Sporty Arkana RS Line coupe-SUV arrives

RENAULT has added the flagship RS Line variant to its Arkana coupe-SUV range, the range-topping model adding a suite of sporty design elements to the mid-tier Arkana Intens grade on which it is based including 18-inch RS Line alloy wheels, a model-specific front bumper design, RS Line badging, gunmetal grey door trims, and front and rear skid plates.

Priced from $42,090 plus on-road costs, the Arkana RS Line asks a $3500 premium over the Intens variant. It shares the same 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine found across the Arkana range and offers 115kW and 262Nm while returning a fuel economy average of just 6.0 litres per 100km.

“Strategic additions like the Arkana RS Line are a clear nod to our sporting heritage and allow us to continue to grow the brand ahead of other new models we have coming,” Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey.

“With positive sales growth at the end of 2021, a massive 150 per cent growth year to date in 2022, and an engaged dealer network, the outlook for the Renault brand is undoubtedly positive – subject to production availability, of course.”

Inside, Renault’s racing heritage is recognised by RS Line door sill covers, a carbon-fibre look interior trim, alloy sport pedal facings, a leather and perforated leather steering wheel with RS Line badging, red and grey contrast stitching, and RS badging.

The model is specified with additional equipment including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, frameless electrochromatic rear-view mirror, and a sunroof.

Optionally, the Arkana RS Line is available with metallic paint ($750) and a contrasting black roof ($600).

A successor to the short-lived Kadjar, the Arkana is offered locally in three grades – Zen, Intens and RS Line. The front-drive line-up claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 205km/h.

Standard equipment highlights on the entry-level Zen include two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, climate control, a heated leather steering wheel and LED headlights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen system featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity and a an Arkamys Auditorium sound system.

A 4.2-inch driver display, adaptive cruise control, easy park assist, electric park break and the Renault Easy Drive driver assist suite are also included as standard.

Stepping up to the Intens adds bigger 18-inch alloys, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with leather and suede upholstery, a vertically oriented 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite navigation, three drive modes, auto-hold, a 7.0-inch driver display, rear cross traffic alert and over-speed prevention.

A full suite of the latest passive and active safety measures – including Active Emergency Braking with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, and rear cross-traffic alert – have ensured the Arkana is ANCAP five-star safety rated.

The Arkana offers up to 485 litres of boot space (including underfloor storage) with the rear seats in place, or 1268 litres with them folded flat.

Renault offers the Arkana with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty which includes roadside assistance and capped-price servicing. Service pricing over five years totals $2385.

The Renault Arkana RS Line is available now.

2022 Renault Arkana pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.