Living with the Renault Arkana - 2 month ownership review and MPG test 

Always been a Renault girl, 1 Laguna,2Meganes,2Capturs and now the darling Arkana,totally smitten,it's love, love all the way❤🥰

OK, I rarely add coments but as I recently bought this car, I thought I would make an exception. First off - I'm not a 'petrol head', I don't claim to know all about the mechanics of a car and quite frankly, I don't need to. I'm not a 'brand snob' or a 'boy racer', in fact I'm a retired 5' female who was looking for some 'specifics' not mentioned in most review videos I've watched but they are important to me. So, I class myself as someone who isn't bothered about being able to go from 0-60 in 7 seconds and I'm not 'seduced' by 'pretty' cars. My requirements for a car were/are: automatic, good adjustment in the driver seat and steering wheel (not all cars 'fit' someone who is 5' tall), heated steering wheel (because I have arthritis in my hands), heated seats - great for backache or when driving in winter with my dog ... I can keep warm and my dog isn't uncomfortable from having the heating too high), something economical to run, given the rising fuel prices. OK ... I am fully aware that some of you may scoff at my 'needs' but as a consumer, my requirements in a car are equally as valid as someone else i.e. those who want a 'performance' car. Most of my driving is around town, my days of frequent business trips on the motorway are over. My approach to 'sourcing' a new car was to look at the spec of cars to find something that ticked my boxes. I had test drives in the Ford Puma, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Kona - all 'mild hybrids'. Whilst they all ticked the boxes, none of those three were as comfortable for me to drive as the Arkana and were not as economical to drive. Maybe I could have tried other cars but, for the spec I was looking for, the Arkana was good for me. (Although, to be honest, I'm not a great fan of Renault - I've owned them in the past - but I forgave the Arkana when I discovered it's made in South Korea by Samsung so hopefully, the electronic components will be good - time will tell) My car is in flame red with a black roof and f I were to criticise it, I would say that black roofs/cars are NOT good in the summer heat and a sun roof would help cool the car down, albeit not with the AC on, (my previous car was a 1.4 Hyundai i20 automatic in white) and I'm not a great fan of the coupe styling - the roof does slope a lot towards the boot, I think the EV batteries could have a bigger capacity but that would obviously affect weight and space. I don't disagree with the car revving excessively when accelerating at higher speeds but, as I said, most of my driving is around town so it's not a major issue for me. On the plus side, it's an economical and comfortable car to drive and that's really all I ask of my metal box on wheels (reliability is yet to be determined, I've only had it 1 month).

I actually have no problem with an economical, mildly tuned car looking sporty, history is full of such cars. Add another 100hp and I would doubt that you would be getting 50-55mpg on a long drive. So I would imagine that, especially right now woth fuel costs what they are, there are lots of people looking for a good looking car that returns good milage.

I have had Renaults for years. Always gears. Time to change to Automatic because of circumstances. Advised on This as just produced. Just approaching 3mts. I love it & of course the ease of driving. Would recommend it. Love this video very good, thanks for extra advice.

Had a demo for the weekend, liked it so trading in the Ford Puma ST LINE Extra + FE for the Arkana.

As always on your car reviews nicely detailed on everything the car has and does.nice one Mr Ped.👍👌🤛😎

Good honest review. I had the same issues with my Honda CRV Hybrid. Great around town but I couldn’t stand the revs and noise on the motorway. I had to get rid! I now have an X3 M40i to put a smile on my face!

great review ! i drove in both platforms of the arkana and the 1.3 turbo 140hp is way more fun then the hybrid, you feel way more connected with the car and the paddle shifters work fine, maybe not super fast but does the job well

I've watched RU-vidrs recording 0-100 times for the mild hybrid and the full hybrid of the Arkana when switching between the various performance modes. The times were almost exactly the same but the engine revved more in sport mode which gave the impression it was quicker. It is a good-looking car, though.

Great review interesting car and a wonderful color. Can’t believe it’s been 2 months already with this car lol. Can’t wait for the content around the heed Gordon nascar!!

Good review as always. Very fair and well balanced. Cheers

You should see if you can try there mild hybrid Arkana with the flappy paddle gear box, I’ve driven both and felt it to be more engaging to drive, but no where near as economical, agree with your thoughts on the high reving engine at times, the other annoying thing I found was the rear window with no wiper, As always a interesting review keep up the great work 👍

Another great informative video well done ped 😁

I just swapped my Toyota C-HR hybrid to a Clubman Cooper S, never want to go back to boooooooooooooooooooooring cars again :) keep up the good work, amazing content as always :)

Great video mate 👌

I have a 90bhp Mazda2 on a 15 plate that averages 66mpg on the daily 28 mile round trip to work. More than impressed considering its just a naturally aspirated 1500cc petrol engine.

Well done on getting the bike in, I remember wishing you luck trying to get one in that boot but it's obviously bigger than it looks. I like the look of the interior, decent seats I am a big fan of the alcantara/leather. Still not struck on the fake plastic vents/grill inserts in the rear bumper but exterior styling is nice.

I've just ordered a new Citroën C4, the 155 version. Similar shape to this, but with the fancy hydraulic bump stops. Much slower car than what I have now, but I chose it for comfort. Got the Shine Plus, top spec model & paid extra for the electric & massage seats and the heated steering wheel. I'm obviously getting old, because it's the first time in my life that I've been excited about getting a slower car.

I have the mild hybrid in RS trim and it comes with paddle shifters ! I thought the full hybrid came with an ally gear selector you could use manually

Hi Ped Good looking car, inside and out, will not mention fake exhaust trim😬 Appears you have given an honest review, and maybe this car will appeal to someone who is not so bothered about “driving” but likes the looks and economy. Each to his own.

22:03 that’s one of the issues I experience with my Arkana, but mine is a tce140 mild hybrid rs-line, not an hybrid and because of that I got the option to manually overrule the automatic gearbox and my car does that I immediately compensate with a press of a button on my steering wheel.

Looking forward to seeing you drive the Nasscar at good wood on Friday 👍🏻

I have the Arkana, agree it holds onto the gears too long. However, Renault are/have released 2 technical updates for the car regarding this. There's a few people who have had these updates done and say it drives much much better. Maybe contact your renault garage and ask about getting technical updates 66033 and 71214. Also just a tip regarding changing driving modes, you can press the my sense button to change modes without having to touch the screen. ie if your in mysense, press the button to bring the driving mode screen up, then press it again to change to sport, or press it again to change to eco etc. This saves having to look at the screen whilst driving. 100% agree the car could do with an extra 50+ HP though to match the looks

Looks like it would be a nice, comfortable, soft and leisurely drive in mysense mode. How is insulation/road noise (not including the revving in sport mode)?

Great review again, good looking car and great colour. I like the Ariana. How does it stack up against the C5X or Peugeot 3008?

We only get the 1.3T petrol engine in Australia for this model. (same motor as the Merc A class ?). I guess thats a good thing. Distance is a real problem in Australia too, and once you step outside the comfort of the big cities, EV charging can be a bit of an issue. Petrol is still king here, and will be for a long time to come. Ground clearance and tough tires are essential here as well - you cant drive 5 minutes down the road without crashing through mid corner bumps, or finding some lump of dead animal in the middle of the road, with no way to swerve around it because there is always an oncoming truck when it happens ! Arkana looks like a good option for where we live.

Morning buddy. Colours as usual make or break a car’s personality, totally agree with the fake bits. One thing that lets it down for me however is that opening/closing the boot and doors, just sounds so ‘Tinny’. Doesn’t give an impression of strength around you. Obviously it has to meet standards I know, but I just like a more of a solid clunk.

Great review PP..... Still think we have got it wrong with Electric.... There will be and we already have better fuel options..... We will see what happens in the near future....Have you seen the interview by Harry`s Garage with the Boss of JCB?..... Very interesting.... :-)))

Managed from zero in the Jaguar, leaving home, down to Heathrow, then back again after the break, 49.2 mpg. Was happy with that from the 3.0 V6 bi turbo diesel. That’s the lorry driver side again lol.

Great video. I've been a Renault fan for many years and currently own a pre facelift, sunflower yellow mk1 Mégane coupe. Flame red is a fantastic colour which has been offered for a number of years now. In fact I saw an Arkana in this colour today. I do have one big problem with this car though. It's yet another SUV. I also agree with you about the exhaust ports and the rise of RS line and GT line but without the full fat versions. The cabin looks a nice place to be as Renault often are. I'm more interested in the MK4 Mégane which has now been removed from sale and we only got the hatch or estate, no grand coupe (4 door saloon) which was offered in RHD in Ireland. We didn't get the Talisman either which replaced the Laguna. I know the key card issue only too well, the Laguna 2 Privilege I once owned had a version of this system and when I went to pay for fuel the car would lock with my family inside. Then the alarm would sound. 🤣

My wife’s Kadjar is in the same colour, and I totally agree that (when clean) it’s a stunning look. As for the self-locking…..just do as I do, and either leave the fob thing in the car while you’re cleaning it, or leave a door open! Nice review, and keep up the great content! Question about Millbrook’s camera policy….how do people like Top Gear and Wheeler Dealers film there, then? Is it ‘official’ media only allowed to film? Ta!

Great video, just after some advice really, I drive around 8 miles aday and its all stop start around towns, will this car in b mode be using the ev said of thing more than the petrol? I really like the look of this car, and one day I would like to get fully electric

I enjoyed watching the Video. A great Daily Driver’s Car

Absolutely agree on the exhaust pipes, it's the main reason I don't like the rs trim, which is a shame to be honest, since the rest of the trim does look quite nice.

What's the glovebox like ?

Question, whatever became of your advanced drivers course ? From memory you only featured it once.

Fair review Ped...... 👍🏻 We like to have a small SUV/cross over on hand for all those practical jobs & currently that is a Renault Captur. Firstly it is in flame red & it is as you say a very nice colour & suites the styling well. Secondly it has an eco mode, which improves the mpg (like the my sense) but I find it strangles the engine of the little power it has to the point that accelerating (especially onto a motorway) becomes a little dangerously slow! Thirdly, the keyless entry/exit is a nuisance when you are close by the car with the key on you but Renault devised a trick that most others don't appear to have done as a security aid. Most keyless entry systems unlock the car & allow you to open the car by hand without touching the key...... Renault have an override whereby if you press the 🔐 button on the key when leaving, it disables keyless entry. You can walk around the car all you like, try the door handles, the car stays locked until you unlock it with the button on the key! All in all we feel it is a reasonably priced, good looking, practical, fuel efficient (average 40+ mpg combined) car & the most comfortable car we've ever owned & maybe (if it's not too big) yours may be it's successor when we change it. When I want to go out & drive though (not visit a DIY store) I'll take the TTRS 🙂

Looking forward to seeing you drive the NASCAR up the hill on Friday.

Totally agree with you Pete about fake exhaust style trims, had a 2019 2ltr diesel Peugeot 3008 GT Line with all the silly trims and it's embarrassing. Also it had the same annoying feature that your Renault displayed with the rear seat belts getting trapped by the seats when putting them back up. So glad I sold it and bought the actual Jaguar XFS Sportbrake you reviewed, along with my 981 Boxster S, I have in my opinion 2 great cars. The 12 bikes I have need riding more though :o

Thx for the video, tested the 140bhp (mild hybrid) design wise its a beautiful car but as you already mentioned this 1.3 engine feels not adequate for this relatively big car, too bad really

A 1.6 petrol engine with no power/oomf? How did they manage that?

Is that a 1.3 or 1.6 version?

I currently have a 19 registered Megane RS Line and it does not have the fake twin exhaust so am not sure if this is just a feature of the RS Line or the whole range of Arkanas. I have previously owned two Mk4 Clios (63 and 66, updated version, registered) which were both in Flame Red and agree that this is a very nice colour especially when clean

My 9 year old manual 1.6 diesel Volvo S60 has averaged 50.3 mpg over the last 2500 miles of urban and Yorkshire Dale's driving. Can't say I'm impressed with the Renaults mpg with all the tech it has. In fact a few of the hybrids are disappointing in that regard.

I think you should have done the sporty driving on the empty roads and the boring economy on the busier roads on the way back

Good video 👍

Definitely looks faster than it is from what you’ve said. Looking forward to the nascar video!

i think the mustang e has also a portrait mode screen

Hi, I have this car one of my bug bear is the locking always makes a loud bleep. Do you know how I can stop this as its very annoying when you come back from work at 10pm and you wake the neighbours up with the locking of your car.

If there was an AWD version i'd buy it in a heartbeat

Renault not the only ones doing fake exhaust. Mercedes guilty as are the majority. Good feature that it locks when you walk away. Not a fault. Good looking car and well done Renault on styling.

The clunky gear selector stopped me getting one as Renault refuse to fit the flying electronic shifter to British models for some reason. We have a Capture RS Line with the e shifter and it’s much smaller and more aesthetically pleasing . Plus it’s far easier to use too! For example a simple button press puts it in park, flick the shifter back for drive or forward for reverse. Even more bizarre is the Australian market gets a heated screen and steering wheel as standard. Does it ever get cold in Oz? But the biggest fail for me is no rear wash wipe. Get bombed by birds, not uncommon in UK and you need to manually clear the rear screen to see out of it! If you have trees where you park at home it’s a big problem.

There looks to be some horrific reflections in the windscreen from air vents etc, or just the camera angle ?

gear box high revs settings- its because of weak engine- its best to keep him running on those revs

It’s sad when you see a reputable manufacturer take a well respected badge that represented something entertaining and try and market it as something else just to cash in on it popularity…and Renault isn’t the only one in that respect…and they will tell you it’s all meant to appeal to a different market…as though we don’t exist…then leave us our tags and find others for that different market..I say…great review none the less Pete👍🏽

Renault did some changes due to criticism and now you can buy Esprit Alpine version with 160hp petrol engine with option toi mnaually change geara on a steering wheel which is awesome.

For those extra 100 horse power, in Europe you need to pay around 50k on a car. Not a small budget for any country, much so for easter ones. I get it, everybody would like a 250-300 hp car but its not possible. Each one with his one lifestyle. However, cars like these close a little bit the gap between classes and are perfectly fine for any road type. Dacia is an even more budget car with a lot of succes. Hard times require adjustment, and cars like this one or Dacia are there to make it as comfortable as possible.

Love mine,74 mph in economy mode on my last run , my only little niggle I have is the single tone horn,sounds just as a noddy car.

How comfortable is it over bumps?

I know they made a 160HP version of it and its a shame they didn't make it available in more country's. Would think it would feel better than the 145HP version

Almost bought one in Australia yesterday - no mention of hybrid! Still deciding but they are exactly as you described!!

I own The 140 tce version, mild hybrid. It's more sportier and săve more fuel on long jorny and legal speed. There îs also 160 tce version, more sporty Eugen from Romania

Piano Black trim always looks like it is covered in dust and makes the car seem dirty inside

You didn't mentioned your height while showing legroom in rear seat.. please do it, really helps

The auto locking is the bane of my life when I am detailing my or other cars. What I tend to do is unlock the car open and close the passenger door then put the keys in the house. That usually sorts it out. Nice car but no punch like you an RS would be a sure fire winner or a pure EV with 400bhp.

Have to agree in the frustration of the auto door lock and unlock, especially when trying to wash the car...Still it's an RS so I forgive it...

Has your Arkana had the over revving software update yet 👍🏼

It looks ok but again not a car we have in 🇨🇦, but we have the CHR although I’ve not driven one

Good honest review 👍 Hard to see why you’d buy this, and I guess the rarity of them on the road kind of backs that view up. At best it is an uninspiring drive, using old tech in vaguely fancy clothing…

22:00 it;s not an evo , raliart or lancer.

Nice looking car compared to other makes

Lucky you to travel around europe

There’s a full update for the revving issue mines gone in today for it

Looks nice,but as you say the engine let's it down a bit.It will be interesting to see how you feel about it after a bit more time.That nascar looks frightening, looking forward to seeing that one.

The most important part of the video 3:22 - this car has the looks of a high-performance sports car, but it does not deliver that in terms of driving experience.

In the rear, the exterior styling is very reminiscent of a Dodge Dart.

50 mpg and 0% finance, and cheaper than a lot of similar looking cars. Definitely is tempting, especially if you don't care too much about driving as an experience.

Third! Evening all! Hope everyone is doing well and has a great week ahead.

6 am 👌

"A sheep in wolf's clothes" - veeery inspired description ! 👍👍

Honestly I would just want a 2.0 litre diesel engine in this with early rpm high torque behaviour. That would give it a great juicy gas pedal feeling. But Renaults decision to go petrol only was a letdown for me.

I'm at the age where there's no point in buying a new car, our normally aspirated & gutless 2L will serve our needs until I expire. ; ) Knock 20 years off my age & the economy of the hybrid would be a good fit, I'd gladly accept a performance hit as the boy racer club membership would've expired 5 years earlier. The big challenge for me would be if I were 10 years younger again. Hmmm, do I revert back to thinking I'm a teenager, throw all caution to the wind & revel in a maxed out V8? Or enrich my life by ordering a new Tesla & assume that I'll live long enough take get delivery? I reckon Renault's done a pretty good job to maximise sales in these worrying times, pitching the Arkana as less discerning motorists, whose main concern is looks & pseudo planet savers.

Many manufacturers fit plastic exhausts, Renault go back to their credit card style keys, reminds me of the Laguna company cars I ran. The front looks ok, the back looks a dogs breakfast. In all honesty it's just another bore box in design. So many manufacturers just waste so much opportunity in the design department.

The MPG is really not that great for a modern car. You would think it would be more. I did a 400 mile trip last thurs in my 1997 Saab 9000 Aero 2.3T with 317 bhp. It averaged 43.7 mpg. In a car that does 70 to 100 in 3.5 seconds and is 25yrs old.

Not even an extra 50bhp, but another 30bhp would be enough to give the car an extra edge. Toyota now offer a 198bhp hybrid for their rather boring Corolla - this engine in the Arkana would be an absolute blast!

Hi all 👋

Wonder about the longevity of the engine being it is so high strung. Seems like it is on a quest to destroy itself.

I had a 2litre Toyota C-HR, a good car however I would describe the car as bland. I ended up buying a Tesla Model 3. After 3 months of ownership the novelty has still not worn off. It is simply an amazing car.

Hmmm yes, that's why I never buy Renault. From the fake exhaust pipes to the typically weird engine note when under the cosh a bit and in one case apparently you didn't do anything and it had a paroxysm of revving to itself. MPG not especially wonderful compared to my last car a Honda HR-V diesel 1.6 routinely gettting 56-57MPG in mixed running. I think my last but one diesled CRV - a much larger ca with a 2.0 diesel engine could return the same which was a bit of a suprise - wish I'd never traded it in! I'd guess the Renault comes at a premium price as well.

Hello mate 👍

That T-shirt is a snug fit 😉

Every comment about looks & power I totally agree with. I hate a car that is a gutless liability on a spirited B road. Which is why I had moved my attention from all of the daft 3 cylinder jokes and started to look at EV's that have 250bhp or more.... As the lease prices are not so far apart. Smart #1, Cupra Born.... to name but two.

Very nice car but I don't think any hybrid can be pushed on a B road.

El coche precioso, me compré un microhibrido techno, de lo que nadie me habló fue de los acabados deficientes seguramente por falta de controles de calidad en su montaje, los faros no se integran bien en la carrocería, sobresalen de ella, sobre todo el derecho lado copiloto, una pena

It's a sheep but a headturner and I bloody love mine. Who needs to tear up other road users at 65?😂😂😂

You really find it a disadvantage that the car opens when you approach and closes when you leave? You must be the only person in the world!

Ford have same issue with ST-line and Audi have a lot of false exhausts. All very annoying but I would never buy a xx-Line like car.

The seats look nice…. And that’s it for me for this car. I’m not a Renault fan to be honest. My Hyundia senses the key near by but doesn’t open the doors, just unfolds the mirrors I’ve been thinking a lot about hybrid cars lately what with fuel costs and what I get in my car, 338 miles after filling it with £80 worth of normal unleaded!! The 2 cars I’ve narrowed it down to do over 600 miles range, so it’s very tempting to change… We’ll see. But more importantly, rocking a new T-shirt and tea mug as gifts for Father’s Day yesterday, woohoo!!

Don't put it on your age. I have the same problem with fake exhausts. As a Belgian I have some experience with French cars. Mostly not so positive.... I'l go for a Toyota if it's my money. Cheers.

If you wan5ca sporty drive to match the looks you need to buy a m6