New Renault Rafale hybrid SUV flagship gets priced, UK spec details

► New Renault Rafale pricing
► Flagship coupe SUV, hybrid only
► Three trim levels, upwards of £38k

Renault has announced pricing and spec details for its new range-topping SUV coupe – the Renault Rafale. Competing in the heavily congested hybrid SUV sector, the Rafale promises ‘the best mpg figures in its segment’ and as much as 296bhp – though not at the same time.

The starting price of £38,195 gets you the 197bhp variant, which combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors and a clutchless automatic ‘dog box’ transmission. There are three trim levels, infotainment by Google, and some fancy options, including a variable tint Solarbay glass roof.

‘The all-new Renault Rafale is central in the Renaulution, symbolises our move upmarket and shows that we belong in every customer segment,’ said Fabrice Cambolive, Renault CEO. ‘With its captivating coupe SUV design crafted for intense experiences, it provides unprecedented driving pleasure with its hybrid powertrains and a standard-setting chassis brimming with passion and know-how from Renault engineers.’

Because Renault used to make aero engines and actually manufactured the Caudron-Renault Rafale (below) in 1934.

It’s also something to do with wind. Sorry, the wind. In French.

The Rafale is the first car to bear the full weight of Renault’s new design language. 4710mm long, 1860mm wide and 1610mm tall, the Rafale hides its considerable size with some sporty features; the roofline curves down at the rear for a more ‘swoopy’ look, while a wide track and windscreen with seventeen degrees of rake make it feel somewhat more dynamic. 

The front of the Rafale also features the brand’s new headlight signature – originally debuted on the revised Clio shown earlier this year.

‘The all-new Renault Rafale is sized to give it a status-symbol aura, its design is vibrant, and it has a powerful personality,’ said Alexis Martot, Renault’s head of exterior design. ‘So, it naturally stands out as the Renault brand’s new flagship.’

Underpinning the new range-topper is the Renault group’s CMF-CD architecture. Just two powertrains will be offered – both E-Tech petrol-electric hybrids.

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