Why buy a used Renault Arkana?
As one of Renault's more recent models, a used Renault Arkana is a great match for those who want an SUV that offers both sleek looks and decent all-round practicality. With a choice between mild and full hybrid power, the Arkana is a forward-thinking vehicle that offers something a little different to the usual SUV mould.
Used Renault Arkana buying guide
Powertrains
When searching for a used Arkana, you'll be glad to know that there's no confusing powertrain line-up to work out, with only a handful of options to consider:
- TCe 140 (mild hybrid): 138bhp, up to 48mpg, and 0 to 60mph in 9.8 seconds.
- E-Tech 145 (full hybrid): 143bhp, up to 58mpg, and 0 to 60mph in 10.8 seconds.
Neither option is particularly a potent performer, but what you do get is a smooth driving experience that prioritises refinement. Both powertrains utilise an electric motor to support a traditional combustion engine to enhance fuel economy. The full hybrid powertrain does offer a limited all-electric driving range which is best used when stuck in slow-moving urban traffic.
Practicality
Despite having sleek SUV-coupe styling, the Renault Arkana's overall practicality is impressive. The sloping roofline may impact headroom somewhat, but overall the interior is very spacious with plenty of room for all on-board.
Sitting in the mid-size SUV segment, overall boot space comes in at an impressive 513 litres for mild hybrid variants and 480 litres for full hybrid variants due to the additional space required to house the batteries. Its closest rivals, such as the Toyota C-HR (up to 388 litres) and the Citroen C4 (up to 380 litres) offer noticeably less. For times when you do need extra space, you're able to fold the rear seats to unlock up to 1,296 litres of space.
The Renault Arkana can also tow a braked weight of between 760kg to 900kg, which is ideal for pulling the likes of a trailer. If you plan on towing a caravan though, you may be better off looking at other options such as the Skoda Karoq.
Safety
As one of Renault's more recent models, expectations are fairly high when it comes to safety and the Renault Arkana delivered, achieving the full five-star safety rating when it went through Euro NCAP's rigorous testing procedures.
The CMF-B platform on which the Arkana is built features an optimised body and seat structure to enhance occupant protection in the case of a collision. An intelligent 'Fix4sure' seatbelt design helps to ensure all seatbelts remain in the correct position at all times, too.
Standard safety features include the likes of autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and cruise control but opting for a higher specification can see you unlock further active and passive safety tech such as a blind-spot warning system and automated parking.
Technology
There's a plethora of equipment and technology to be found on used Arkana models, so be sure to double-check the exact specifications of any vehicle to ensure it has everything you're after.
Entry-level 'Evolution' variants come well-equipped as is, with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, automatic headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a rearview camera all coming as standard. Opting for a higher specification such as the R.S. Line or Techno will see you benefit from additional gadgets such as adaptive cruise control and a large 9.3-inch 'EASY LINK' touchscreen.
The Arkana's model line-up was updated in 2023, with further equipment being added to the standard list, so you may want to consider a newer example if you're after the widest range of features.
Different generations of used Renault Arkana
Having only been introduced to the UK in 2021, the Arkana is still a relatively recent addition to the Renault line-up. Still in its first generation, it sits alongside other SUVs such as the Kadjar and Captur, offering a sleeker look to its sibling's more traditional SUV looks. Despite being somewhat of a newcomer to an uber-competitive segment, the Arkana quickly established itself as an appealing option with many used examples now being readily available on the used market.