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Renault's small coupe SUV has received electrification in Australia, though it's not a full hybrid like that offered in South Korea.
Instead, the Renault Arkana features a 12V mild-hybrid system, with a 3.6kW electric motor. As mild-hybrid systems go, it's quite mild – 48V systems have become the norm, with 12V systems limited to the Suzuki Swift and Fronx, and the entry-level Renault Symbioz.
Power and torque are up slightly, from 115kW and 262Nm to 116kW and 270Nm, though its 0-100km/h time remains 9.1 seconds. Renault Australia also promises a "smoother operating" dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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Combined-cycle fuel consumption is unchanged at 5.9L/100km, with urban fuel consumption dropping from 7.6L/100km to 7.2L/100km, but highway fuel consumption actually increases from 4.9L/100km to 5.2L/100km, and combined-cycle CO2 emissions rise from 133g/km to 134g/km.
Renault is nevertheless marketing the Arkana as the Arkana Hybrid. The base Evolution is gone, with the Techno opening the range at $41,990 before on-road costs – up $500 – and the Esprit Alpine sitting above it at an unchanged $45,990 plus on-roads. Both are arriving in showrooms now.
If you're after a small Renault SUV with a full-hybrid system, you'll need to opt for the Symbioz. The recently launched SUV is priced from $36,990 plus on-roads in mild-hybrid guise or from $42,990 plus on-roads as a full hybrid.
A new matte Satin Grey exterior finish rounds out the updates to the Arkana, which follow a refresh in 2024 that brought tweaked styling and a new Esprit Alpine flagship.
In South Korea, where the Arkana is built, it's offered with an E-Tech hybrid system. This mates a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a 36kW drive motor and a 15kW auxiliary motor, and a six-speed auto.
Renault Australia has previously ruled out the full-hybrid powertrain as it would erode the Arkana's value proposition.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
2026 Renault Arkana Techno | $41,990 (+$500) |
2026 Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine | $45,990 |
There's just one powertrain available in the Arkana, with a mild-hybrid version of the turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine replacing last year's non-electrified powertrain.
The Arkana features MacPherson strut front suspension, plus a torsion-beam axle at the rear.
| Specifications | Renault Arkana |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3L turbo 4cyl with 12V mild-hybrid system |
| Engine power | 116kW |
| Engine torque | 270Nm |
Electric motor power | 3.6kW |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1363kg-1375kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.9L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 134g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Towing capacity | 900kg – braked 715kg – unbraked |
Payload | 529kg – Techno 517kg – Esprit Alpine |
| Dimensions | Renault Arkana |
|---|---|
| Length | 4568mm |
| Width | 1821mm (2034mm w/ mirrors extended) |
| Height | 1571mm |
| Wheelbase | 2720mm |
| Cargo capacity | 485L – rear seats up 1268L – rear seats folded |
The Renault Arkana is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.
Service | Price |
|---|---|
Year 1 | $419 |
Year 2 | $419 |
Year 3 | $419 |
Year 4 | $859 |
Year 5 | $419 |
The Renault Arkana no longer has a rating from independent safety authority ANCAP, as its five-star rating from 2019 expired at the end of 2025.
Standard safety equipment includes:
There are just two members of the updated Arkana lineup.
The Techno comes standard with the following equipment:
The Esprit Alpine adds:
A sunroof is a $1500 option on the Techno.
A black roof is a $600 option on both the Techno and Esprit Alpine, with metallic paint finishes costing $900 on both variants.
Solid White is the standard exterior finish on the Techno, with the following metallic finishes available:
All of these metallic finishes are available on the Esprit Alpine, which can also be had with Satin Grey matte paint for an extra $1150.
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William Stopford is an automotive journalist with a passion for mainstream cars, automotive history and overseas auto markets.
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