John Kendall takes delivery of 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 | MPG: 57.6–60.1mpg | On fleet: 49.2mpg

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