Renault opens orders for Rafale flagship hybrid coupé-SUV
Renault’s Rafale coupé-SUV is on sale now, delivering a new flagship vehicle “born and bred for driving pleasure”.
Priced from £38,195, it’s initially available with a 200hp front-wheel drive full hybrid, which will be joined by a 300hp 4×4 plug-in hybrid later.
It’s the latest progression in the brand’s Renaulution strategic plan, rolling out the transformative mission into the D-segment. This follows Renault’s work to “reconquer” the C-segment with the Arkana E-Tech full hybrid coupé-SUV, Austral SUV, Megane E-Tech, plus the newly unveiled Symbioz SUV.
The Renault Rafale is the first production vehicle entirely designed according to the new visual language brought in by Gilles Vidal and also the first to use a new Solarbay panoramic glass roof, developed by Saint-Gobain and able to darken parts of the roof on demand.
Built on the Alliance’s latest-generation CMF-CD platform also used for the Austral SUV, it features a raised fastback-style body with a length of 4.7m and width of 1.86m that position it squarely in the D-segment. Boot space is 535 litres, extending to 647 litres.
It’s initially available with a 200hp E-Tech full hybrid petrol powertrain, which combines a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged 130hp petrol engine with two electric motors, a clutchless multimode automatic dog box and paddle shift levers for regenerative braking.
Already proven for its economy in the Austral, it’s expected to provide the best mpg figures in its segment (60.1mpg and 105g/km CO2, pending certification) and a range of up to 683 miles. It will also enable 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 111mph.
A 300hp plug-in hybrid powertrain will arrive later, adding an additional electric motor on the rear axle and enhanced chassis tuning for extra performance.
Both are available with the 4Control four-wheel steering system, reducing the turning radius at low speeds and improving stability on turns.
The Rafale also features Vehicle Motion Control 2 (VMC 2), an upgraded electronic system to help counter any loss of grip on the rear wheels.
The three-grade line-up will include Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine trims.
Entry-level Techno models come with a 12.3-inch driver information display and 12-inch OpenR link infotainment screen with Arkamys six-speaker audio system and in-built Google services, plus a wireless phone charger.
Equipment also includes a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear one-touch electric windows, sliding centre console armrest, heated electric folding wing mirrors, front & rear park assist, and a rear-view camera.
Design features deliver 20-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels, automatic headlights with automatic high/low beam, LED front signature lighting and automatic windscreen wipers.
The Renault Rafale comes with up to 32 advanced driver assistance systems. On the Techno grade, these include adaptive cruise control with speed limiter and stop & go, emergency brake assist, blind spot warning, distance warning alert, lane departure warning with emergency lane keep assist, and active emergency braking system with pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction function.
The Techno Esprit Alpine is priced at £42,195 and gets the 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering, electric power tailgate opening, plus a 9.3-inch head-up display, extra functionality for the seats and a rear armrest with charging ports, and active driver assist with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. It also adds in Esprit Alpine styling and matrix LED vision headlights.
Crowning the range, the Iconic Esprit Alpine is priced at £44,695 and adds the Solarbay panoramic sunroof, puddle lamps with logo illumination from door mirrors, heated electric folding wing mirrors with memory and auto-tilt when reversing, 12-inch OpenR link screen with 12-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system and Google built-in, hands-free parking, and 360-degree around view 3D camera.
First deliveries of the new Renault Rafale start from July.
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.
