CARS OF THE WORLD

Renault Arkana 2023.

Updated crossover Renault Arkana for Europe.

Arkana became history last year, but this model has another variety.

Back in 2020, another Arkana appeared on the conveyor — on a more modern CMF-B platform, with a different interior and a hybrid version.

Such cars are still produced in South Korea, they are sold on the domestic market under the name Samsung XM3, and they are exported under the Renault brand to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Chile and a number of other countries.

Over 240,000 of these Samsung-Arkans have been produced for all the time, and now this model has undergone a restyling.

True, very modest. In terms of the scale of alterations, Arkana is noticeably inferior to the recently updated Renault Clio hatchback: both the optics and even the bumpers of the crossover have remained the same.

There was only a new radiator grille with diamond-shaped cells and a matte platform for an updated emblem, the upper sections of the running lights were changed.

Instead of chrome on the body, a dark finish is now used.

The place of two “sported” versions of the RS Line and E-Tech Engineered is now taken by one equipment called Esprit Alpine (it is shown in the company images).

The essence remains the same: black decor, a spoiler at the stern, 19-inch wheels. Of the new things — blue decor in the cabin and extended suede trim.

Arcana has no other changes in the cabin. Is that the basic media system with a seven-inch screen now includes a navigator and wireless interfaces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

More expensive versions have a 9.3-inch vertical touchscreen media system.

The Esprit Alpine version has a non-fixed transmission selector, other trim levels have a traditional lever.

The power units are the same, only front-wheel drive. In Europe, Renault Arkana can have a 1.3 turbo engine in two versions (140 or 158 hp), both with a 12-volt starter-alternator and a seven-speed preselective “robot”.

But more than half of buyers choose the E-Tech hybrid modification. She has an aspirated 1.6 (94 hp) working in tandem with a robotic gearbox (without synchronizers and clutch) and an electric motor (69 hp).

The peak output of the system is 143 hp, and such hybrids can only start on electric traction: the operation of the gasoline engine at idle is excluded, it can be connected after the start of movement. The capacity of the traction battery is 1.2 kWh.

The production of updated cars in South Korea has already begun, they will appear on the European market by autumn.

It is interesting that Arkana has become more affordable: prices in France start at 31,000 euros, while for a pre-reform model they ask for at least 32,500 euros.

Restyling subjected to «another» Renault Arkana — the one that is sold in Europe.

Renault has updated the Arkana crossover, but not for Russia. Arkana was officially sold on the Russian market until the departure of Renault in May last year.

The model for Europe was subjected to Reistaling — it is built on a different platform and differs from the Arcana familiar to us in design.

The European version is made in South Korea (where it is sold under the name Samsung XM3) and shipped to a number of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and others.

Exterior changes to the facelifted Arkana come down to a new diamond-patterned grille and a redesigned Renault logo, which is two-dimensional and sits on a matte inlay.

There is much less chrome in the decor, and more darkened elements.

The configurations were revised: the RS Line and E-Tech Engineered versions were replaced by the Esprit Alpine version.

Such a crossover is equipped with 19-inch wheels, a spoiler and a non-fixed transmission selector. There is also a new trim option — with blue accents and suede.

Other innovations include expanding the functionality of the basic multimedia system through navigation and wireless connection to a smartphone.

The multimedia screen size varies from seven to 9.3 inches depending on the equipment level.

The range of engines remained the same. In Europe, the restyled Renault Arkana will be available with a 1.3-liter petrol turbo engine with an electric superstructure in the form of a starter-generator.

There are two boost options to choose from, 140 or 158 horsepower.

There is also a full-fledged hybrid with an installation based on the “aspirated” 1.6, which is assisted by a 69-horsepower electric motor. The total output of the units is 143 horsepower.

Production of the updated Renault Arkana in South Korea has already begun.

Restyled crossovers will reach Europe by the fall of this year, prices will start from 31,000 euros. It is worth noting that with the update, the model has fallen in price — the pre-reform version costs at least 32.5 thousand euros.