Renault Arkana review

As discussed on the Overview of this review, the Arkana range is fairly bijou: there are just three trims and post-facelift, only one powertrain. Presumably Renault has looked at the sales figures and concluded that more hybrid is the way to go.

Prices kick off from £26,995 for the base Evolution trim. As standard you get LED automatic headlights, 17in alloy wheels, electric and heated mirrors, tinted rear windows, automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, the duo seven-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, automatic wipers, cruise control and a handful of active safety systems.Not a bad haul at all.

Next up is Techno for £28,995. In come front parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, to 10in display and 9.3in touchscreen, all three driving modes, ambient lighting, artificial leather upholstery and 18in alloys. Oh, and blind spot monitoring.

Then there’s the Esprit Alpine, heading the line-up for £31,295. That brings 19s and black door mirrors, double exhaust, gloss black tailpipe tips, heated and power adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, a fancier (but still fake) leather and suede finish, adaptive cruise control, and many, many Alpine logos to convey your inherent sportiness to the world.

There are seven exterior colours to choose from, all with chic names. We’ll just call ‘em grey, black, blue, and two shades apiece of red and white. Only one of the whites is free. Grr.

Who pays cash these days? Give me monthlies.

If you’re really going to ignore the multitude of other cars in this part of the market, then we reckon you’re best off sticking with the base model for maximum value. Small wheels tend to make for the best ride too.

Stick £4k down on an Arkana and you’ll be faced with monthly repayments of £305 over four years at 7.9 per cent APR, with an annual, 10,000-mile limit. Shop around and you might get a better deal. Renault will offer you 0 per cent APR, but only if you cough up almost £10k up front.