We had already driven the new Renault Rafale, in its proposal Full hybrid E-Tech. However, we still needed to know the concept of the iconic Rafale plane, from other times. We then went to discover the powerful Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 hp on the Monegasque roads.
Rafale... a sky racer
No, the car did not take its name from the well-known fighter plane, which actually has the same name. The origins of the Rafale are much older, let's go back to the 1930s. In 1934, an unusual competition aircraft opened a new path: or Caudron-Renault Rafale. Now, almost 100 years later, this aerial reference has inspired Renault to create yet another icon for the roads.
This large D-segment SUV already boasted elegant lines, a modern and welcoming cabin, an engaging chassis and a simple, pleasant and efficient 200 hp hybrid powertrain. But it still needed a few horses under the hood to really make its mark at the top of the line. This is now the case of the new 300 hp E-Tech 4x4 version.
Design that stands out
The Renault Rafale continues to boast the same attractive styling in this new 300 hp plug-in hybrid variant. With a low roofline (1.61 metres) that dips into a voluminous rear end, it has a rather racy appearance.
With the Atelier Alpine finish specific to this new engine, it is visually distinguished by its 21-inch wheels, fitted with wider tires and a Satin Summit Blue body color optional with matte finish.
Cutting-edge technology with OpenR Link
Entering the Rafale cockpit will not surprise connoisseurs of the latest Renault models.
Inside, there is the famous OpenR Link digital cockpit, with its two L-shaped screens, 12.3 and 12 inches, which offer excellent viewing definition and ideal ergonomics.
The Rafale differentiates itself, however, by the use of specific materials, such as the blackboard found on the dashboard.
As for the top-of-the-range Atelier Alpine version, it can be identified by the Alpine logo illuminated on front seat backrests and for its bright blue carpet and rugs that are reminiscent of... Clio Williams.
The cabin of this Rafale is brighter and more customizable than ever, thanks to Renault's checkmate in the panoramic roof game. Solarbay technology, signed by the French brand, is based on glass with an opacifying feature.
This allows vehicle occupants to adjust the glass transparency automatically or manually.
(Slight) reduction in boot space
Thanks to the space freed up by the few centimeters that the Solarbay occupies, the Renault Rafale offers more headroom, as well as generous space in the back. The seats are comfortable and have good lateral support at the front.
Compared to the simple hybrid version, this plug-in hybrid loses the double boot bottom, due to the presence of the charger and rear engine. But the trunk volume remains 539 liters (previously 627 liters).
Challenging driving
Designed on the technical basis of the 200 hp E-Tech hybrid drivetrain, this plug-in hybrid version has evolved on several levels.
Under the hood, the three-cylinder gasoline engine, with a capacity of 1.2 liters, has a new turbocharger, which increases its power to 110 kW or 150 hp (compared to the 96 kW or 130 hp of the E- version). Tech 200 hp) and its torque is 230 Nm (compared to 205 Nm).
The clutchless, multi-mode gearbox is appropriately adapted to these changes.
The Rafale's 300 hp E-Tech 4x4 engine was designed on the technical basis of the 200 hp E-Tech hybrid powertrain, with the addition of an electric motor on the rear axle and a rechargeable battery with an increased capacity of 22 kWh .
While the 70 hp main electric motor on the front axle remains combined with the 34 hp secondary electric motor, these are now joined by a third 136 hp electric motor on the rear axle. As a result, the combined power of all these engines increases to 300 hp.
The battery has also been improved, with a gross capacity of 22 kWh, giving the Rafale an all-electric range of 105 km. Recharging takes less than 3 hours with a 7.4 kWh terminal.
A hybrid with electric quirks
In practice, with the battery charged and pure electric mode activated, the Rafale drives like a 100% electric vehiclethanks to the power of its three electric motors.
Acceleration and deceleration are quick and sufficient in most situations. There is also a very powerful regenerative braking system with paddles mounted on the steering wheel, although there is no one-pedal driving function.
As for the promised range, it does indeed seem achievable in reality, but we will check this in more detail in our section “Fuel consumption and range in real conditions”. Even with the battery discharged, the Rafale PHEV continues to show excellent efficiency, with a promised value of just 5.8 liters/100 km.
What if you need more power?
Just press hard on the accelerator and all 300 hp are sent to four-wheel drive, just like in the hybrid mode also offered.
Although the sound of the small engine is not particularly exciting, the Performance is very dynamic, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds and an acceleration of 80 to 120 km/h in just 4 seconds.
Adapted chassis "au point"
If all Renault Rafales already benefit from wide tracks and four-wheel steering, this 300 hp version adds permanent four-wheel drivewith a variable rear-wheel/wheel-drive ratio depending on driving style.
Even higher, the Atelier Alpine trim adds a specific chassis and intelligent active suspension. On the small roads of the Principality of Monaco, and in the interior of Nice, during our test drive, the Renault Rafale Atelier Alpine proved to be very comfortable, despite its large construction and 300 kg additional weight compared to the Rafale with a small battery.
Its four-wheel steering lets you get around corners and its torque lets you get out of them quickly. Sometimes it feels like we're cornering in a Clio.
However, even with the strongest adjustment, the steering still lacks some precision and the 1,934 kg of empty weight is inevitably felt when braking.
The innovative electronically controlled intelligent suspension system, connected to a camera located at the top of the windshield, called Active Suspension, with Predictive Cameraallows the Rafale to "read the road", ensuring the comfort of its occupants or, for some "pilots", stiffen the damping in sport mode.
Price of the new Renault Rafale
The Renault Rafale is available from 55,000 euros, with an E-Tech 4x4 300 hp plug-in hybrid engine.
With distinct technical characteristics, the Alpine studio version of the E-Tech 4x4 300 hp plug-in hybrid is available from 59,500 euros.
Final notes
This new 300 hp E-Tech plug-in hybrid version combines technological performance with the aggression of a muscular SUV.
Dynamic thanks to its chassis, extensively renewed in the Atelier Alpine finish, it is also efficient and effective. And, retaining the intrinsic qualities of the hybrid Rafale, this 300 hp plug-in hybrid Rafale E-Tech is, without a doubt, an excellent flagship of the Renault brand.
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
