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- Renault claims that its Arkana and Captur models offer the best of both worlds.
- A unique challenge was devised to truly put this new drivetrain through its paces.
- A claimed fuel consumption of 5.0-litres/100km will undoubtedly appeal to cash-strapped South Africans.
Renault is one of the pioneers of electric vehicles in Europe. They are now using their expertise in motor design, battery energy efficiency, energy recuperation and adding hybrid and rechargeable hybrid engines to increase accessibility to a broader consumer base.
This rollout saw Renault develop E-Tech powertrains, which are hybrid and rechargeable hybrid drivetrains for popular models such as the Clio, Captur and Megane.
E-Tech combines a traditional combustion engine with two electric motors, one for traction and the second as a starter alternator. In a rechargeable hybrid E-Tech model, the driver can enjoy 100% electric mode for up to 65km. The electric drive, multi-mode gearbox, regenerative braking and large battery capacity all contribute to significant energy economy compared to combustion-powered vehicles and result in around 40% less consumption on an urban cycle for a hybrid E-Tech model.
Two Renault E-tech models under local consideration
Renault South Africa is currently considering the Arkana and Captur Hybrid E-tech models for local introduction. These models promise a great combination of reduced fuel consumption and improved driving pleasure.
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Both models use the same powertrain comprising a 108kW E-Tech hybrid drivetrain that is economical and has the added benefit of reduced automotive emissions.
A four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine, adapted to hybrid technology, contributes 70kW while the e-engine adds 36kW and the high-voltage starter generator 15kW. The motors can operate independently or in unison, directing their energy to the wheels or to the battery.
Regenerative braking combined with the high self-charge capacity of the 1.2kWh batteries and the efficiency of the E-Tech system optimises consumption. These vehicles can either be driven on electric power only in urban environments or when travelling on the open road; the electric motors assist the petrol engine when power is needed. This results in a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.0 litres per 100km, which is about 40% less than their traditionally powered counterparts.
Multi-sense driver modes allow the driver to optimise settings for the engine mapping, power-assisted steering, ambient lights and the digital screen via three driving modes.
Sporty SUV-styled Arkana
The Renault Arkana boasts sporty SUV styling as it combines robustness and elegance, a motorsport-inspired splitter, gold detailing, Silverstone wheel rims with gold inserts and twin exhausts. Signature C-shaped headlights are distinctive to the Renault design language and incorporate LEDs for improved nighttime visibility. The SUV-coupe styling blends the unique dynamic design of the Arkana with pleasing attributes from the world of SUVs.
The interior is high-tech; the dashboard features two screens, a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a 9.3-inch vertical touchscreen on the central console. Connectivity features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging.
The Arkana is built for families, and rear passengers enjoy 211mm of knee room and 862mm of headroom while the boot capacity measures 480 litres.
Expanding the Captur offering with hybrid technology
The Captur E-Tech hybrid sports a gold front bumper with an F1 blade, shiny black front and rear skid plates and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior features an exceptional design, a smart cockpit, a 9.3-inch driver-oriented multimedia touchscreen, customisable seven-inch digital instrumentation, a unique floating console incorporating a futuristic shift lever within easy reach, clever storage space, and much more.
The best of both worlds
The Renault Arkana and Captur promise to offer the best of both worlds, including the best of French design and revolutionary technology, as well as access to a more efficient yet dynamic driving experience.
Renault came up with a unique challenge to allow us to experience this combination of performance and efficiency. Groups of four journalists per car were tasked to see who could do the most laps around Zwartkops raceway in eight hours of continuous driving while using the least amount of fuel.
Organisers didn't divulge which of these parameters would be the most important, and we were left with the choice to drive as economically as possible and achieve an incredible fuel consumption or try to find a balance.
Our team, driving an Arkana E-Tech, opted for the latter, trying to drive as efficiently as possible while maintaining a reasonably rapid lap time. However, during the eight hours, we adjusted that strategy and added a bit of haste as we aimed to do just enough to stay ahead of our competitors in terms of laps while trying to use as little fuel as possible.
Driving a car around a racetrack usually is only about one thing, and that is going as fast as possible, but this challenge added another dimension in terms of fuel saving as it really requires you as a driver to be smooth and consistent as you find the balance between performance and fuel economy. That being said, the Arkana E-Tech actually made it easy.
After the eight-hour stint, our team had completed an incredible 246 laps of the relatively tight Zwartkops raceway, equalling a distance of 590km. However, most incredibly, once the cars were refilled and actual fuel consumption was calculated, we had used an average of just 7.34-litres per 100km. To give you an idea, a 2.0-litre turbocharged hot hatch will use more than 20-litres per 100km when driven in anger around a race track.
A racetrack is probably the worst place to test fuel consumption, and the tight and twisty Zwartkops raceway even less so, but if the Arkana E-Tech can achieve 7.34 litres per 100km around there, imagine what it can do in the real world.
Local availability
Both the Arkana and Capture E-Tech hybrid models are still under consideration for local introduction, with Renault executives citing the additional taxes and ad valorem that are charged on imported new energy vehicles as a significant hindrance in getting the pricing competitive at this stage. Local pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch date, hopefully towards the middle of 2024.
