John Kendall reports back on our new Renault Rafale E-Tech Hybrid long termer.

Renault Rafale E-Tech Hybrid iconic esprit Alpine 200hp

P11d: £44,695 BiK: 27% CO2: 105g/km OFFICIAL MPG: 57.6–60.1mpg TEST MPG: 51.4mpg

Report 2:

I thought it would be a struggle to settle down to internal combustion engine power again after the all-electric Genesis GV60, but the Rafale continues to impress. Firstly, the fuel consumption has crept down slightly, possibly due to my extensive use of speed limiters and cruise control, but 51.4mpg at the moment for a large comfortable car is good. I was finding the driver’s seat a bit numbing after a few hours at the wheel, but I have adjusted it and that seems to have addressed the problem. I haven’t tried the massage function yet, but I shall give it a go.

I continue to be impressed by the performance. Considering there is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet driving through a hybrid electric drive system, it is surprisingly quick. At the same time, the engine isn’t working that hard, or it would be reflected in the fuel consumption. It seems that the hybrid system takes every opportunity to turn the engine off.

Another positive is the design. I’m not a great fan of SUVs, but Renault has done a great job of making the Rafale as much like a stylish hatchback as possible. It looks impressive from every angle.

I’m not quite sure about the Google-based infotainment system yet. I have driven other cars with a similar system and I think the displays and options about what you see on which screen could be better. Navigating around the central screen can be very distracting too – it is frustratingly difficult to return to the home screen sometimes, which is too intrusive for the driver. There are some good ideas, but I think the whole system needs a rethink.

First Report:

In many ways, the Renault Rafale has much in common with the Genesis GV60 which it has replaced on my drive. They are similar in size and design – medium/large SUVs capable of carrying five adults – and both are well specified. But surely, following an accomplished EV long-termer with a petrol hybrid was not going to be a step in the right direction? But then I scanned the spec sheet. The Rafale is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, backed up by the electric motor. After the rapid performance of the Genesis, I was surely going to be in for a leisurely ride.

Or so I thought. The reality is a bit different, because the Rafale is surprising brisk. Renault claims 200hp from the ICE/motor combination, although with a 1.7kWh battery, that is certainly not continuous. It’s also a pleasant vehicle to drive and travel in. That is partly due to a well-sorted hybrid system that provides nearly imperceptible gear changes and seamless switching between ICE and electric drive. Renault has certainly done its homework there. So far, the car is averaging an indicated 49.2mpg with over 50mpg on longer runs, not bad for a large car with decent performance.

The Rafale can easily rival the Genesis’ onboard digital options and even its interior ambient lighting. It feels like the premium car that it is. I doubt that will shift too many fleet drivers from one of the German alternatives, but the Rafale is very much part of Renault’s current revival and a car that offers striking design, comfort, practicality, with nimble handling and good performance. There’s a lot to like about the Rafale and it’s growing on me.John Kendall