The RS Line, meanwhile, gets an exclusive colour in Valencia Orange (giving the model a bit of matchy matchy with its Megane RS sibling), red interior stitching, wireless phone charging, blackened exterior trim (namely the front splitter and window trim), a sunroof, and more. 

“We welcome the arrival of the Renault Arkana to our growing lineup, it’s a good looking vehicle that will likely appeal to people living in metro areas or those who want to stand out,” says Renault New Zealand general manager Sam Waller. 

“It’s a stylish SUV coupé that offers a spacious cabin, generous boot space, plenty of storage, and the latest safety tech. […] The Arkana is also a great option for those keen to move away from a small car, and into the SUV space but aren’t sure about making the full switch.”