Currently reading: New Renault Arkana crossover previewed ahead of reveal
C-segment model will first target Russia before being offered in other markets

Renault's new crossover, which will be revealed at the Moscow motor show next week ahead of a 2019 launch, will be called the Arkana.

The firm has released a new preview image of the C-segment machine, showing the tailgate with Arkana badging on. Renault has previously shown a single image of the new model.

The Arkana is likely to be based on the Kaptur, a slightly larger version of the Renault Captur made for the Russian market. While it is conceived as a global model, the Arkana will be key to increasing Renault’s sales in Russia, its second-largest market behind France.

The crossover’s name is derived from 'arcanum', the Latin word for secret, with Renault claiming that the concept of Arkana is "associated with mystery, attractiveness and pioneer spirit".

The teaser photo shows rear lights with a bar that runs almost the full width of the tailgate, split in the middle by the Renault logo. It also shows a pronounced rear boot lip. An earlier teaser image showed the outline of the Arkana’s front. When lightened, it suggests a sportier-looking variant with a coupé-like roofline to cater to tastes for swept-back crossovers.

Renault’s latest design language, first demonstrated by the Mégane, has been applied to the new car’s nose, with C-shaped daytime running lights that feed out of the main headlight units.

Russia is a key focus for Renault because it offers the French firm an almost unrivalled opportunity for growth. In 2017, the firm sold 414,000 cars in the country. That's a 7% rise on the year before, despite the fact that Russia’s new car market shrank by 2.8%.

The new car will be built in Moscow for the Russian market in 2019, although it will eventually be offered in other countries. The UK is unlikely to be on the list of destinations, but the car’s design similarities with the Mégane suggest future models sold here, such as the upcoming Clio, will adopt the same features.

 

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James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Byzantine 22 August 2018

This isn't news.

These 'previews' are PR rubbish and it's anyone's guess why the press is so happy to do the manufacturers' bidding. Boring.

Bob Cat Brian 22 August 2018

Byzantine wrote:

Byzantine wrote:

These 'previews' are PR rubbish and it's anyone's guess why the press is so happy to do the manufacturers' bidding. Boring.

Because they generate clicks and comments. You (and I and everyone else) commenting are part of the 'problem', if you see it as one! 

Likewise with someone above questioniong why they're making another crossover, because people are buying them. If we didnt buy them, they wouldnt make them. No one is forcing us to buy them, comment on them etc.. 

Byzantine 22 August 2018

But...but...

Magazines and their online offshoots would be more widely read if the stories they carried were interesting.

Peter Cavellini 22 August 2018

The future is.....?

  Not Renault shaped, another crossover?, where why when did we the buyers say we want a Vehicle for all our needs in a utility Vehicle shape?

WallMeerkat 22 August 2018

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

  Not Renault shaped, another crossover?, where why when did we the buyers say we want a Vehicle for all our needs in a utility Vehicle shape?

 

Sadly they're cashing in on the current SUV craze.

I can only hope that the fashion fad dies out soon, as it is already in China.

I don't see how this thing fits in with the Capture / Koolos / Jamjar they already sell

xxxx 22 August 2018

Choice

Peter Cavellini wrote:

  Not Renault shaped, another crossover?, where why when did we the buyers say we want a Vehicle for all our needs in a utility Vehicle shape?

Ans: when we, the buyers, buy them.

FMS 28 August 2018

xxxx wrote:

xxxx wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

  Not Renault shaped, another crossover?, where why when did we the buyers say we want a Vehicle for all our needs in a utility Vehicle shape?

Ans: when we, the buyers, buy them.

 

What did you, the buyer, buy then?. TWIT

Cobnapint 22 August 2018

Renault could offer me free cars for life

And I still wouldn't have one. Or a Citroen. Or a Peugeot. Horrid things.

WallMeerkat 22 August 2018

Cobnapint wrote:

Cobnapint wrote:

And I still wouldn't have one. Or a Citroen. Or a Peugeot. Horrid things.

I don't know what you drive, but you do know that Nissans are basically Renaults these days? Or that Mitsubishi are in the same alliance?

Or that Fords, Jaguars, Range Rovers, Volvos, MINIs all used Peugeot/Citroen diesel engines?

Cobnapint 22 August 2018

I don't know what you drive either

But you've made my point.

FMS 28 August 2018

Cobnapint wrote:

Cobnapint wrote:

But you've made my point.

 

So now that's sorted out...what do you own/drive?.