Remember the coupe SUV that Renault was testing last month? Well, it turns out it will be called Arkana, and will be produced for global markets at the company’s plant in Moscow, Russia.
However, before hitting the assembly lines next year, the Renault Arkana will be previewed at the 2018 Moscow Motor Show, on August 29, with a concept that was just teased officially.
Details are scarce at the time of writing, as the only thing we can work with is the image released by the automaker. It partially shows the tailgate, with slim taillights joined together by a light strip, and the ‘Arkana’ badging sitting below the diamond logo.
The front end of the vehicle was already teased earlier this summer, with its C-shaped LED DRLs and overall design similar to that of other modern Renaults, which first appeared on the fourth-generation Megane.
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The coupe SUV’s name comes from the Latin ‘Arcanum’, which means ‘secret’. It “was used for centuries to mark events and phenomena of special significance”, notes Renault, adding that “the concept of Arkana is associated with mystery, attractiveness and pioneer spirit”.
This is where the official details stop and the speculation begins, as the Renault Arkana is believed to be underpinned by the same platform as the Kaptur, which is also made in Moscow.
The crossover sold exclusively in Russia has a slightly larger footprint than the European Captur, updated styling and all-wheel drive, in addition to a locking center differential, heavy duty suspension and generous ground clearance.
Renault’s new Arkana won’t have a direct rival to compete with, but thanks to its sloping roofline, it will be a more affordable alternative to the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
2018 – Salon de Moscou – crossover Renault du segment C