Renault Rafale

After the Arkana, Renault is continuing its breakthrough in the world of coupe SUVs by unveiling the Rafale. Marketed since the spring of 2024, this 100% new model relies on clean lines, a chic look, a neat finish, a wide range of technology and a 300 hp plug-in hybrid variant. Here is an overview of this top-of-the-range car from Renault.

The look and dimensions of the Renault Rafale

The enemy is clearly identified. The Rafale is Renault's asset for stealing customers from the Peugeot 408. It must be said that the SUV with the diamond has what it takes to seduce with a body with lively lines and multiple chic details. For example, the stylized Rafale inscription on the tailgate; the wide grille with numerous bluish embossed diamonds; or the daytime running lights with the appearance of a half-diamond, a gimmick that appeared on the restyled Clio V and evoked the fangs of Peugeot productions. The receding roofline is extended by a spoiler, which reinforces the dynamic appearance. Several black fittings adorn the wheel arches, rocker panels and rear bumper, while the wheel arches are filled with imposing wheels whose size varies between 20 and 21 inches depending on the trim selected. Despite the finesse of the lines, it should be remembered that the Rafale has generous dimensions: 4.71 m long, 1.86 m wide and 1.61 m high. A size close to space.

The presentation of the Rafale echoes the other Renault productions. Appearing on the Mégane E-Tech, then available on the Austral and the Espace, the two screens of the OpenAir system adorn the dashboard. The 12.3-inch horizontal interface behind the steering wheel centralizes driving information, while the 12-inch vertical module manages the vehicle's comfort settings and benefits from specific graphics. The plastic atmosphere of the Renaults of yesteryear seems to have been forgotten thanks to the use of quality materials that evolve according to the finishes: recycled fabrics, slate, Alcantara, cork... Thanks to its generous dimensions, the diamond-shaped SUV offers a strong sense of welcome with plenty of legroom. As an option, the Solar Bay panoramic roof (which automatically opacifies thanks to liquid crystals) allows you to shave a few centimetres of headroom. The trunk has a volume of 530 dm3 but does not offer a flat floor when the rear seat is folded down.

The engines of the Renault Rafale

Even though it uses the platform of its Austral and Espace brothers, the Rafale announces a more dynamic road handling thanks to 40 mm wider tracks and the adoption of 4Control four-wheel steering on the high-end Esprit Alpine trim. No 100% combustion engine is present. The entry-level model is provided by a 200 hp 1.2 TCe non-plug-in hybrid engine, equipped with a three-cylinder petrol engine and a 2 kWh battery. A sportier plug-in hybrid version with 300 hp and all-wheel drive tops the range.