Renault Arkana E-Tech ‘engineered’ is a hybrid range-topper

• Starting price now £300 higher
• ‘E-Tech engineered’ gets gold accents
• Updated models available to order now

The Renault Arkana range has received an update for 2022. The French marque’s coupe-SUV now has a revised trim level lineup, including a new ‘E-Tech engineered’ model, with a higher level of standard equipment being offered across the range.

Buyers can place their order for the updated Arkana now, with four different trim levels to choose from: Evolution, Techno, R.S Line and E-Tech engineered. Evolution replaces the Iconic model as the entry point into the range and starts from £26,655 – £300 more than before. Renault seeks to justify this price hike, however, as now all Arkana Evolution cars get a seven-inch digital instrument cluster which was previously exclusive to the self-charging hybrid model. 

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Other standard kit includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, automatic air-conditioning and a rear-view camera, plus a range of safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist. 

The mid-spec Techno trim takes the place of the outgoing S Edition model and starts from £28,695. As the name suggests, this trim level adds several technology-focused features such as a larger 10-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 9.3-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with built-in Google search. On top of this, Arkana Techno cars get larger 18-inch alloys, tinted windows, contrasting grey skid plates, interior ambient lighting, blind-spot monitoring and intelligent speed assistance.

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From here, the Arkana lineup branches out depending on which powertrain you choose. The sporty R.S Line model is only available with a 138bhp 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine and starts from £31,095. This model benefits from a more aggressive bodykit with design elements (loosely) inspired by the Alpine/Renault Formula One car. On the inside, R.S Line cars get leather and suede upholstery as well as heated electric front seats and park assist.

Topping the Arkana lineup is the new E-Tech engineered model which, as per its name, is only available with the 1.6-litre 142bhp E-Tech hybrid powertrain. This will set buyers back £32,695 and distinguishes itself from the rest of the lineup with a plethora of gold styling accents. Just like the R.S Line, the E-Tech engineered gets leather and suede upholstery, however this time with model-specific gold detailing. Heated electric seats are also standard as well as adaptive cruise control and the aforementioned park assist function.

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Renault Clio and Captur E-Tech engineered prices and specs

It is worth mentioning that the Arkana is not the only model in the Renault lineup to receive the new E-Tech engineered trim level. Hybrid versions of both the Clio supermini and Captur compact SUV will also now be offered in this new specification, with the E-Tech engineered replacing the R.S Line model in those lineups. 

Like the Arkana, these cars will get exclusive gold styling touches as well as a high level of standard equipment. Prices for the Renault Clio E-Tech engineered start from £23,795; the Captur E-Tech engineered instead starts from £28,395, with the more complex plug-in hybrid powertrain costing around £5,000 extra. Both cars are available to order now.

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