Renault Arkana: Bold design marries everyday practicality

I recently picked up the all-new Renault Arkana from Arabian Automobiles for a test drive, and to say it’s been an exhilarating ride would be an understatement. As someone who loves to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new releases, especially in the ever-expanding Dubai car scene, I was eager to see how this stylish coupe-SUV would stack up against the competition. With its recent introduction to the Dubai market, the Arkana brings a breath of fresh air, blending bold aesthetics with performance-driven engineering.

At first glance, the Renault Arkana‘s design grabs your attention. It’s not just another SUV on the road; it’s got this coupe-like silhouette that instantly sets it apart from the crowd. The sloping roofline, muscular wheel arches, and sleek chrome detailing exude a sense of modern sophistication while still holding onto a sporty, athletic character. I love how the signature C-shaped LED headlights stand out, especially at night when they light up the streets with a distinct, razor-sharp intensity.

The front grille is aggressive without being overstated, and the subtle chrome accents enhance the Arkana’s premium vibe. The 18-inch alloy wheels, particularly with the diamond-cut finish, give it a grounded yet stylish stance. From the side, the sweeping roofline may have you worried about interior space, but I found that Renault struck a perfect balance—managing to keep it visually dynamic without sacrificing too much room inside.

The Arkana’s silhouette is bold and sporty, with a coupe-like roofline that sets it apart from the typical boxy SUVs we see on the roads here. The chrome accents, muscular shoulders, and LED lighting give it a modern edge, making it a head-turner on Dubai’s urban streets and highways alike. Whether cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or pulling up to a restaurant, it has an undeniable presence that blends elegance with athleticism.

Inside the cabin, I was pleasantly surprised by how refined and tech-savvy the Arkana is. The Arkana’s cabin feels upscale, which was a pleasant surprise for a car in its segment. What drew me in immediately was the 9.3-inch vertical touchscreen, which dominates the dashboard and offers everything from navigation to multimedia controls, as well as seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The layout is clean and intuitive, giving off a tech-savvy vibe without feeling over-complicated. The interface is responsive and easy to use, so I didn’t have to fumble with settings while driving—especially useful when navigating Dubai’s busy roads.

The seating is another strong point. The leather upholstery with contrasting stitching gives the interior a luxurious feel, while the seats themselves are supremely comfortable. They’re adjustable, heated, and provide great lumbar support, which is a blessing for those long drives from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or even weekend trips to Ras Al Khaimah. The rear seats, despite the coupe-like roofline, offer adequate headroom, which was something I was concerned about. Renault has cleverly designed the interior to feel roomy and not cramped, even for taller passengers.

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the Arkana: the engine. The one I’ve got is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which might sound modest at first, but let me assure you, it’s anything but. The engine delivers 140 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque, which, paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, results in a surprisingly dynamic and responsive driving experience.

In everyday city driving, the Arkana feels agile. The turbo kicks in smoothly, and the gearbox shifts effortlessly, especially in ‘Eco’ mode. It’s perfect for navigating through Dubai’s traffic, where quick acceleration is essential for those fast lane changes and getting ahead of the rush. On the highways, particularly when I’ve taken it out towards the open roads of the desert or the long stretch between Downtown Dubai and Jebel Ali, the Arkana maintains a solid and confident composure.

What truly impressed me, though, was the ride quality. The suspension is finely tuned for comfort, absorbing most of the bumps and uneven road surfaces you’d encounter. Even when driving over the occasional pothole or speed bump, the Arkana’s suspension system does a great job at cushioning the blow, keeping the ride smooth and quiet.

In terms of handling, the Arkana is nimble, thanks to its lightweight chassis and precise steering. The steering is well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver through tight spots in city parking lots while offering enough feedback at higher speeds to give you confidence.

Cornering is surprisingly sharp for an SUV with a high riding position, and body roll is minimal, which speaks volumes about Renault’s commitment to balancing SUV practicality with dynamic handling.

The car also comes with a range of drive modes—‘Eco,’ ‘Sport,’ and ‘MySense.’ I found myself using the ‘Sport’ mode throughout the four day test drive, especially when I was in the mood for a more engaging drive. This mode sharpens the throttle response, tightens the steering, and adjusts the transmission for quicker shifts, making for a more exhilarating driving experience when you want to push it a bit.

The Arkana is packed with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are not only impressive but crucial for a city like Dubai, where driving can be unpredictable. The adaptive cruise control works like a charm, especially on long highway journeys, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead without requiring constant inputs. Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring are equally useful, especially when changing lanes on the fast-moving roads.

Dubai’s mix of urban driving and long highways can take a toll on fuel efficiency, but the Renault Arkana manages to impress here too. The 1.3-litre engine, paired with its lightweight design, delivers respectable fuel economy. I’ve been averaging around 6.5 to 7 litres per 100 km, which is quite good for a vehicle of its size and capability. In ‘Eco’ mode, it was even better, allowing me to stretch out my fuel stops without feeling like I’m compromising on performance.

All in all, the Renault Arkana is a fantastic addition to Dubai’s automotive landscape. It offers a perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality, while also standing out with its sleek coupe-inspired design. From the refined interior to its dynamic engine, the Arkana delivers an all-around excellent driving experience.

Arabian Automobiles made the test drive experience smooth and straightforward, and they’ve earned my appreciation over these years, with their attention to detail and customer service. If you’re in the market for an SUV that combines a sporty aesthetic with everyday usability, the Renault Arkana should definitely be on your radar. It’s versatile, it’s stylish, and most importantly, it’s fun to drive—making it an ideal choice for anyone living in or around Dubai.