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2026 Renault Arkana: Hybrid SUV Takes Center Stage
Double Viewing Couples Review Channel
2025-08-18 00:37:00

[ 광고 ] 2026 Renault Arkana Hybrid E-Tech Test Drive

"Limited to 290 units, the Esprit Alpine trim launched in Korea"

Hello, I'm Double View, an automotive influencer.

Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the 2026 Renault Arkana Hybrid E-Tech model.

Starting with the 2026 Arkana Hybrid E-Tech model, Renault has introduced a new Esprit Alpine trim,

and to celebrate this, they released only 290 units of the initial production model.

The 2026 Arkana Hybrid E-Tech Esprit Alpine trim features a limited number plate with unique numbers ranging from 1 to 290

attached to the passenger dashboard. The model I drove holds the number 9, making it a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Today, I will share my experience with the 2026 Arkana Hybrid Esprit Alpine test drive

and recommend it to a wide audience.

The trend is shifting towards hybrid vehicles, and the Arkana Hybrid E-Tech has emerged as a popular compact SUV.

As the electric vehicle gap continues to widen, hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular,

and Renault Korea is gaining particular attention during this period.

The success of the Grand Koleos, equipped with a 100 kW electric motor, continues to drive sales, and

the positive reviews for the compact SUV Arkana Hybrid E-Tech have contributed to a high level of customer satisfaction in their hybrid lineup.

The 2026 Arkana Hybrid introduces the new Esprit Alpine trim, building on the success of the Grand Koleos and promising another hit for Renault.

The model, previously known as the XM3 until the first half of last year, has unified its global sales name and replaced the logo, leading to increased satisfaction with its design as the ARKANA establishes itself as a trending SUV.

The Esprit Alpine trim features the previously mentioned limited edition plate number, as well as unique designs on the steering wheel and seats.

The steering wheel boasts stitching in blue and red, reminiscent of the French flag, and the dashboard exhibits a luxurious style that surpasses its class.

The 2026 Arkana Hybrid E-Tech achieves a combined fuel efficiency of 17.4 km/L with 17-inch wheels and 17.0 km/L with 18-inch wheels.

The hybrid E-Tech engine utilizes series, parallel, and series-parallel hybrid modes based on driving conditions, demonstrating exceptional fuel efficiency in urban areas compared to competing models.

You can monitor fuel efficiency in real-time; during urban driving, I observed it reach up to 18.8 km/L.

When I switched to sport mode for highway driving, I recorded fuel efficiency in the low 17 km/L range.

Overall, I found my actual fuel efficiency to be about 1.2 to 1.5 km/L higher than the specified figures.

The Arkana Hybrid E-Tech features a 9.3-inch openR link navigation system that provides excellent visibility for information access,

and you can connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, the TMAP navigation system comes standard, allowing you to access real-time traffic information strong in Korean terrains without needing to connect your smartphone.

Real-time TMAP information also integrates with the 10.25-inch TFT cluster, enabling you to focus on the road without diverting your eyes from the display during nighttime driving.

The 2026 Renault Arkana Hybrid E-Tech includes a driver fatigue warning system and a MY SAFETY button that allows you to toggle ADAS features across all trims.

Moreover, depending on the trim, you can access advanced driving assistance systems like smart cruise control with Stop & Go, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking assist, distance alert system, blind-spot alert system, rear cross-traffic alert system, lane departure warning system, lane departure prevention assist, and automatic high beams,

with up to 16 advanced driving assistance systems available.

If you choose the optional 360-degree around-view monitor, you can easily spot obstacles in blind spots, making parking safer and reducing accident risks.

The touch display and physical buttons are well-organized, making it easy for anyone to adapt to the intuitive menu operation.

Although it's a compact SUV, the Arkana maximizes space efficiency, providing ample room between the driver and passenger seats.

This model is versatile enough for singles, couples, newlyweds, and families with young children.

I previously mentioned the various driving assistance systems, which provided a sense of security during nighttime driving, allowing me to focus entirely on the drive.

When you think of safety, the 2026 Renault Arkana Hybrid E-Tech comes to mind.
The ARKANA Hybrid E-Tech has earned a KNCAP 1st grade in collision stability assessment, scoring a perfect 60 points, and received the highest rating from Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program), recognizing its superior safety compared to competing models.

The Esprit Alpine trim features dark chrome lettering, an Alpine badge, and exclusive 18-inch black wheels, creating a robust yet luxurious exterior design.

Inside, premium materials adorn the exclusive seats, enhanced with blue stitching and the Alpine logo, while the limited number plate signifies its exclusivity.

The trunk offers a capacity of 480 liters, providing ample space for various sports equipment, and folding down the second row allows for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

For couples like my wife and me who enjoy golfing, folding down part of the second-row seats allows us to slide in our golf bags vertically and fit in a duffel bag in the remaining space.

Given its excellent fuel efficiency, this compact SUV model makes long-distance golf trips easy and stress-free.

2026 Renault Arkana Hybrid E-Tech Test Drive Review
The Arkana Hybrid E-Tech can operate solely on the electric motor for up to 75% of urban driving, achieving fuel efficiency of up to 19 km/L during congested commutes.

Its quiet operation allows for pleasant conversations or enjoying music with my wife.

The system delivers a maximum output of 135 ps and a peak torque of 34.9 kg·m, providing lively performance both in the city and on the highway.

However, I felt a slight lack of power when accelerating beyond 110 km/h.

With TMAP integrated, I received optimal navigation guidance during city driving and enjoyed the rich sound of the optional BOSE sound system.

The Esprit Alpine trim offers a luxurious interior atmosphere with its steering wheel and seat designs, making it hard to resist even considering the price difference.

The Esprit Alpine trim stood out as a design I hadn't seen before in the Arkana Hybrid, drawing attention wherever I went.

While compact SUVs have traditionally prioritized economic factors, the rising expectations of the MZ generation have made special designs like the Esprit Alpine increasingly appealing.

Today, I shared my test drive experience of the Renault Arkana Hybrid E-Tech along with insights into the Esprit Alpine trim design and its unique appeal.

In mid-June, I plan to test drive the Arkana ICE model as well, and I will clearly analyze and share the differences between the two models.

Vehicle provided by: Renault Korea

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