Features
29 Aug 18

Arkana is Renault's mainstream BMW X2 rival

Coupé-crossovers like the BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace are hot, but virtually non-existant in the mainstream segment. Renault promises to change this situation and presents a concept car called Arkana at the Moscow motor show. Indeed, Russia is to become its first and foremost market. The Renault-controlled Avtovaz (which also builds Ladas) will start making this Kaptur-derived model as from next year.

With 448,270 units sold, Groupe Renault claimed 28 percent of the Russian market last year, making it the OEM's second most important sales area. It is the group's intention to make Russia its biggest marketplace by the end of 2022, and the Arkana will certainly have a major part in its plan.

First Russia, then Asia, but not Europe

Once the Russian Arkana production is up and running, the model will also be manufactured and sold elsewhere. China is likely to be served first, but other markets will surely follow. The model will keep its unique design, but will be adapted to local customers’ expectations, Renault says.

Not much is known about the powertrains or the chassis, apart from the fact that the Arkana rides on a modified platform of the Russian-market Kaptur - essentially a slightly bigger variant of the European Captur. Renault has no plans of selling the car on the Old Continent, though.

Picture copyright: Renault, 2018

Authored by: Dieter Quartier