2023 Renault Arkana gets new ‘sporty chic’ styling and Hankook tyres 

After 2 years and over 163,000 Arkanas sold, the time has come for Renault to give its C-segment crossover a well-deserved facelift. So what’s changed, and is it worth buying?  

Renault’s Arkana occupies a seriously crowded market. Those looking for a similar SUV are spoilt for choice, with alternatives ranging from Mazda’s CX30 and Toyota’s CH-R, to Citroen’s C4 and Seat’s Formentor.  

Renault knows this of course, and that’s why – despite still posting strong sales figures – the French marque has made the move to thoroughly refresh the crossover – hopefully swaying any floating voters towards Groupe Renault.  

Of all the improvements, the styling tweaks are the most noteworthy. Starting at the front, a new grille incorporates the Nouvel’R logo in its design and ties together the headlights with a high-gloss band. Revised head and taillights also feature, with the latter receiving a smoked treatment, while certain models gain the brand’s signature ‘F1 blade’ front bumper and darkened chrome accents.  

Ultimately, these styling touches – in combination with three new trim choices – underscore Renault’s ambition to take the Arkana further upmarket. This new line-up, comprising Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine variants, is set to include standard Sat Nav and Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay.  

Helping to reinforce its position as the flagship trim, Esprit Alpine will also benefit from a sporty rear lip spoiler, as well as 19-inch openwork wheels which fill the Arkana’s arches nicely. These top-spec alloys will be shod with equally premium rubber: Hankook’s Ventus S1 EVO 3 (as pictured) helping to improve grip and cornering in inclement conditions, and hopefully allaying criticism of the pre-facelift car’s dynamic ability.  

Under the skin, little has changed. Those who are particularly indecisive will be happy to hear that Renault is offering just one engine choice in the UK: a 143 hp hybrid automatic. Although our friends on the continent will have the choice of two further mild hybrid models, UK buyers aren’t missing out – the full hybrid variant offers the best balance of efficiency and performance anyway.  

In summation then, despite being far from revelatory (you probably won’t rush to sell your old Arkana to buy this one) the subtle improvements Renault has made across the board will all be welcome when the new car arrives in September. But do you think the facelift offers enough to tempt buyers away from a myriad of highly capable competitors?  

Hero image credit: Renault