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So, the Renault Rafale. Yet another SUV. This time, it's a conventional full hybrid, with coupe styling, a very modern and clean look, plenty of piano black exterior trim and, as usual for this class, big alloy wheels. You see, there are plenty of SUVs to choose from these days, from Alfa Romeo to Rolls Royce to Lotus. No one would argue that we need yet another SUV to clog up roads and squeeze into parking spaces.
So the question is: if this big new Renault didn't exist, would there have been a need to invent it?
Comfortable and easy to control: Renault's Rafale cockpit with 12-inch touchscreen
All things considered, yes, I think so. Competition is a good thing, after all, as it allows for better deals for consumers and encourages manufacturers to innovate. Here, we have to admit that the Renault Rafale, in fact, has not changed much in its visual design. It is quite ordinary, in fact, and very reminiscent of the products of the same French brand, the Peugeot 3008/5008 (old and new) and the rarely seen Citroen C5 X.
It has a beefy look at the front, a fashionable “premium” style grille, stylish LED lights, high waisted sides and a prominent “bustle” at the rear. It's not conspicuous, but it looks good, too.
“Ingenious” armrest with two tablet holders, two drink holders and two USB-C ports (Renault)
The interior is similarly well-finished, and while it again doesn't break any new ground, it's tastefully finished with very comfortable seats in warm Alcantara fabric, while higher trim levels also come with the highly acclaimed Harman Kardon audio system, voice command control and a head-up display with speed displayed on the windscreen for added safety.
The Rafale rides well and is easy enough to catch even the most vicious speed traps, and for a car of its weight, handling is pretty good, although the steering could do with being a little more direct.
Incidentally, if you're looking for a bit more visual drama indoors and out, we'd recommend the Cupra Formentor or Maserati Levante.
Still, the Rafale does do a few things its mainstream competitors don't, such as four-wheel steering, which rotates the rear wheels (slightly) in the opposite direction to aid in maneuvering at low speeds (such as tight turns in a multi-storey car park), and helps with vehicle stability at higher speeds. In both cases the effect is fairly subtle and barely noticeable, but it's a useful feature nonetheless; it's usually only found on some models from more expensive manufacturers such as the Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes EQE.
spec
Renault Rafale E-Tech 200hp
Price: £44,695 (as tested, prices start from £38,125)
Engine capacity: 1.2L petrol 3-cylinder, 6-speed automatic + 2x electric motors
Power (hp): 200
Maximum speed (mph): 111
0 to 60 (sec): 8.9
Fuel economy (mpg): 60.1 (including battery only use)
CO2 emissions (WLTP, g/km): 107
The downside is that, naturally, there are some concerns about the long-term durability of such advanced features, but for new car buyers, this should be covered under the warranty. (By the way, there's no need to question Renault's quality at all – expressing an old-fashioned mindset, this is just another problem.)
The second, and a lot of fun, is the self-described “ingenious armrest” (a trademark of Renault) at the rear. It's hard to explain, but basically, the armrest goes down as usual, and when you lift a flap, some claw-like plastic pieces pop up, allowing you to place a smartphone or a tablet or two on it, making it even more fun for rear-seat passengers (especially kids) while traveling.
Like four-wheel steering, this isn't something anyone will go into a car showroom and ask for, but it's at least a novelty.
Large panoramic glass roof can be dimmed or brightened by voice or manual control (Renault)
The Renault is indeed respectable in that it's thoroughly competitive in its class in terms of price, space and equipment – benchmark it (deep breath) against the Nissan X-Trail, Audi Q2, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3008 and BMW X2, all of which can claim superior fuel economy (and CO2 emissions) as a taxable benefit in kind.
All Rafale models also get a very cool panoramic glass roof with adjustable opacity, four-wheel '4control advanced' steering system, two 12-inch touchscreens, and front, rear and side parking sensors.
The Rafale has a chunky “premium” style grille and a sleek sportback body. (Renault)
“Rafale” means a small wave of wind, but also refers to the pioneering pre-war aircraft. This new coupe SUV deserves to give Renault a little boost in the big “D” segment of the car market, where the company has had little success since ceasing production of the Laguna and Safran in the UK.
Car enthusiasts enjoyed the joie de vivre found in the avant-garde Vel Satis and Avantimes, but it was time to mix the language, bring the game to the German luxury car competition and “throw the German out of the equation”. So the Rafale was invented. It would be fun to look at and, of course, drive.
