Eco-Friendly and Economical: The Rise of the Renault Arkana Hybrid

This post was created with content support from KS.

2025 Renault Korea Arkana E-Tech Hybrid Test Drive

Hello, I’m Double Look, an automotive influencer.

Recently, hybrid models have become popular due to their economic advantages, stability, and exceptional quietness during city driving.

Hybrid vehicles are now the trend.

Not long ago, I had the chance to test drive the Renault Korea Arkana E-Tech Hybrid model,

and I experienced firsthand how its real-world fuel efficiency exceeds the specs.

In particular, the high-output electric motor in this hybrid model allows for over 75% of city driving to be done solely on electric power, which is impressive.

This feature stands out significantly.

Renault Korea sold 10,110 hybrid vehicles from January to October 2024,

all equipped with the high-output E-Tech hybrid engine.

Some people believe that all hybrid engines are the same, but

just by checking the differences in output, you can understand why Renault Korea's E-Tech hybrid is gaining popularity.

The maximum output is 86 hp, with a torque of 13.9 kg·m, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

While it may not deliver intense power,

it feels sufficiently powerful for urban driving.

If you primarily plan to drive in the city, you likely won’t need a high-output engine.

My spouse and I enjoyed city life during this test drive,

and the compact size made it easy to navigate through narrow parking spaces, and the driving performance was quite satisfying.

However, when a passenger sits in the second row,

the coupe-style roofline can make the headroom feel quite limited.

The official combined fuel efficiency of the 2025 Arkana hybrid model is 17.4 km/L.

However, if you drive primarily in the city, utilizing regenerative braking could help you achieve fuel efficiency close to 20.0 km/L.

Since my spouse and I don’t have children, we need an SUV that provides ample space for the two of us.

We often go golfing, but we also frequently take our parents on longer trips.

For golf or travel, a spacious trunk is essential, and the Arkana hybrid meets this need despite being an economical compact SUV.

You can see in the photo below that the second row folds in a 60:40 ratio,

and to fit two golf bags, you just need to fold down 40% of the space and slide them in lengthwise.

You can also accommodate three people for a round of golf; just fold down 60% of the second-row space to slide in three golf bags lengthwise.

However, realistically, fitting four people for a round is likely not feasible.

While the interior space may not be vast, it feels adequately spacious compared to the supply.

Recently, many cars feature a horizontally connected dashboard and center display, but the Arkana has a vertically oriented center display, providing a unique feel.

Some may complain about the old-fashioned interior design, often referred to as “sagol,” but

the Arkana emphasizes practicality as a compact SUV model, focusing on enhancing economy rather than design improvements.

If discounts apply, it becomes quite economical to purchase.

Since November, Renault Korea has been offering discounts on the Arkana.

During the Korea Sale Festa, you can receive up to 1.4 million won (approximately 1,050 USD) in discounts when you purchase a vehicle,

and considering the price around 30 million won (approximately 22,500 USD) depending on the trim, this discount rate of about 5% is not insignificant.

The urban fuel efficiency of the 2025 Arkana E-Tech Hybrid model stands at 17.4 km/L, which is quite high.

If you can purchase such a high-output hybrid model at an affordable price,

it could be advantageous from an economic perspective.

By effectively utilizing regenerative braking, you can secure fuel efficiency above 20 km/L,

and if you take advantage of the maximum discount, your financial burden will inevitably decrease.

Therefore, I recommend this model for young professionals buying their first car or newlyweds planning to save money.

2025 Renault Korea Arkana E-Tech Hybrid Specifications and Estimated Pricing

Let's take a look at the specifications and estimated pricing based on the mid-range 'Iconic' trim.

Engine: Inline 4-cylinder 1,598 cc gasoline 1.6 hybrid

Drive Type: Front-wheel drive, Transmission: Automatic 6-speed

Maximum Output: 86 hp, Maximum Torque: 13.9 kg·m

Tire Size: Front 215/55R 18, Rear 215/55R 18

Curb Weight: 1,445 kg

Combined Fuel Efficiency: 17.0 km/L (Urban 17.4 / Highway 16.6)

Full Tank Driving Range: 850 km

Overall Length: 4,570 mm, Width: 1,820 mm, Height: 1,570 mm

2025 Arkana E-Tech Hybrid Iconic Trim Estimated Pricing

Vehicle Price: 31,020,000 won (including environmental vehicle tax benefits)

Acquisition Tax: 1,570,000 won

Bond Discount: 0 months (exempt for hybrids)

=> Estimated Purchase Price: 32,630,000 won (approximately 24,500 USD)

Considering additional discounts (for display vehicles, stock discounts, and special hybrid discounts), you could purchase it at an even better price.

My spouse and I enjoy listening to music while driving, so we plan to include the Bose surround system (1,200,000 won, approximately 900 USD) in our estimate.

The 2025 Renault Korea Arkana Hybrid is priced in the low to mid 30 million won range (approximately 22,500 to 26,500 USD), depending on the trim and recommended options.

However, for young professionals or newlyweds, the burden of a significant upfront payment can be considerable.

For those individuals, I recommend the KS Auto Plan's long-term rental or leasing options, which allow you to use the vehicle with zero down payment.

KS Auto Plan collaborates with over 20 financial institutions to find the most affordable usage fees tailored to the customer's conditions.

Additionally, they offer consulting services for individuals with low credit scores,

so if you need a car, I recommend getting a quote and making your decision.

Currently, visiting the KS Auto Plan website reveals a Black Friday event, where you can find incredible sales of up to 40% off on your desired vehicle.

You can easily apply for a quote on the website,

compare the lowest prices and check the availability dates,

and make your final decision by comparing conditions with other companies.

Go to the list