Renault elevates Rafale coupé-SUV with 300hp high-performance PHEV
Renault is introducing a high-performance plug-in hybrid version of its flagship Rafale coupé-SUV.
On sale from the autumn, the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300hp will join the E-Tech hybrid 200hp powertrain already available, upping performance and efficiency.
The powertrain is based on the E-Tech hybrid 200hp, using the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine but with a new turbocharger, boosting power to 150hp compared with 130hp for the full hybrid, while torque rises to 230Nm from 205Nm.
It also gains a 136hp electric motor on the rear axle, which, alongside the 70hp motor on the front, gives permanent four-wheel drive. The set-up also features a 34hp starter generator motor and a 22kWh battery, while the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300hp also comes with Renault’s 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering.
Renault claims a WLTP range of 62 miles in all-electric mode, putting the PHEV in the 8% Benefit-in-Kind bracket for the current tax year. With both engine and motors combined, WLTP fuel efficiency is 403.5mpg and with 15g/km, or 48.7mpg and 132g/km with the battery empty. This compares to 60.1mpg and 105g/km CO2 (pending certification) for the full hybrid.
Performance-wise, it’s capable of 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds – down from 8.9 seconds for the 200hp E-Tech hybrid.
A maximum charging rate of 7.4kW enables a 0-100% charge in just under three hours.
The new PHEV version will be available in two levels of trim: the Esprit Alpine also used for the full hybrid and a bespoke Atelier Alpine version.
The latter gets a chassis tuned by the engineers of Alpine Cars and a smart active suspension system. A ‘Chassis Control’ menu on the multimedia screen lets drivers adjust the 4Control Advanced settings, the damping profile and the rear steering angles for either Comfort, Dynamic or Sport modes.
It also comes with standout design features such as a Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a Starry Black floating spoiler and unique 21-inch wheels.
The Atelier Alpine version also debuts an intelligent self-adjusting suspension system coupled with a new camera for predictive control. This system named “active suspension with predictive camera“ continuously adjusts damping such as in the case of a speed bump or obstacles on the road ahead.
UK prices for the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300hp will be announced in June.
Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
