A pioneer of affordable SUV coupes, the Renault Arkana can also be a good choice second-hand. Here are our tips for choosing the right one!
Renault had a good nose with its Arkana, so much did the look of its SUV coupé hit the mark. The manufacturer even got ahead of its main French competitor Peugeot, which was slow to release its SUV coupé, the 408, and paid for it in sales despite the qualities of its model. The popularity of the Renault model means that it is now very present on the second-hand market. To choose your Arkana on the second-hand market, follow the guide!
Well-stocked equipment right from the entry level
The platform of the Renault Arkana, borrowed from the Captur (urban SUV) highlights an important detail: if the body is lengthened by 34 cm (4.57 m), the wheelbase progresses by only 8 “small” centimeters. As a result, there is little room for the passengers’ legs. Enough to regret the sliding bench seat of the little brother… On the other hand, the trunk is large and has an adjustable floor. At the wheel, we appreciate the ergonomics of the controls. However, there is a lack of larger storage space under the armrest to achieve a faultless performance. The quality of the furniture promises to age well. However, cracks in the foam can cause the seat cushions to sag. In terms of equipment, the entry-level Zen includes 17” aluminum rims, hands-free access and starting, automatic air conditioning and a reversing camera. Not bad! A Business adds navigation and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. More polished, the Intens is dressed in 18” wheels and chrome highlighting windows and side skirts. On board, fabric-imitation leather upholstery, digital counters and 23.6 cm multimedia panel modernize the ambiance. However, sometimes, the multimedia screen freezes, or lights come on unexpectedly. An update can solve the problem for around €150. The induction charging zone also struggles to accommodate the largest smartphones. Finally, the Arkana RS Line stands out with its sports bumpers and red stitching in the passenger compartment. Because of a tilted rear window, and the lack of a windshield wiper, rearview becomes almost zero in the rain and at low speed. For maneuvers, radars and a reversing camera help to identify the contours of the Arkana.
Renault Arkana: Balanced driving
No “sport” at the wheel, the behavior remains balanced, but neutral. We also appreciate the softness of the steering, less the relative dryness of the damping, especially with the 18″ wheels fitted with low-sidewall tires. Note that only the EDC robotized gearbox is associated with the 1.3 TCe “thermal” engines of 140 and 160 hp. Blocks providing tone, flexibility and discretion. Smooth, sober and silent (in its 100% electric phases), the E-Tech 145 hybrid shines in urban areas. On the highway, it is penalized by erratic operation (inconstant thermal + electric power) and by a sometimes hesitant dog gearbox. The ears then suffer, while the difference in consumption is reduced.
On the 1.3 TCe, some cases of jerking during acceleration indicate a malfunction of the calculator (injection too lean or too rich). Reprogramming the box can eliminate the phenomenon for around €150.
A malfunction of the electric motor of Arkana E-Tech 145 produced between April 29, 2020 and April 13, 2023 has been the subject of a recall campaign. It is therefore advisable to ensure that the model you are targeting second-hand has been through the workshop. Same story for Arkana manufactured before November 21, 2021, this time concerning an incorrect calibration of the power steering assistance computer (hardening due to overheating when the steering wheel reaches the stop).
On the second-hand market, we advise you an Arkana 1.3 TCe 140 EDC Business. This block already provides great driving pleasure. The equipment of a Business forgets nothing. Expect to pay around €17,500 for around 60,000 km on the clock.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
