This coupe SUV to come before Curvv & XUV900?
Coupe SUVs are touted to become the next trend in the country. Coupe SUVs offer the practicality of an SUV integrated with the dynamics of a fastback. But coupe SUVs are not cheap. To change this, Tata, Mahindra and a few other brands are working on their respective coupe SUVs. As far as Tata & Mahindra are concerned, they have their Curvv and XUV900 projects set in sight, respectively. However, there is one unexpected player that can outfox both of them. It is the French carmaker Renault. The brand has been extensively testing a coupe SUV in India called the Arkana. Now, how could this make its India entry before the Mahindra XUV900 and Tata Curvv. Let’s discuss that along with the details of this Renault coupe SUV.
New Coupe SUV – Design
The Arkana borrows a lot of design elements from the Captur. The front has a strong resemblance to the SUV. It gets C-shaped LED headlamps similar to the other newer Renault cars. What about the side profile? The Arkana gets a sloping roofline giving it that coupe-like design. At the rear, it gets connected tail lamps with sporty dual exhausts.
Specifications
The Arkana is based on Renault’s CMF-B platform. For context, this platform also underpins the Renault Captur. What about engine specifications? Globally, the Arkana comes with two petrol hybrids – a mild hybrid and a self-charging strong hybrid. The mild hybrid is paired with 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine capable of producing 138bhp. The strong hybrid is paired with 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine. This strong hybrid comes with two electric motors and unique clutch-less dogbox transmission.
New Coupe SUV – Features
Features play a vital part in the Indian market. Globally too, manufacturers try to load their cars with as much technology as possible. The Renault Arkana comes loaded with features like a 9.3-inch infotainment system, blind-spot warning, a fully digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera and a Bose sound system. Considering the Arkana will mostly come through the CBU route, we can expect the same features in India as well.
Will it come to India?
There is no official confirmation from Renault regarding the launch of the Arkana in India. However, looking at the frequency of test mules being spotted in the country, there are high chances that the brand could actually be evaluating the Arkana for the Indian market. If Renault decides to launch it next year, it would be well before Tata Curvv and XUV900 see an India launch. This could make the Arkana the first affordable coupe SUV in the country. What about the pricing? If launched, the Arkana will come through the CBU route. This means that the Arkana will be expensive, but Renault will definitely be looking to justify that with technology and upmarket interiors.
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