Renault has sent out a new teaser image of its new SUV, which will be called the Arkana, and is scheduled to make its world debut at the upcoming 2018 Moscow motor show next week.
Expected to launch in Russia in 2019, the preview image of the SUV shows the tailgate with Arkana badging. Renault had previously teased the front of the coupe-like SUV back in June.
The SUV’s name is derived from the Latin word 'arcanum', which means secret. Renault claims that the concept of Arkana is "associated with mystery, attractiveness and pioneer spirit".
The preview photo sheds light on the shape of the tail-lights that look to extend the full width of the tailgate and is split in the middle by the Renault logo. It also shows a pronounced rear boot lip. The earlier teaser image provided hints of the Arkana’s front – a sporty-looking face that takes design cues from the Renault’s latest design language, first demonstrated by the Mégane, and a coupé-like roofline. C-shaped DRLs that feed out of the main headlights could also be seen in that teaser.
For markets such as Russia, the Arkana will be based on the same M0 platform as the Captur sold there, though for the Chinese market, it is more likely to be underpinned by Renault’s CMF-B platform. While there are talks of this SUV-coupe to be sold under the Dacia brand, expect Renault to position the Arkana as an upmarket alternative to the Captur.
However, it is unlikely that the Arkana will be brought to India any time soon. Despite a bold design, Renault’s Captur has not managed wow Indian buyers, who prefer a traditional, upright stance on their SUVs. While SUV-coupe’s such as the BMW X4 might make a mark in premium segments, the Arkana, which will be a mass market model, may not have the same impact.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
