Renault Rafale revealed as brand's flagship SUV

    The all-new Rafale SUV was revealed at the Paris Air show; gets multiple petrol-hybrid powertrain options.

    Published On Jun 19, 2023 07:31:00 PM

    1,09,864 Views

    Listen to this Article

    Renault has unveiled its new flagship, the Rafale in Europe. This hybrid coupe-SUV shares its platform, including wheelbase, with the family-oriented Austral and Espace.

    1. Renault Rafale gets the clutchless hybrid powertrain 
    2. 4WD variant's electric-only range is 48-64km

    Renault Rafale dimensions, exterior design language 

    The Renault Rafale's features a striking new grille, prominent haunches and a long fastback roof that offers both generous rear passenger headroom and efficient aerodynamics. The SUV uses the CMF-CD platform, Renault's version of a component that already underpins 15 million Renault Group models from the Clio upwards. It fits into the heart of the SUV segment with an overall length of 4.7m, a height of 1.61m and a wheelbase of 2.74m. 

    Renault Rafale powertrain, hybrid system

    The carmaker said the Rafale is “a vehicle born and bred for driving pleasure”. It will be available in two variants. At launch, the Rafale gets the 194hp clutchless hybrid powertrain, and derives its power from a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors. The 127hp Atkinson Cycle engine drives the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. A 66hp electric drive motor (with its own integral two-speed dog box) is sandwiched between the engine and the main gearbox. 

    The second electric motor is an integrated starter-generator that starts the petrol engine, collects energy when the car coasts or brakes and can assist with acceleration when needed. This powertrain, electronically governed, doesn’t need a clutch because the car always starts under electric power only, and the meshing of the two-speed dog box is managed by the electric motor. 

    Renault Rafale 4WD, battery and range

    The new flagship will appear first in Europe as a 194hp front-wheel-drive hybrid, but a 290hp four-wheel-drive version is also scheduled. In the base model Rafale, there’s a 2kWh battery under the driver’s seat that allows short-range electric driving. The 290hp, four-wheel-drive Rafale has the same front-mounted powertrain as the original but accompanies that with an electrified rear axle which uses a separate electric motor in the unit with a rear differential. This model has a much bigger battery and is understood to be a plug-in hybrid with an EV-only range of 48-64km. 

    Renault in India 

    In India, Renault is presently only selling three models at present the Kwid, Triber and Kiger. While the Renault Rafale won't make a debut here, the Duster name is set to make a return in 2025. The third-generation Duster will be more off-road oriented, tougher looking and will also be able to support combustion engines, hybrids and EV powertrains. The new Duster will also get a Nissan derivative

    Also see: 

    Next-gen Renault Duster begins road tests ahead of debut

    Renault Kiger EV spotted at Pravaig plant

     

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    Would you buy a festive season special edition car?

    Yes, they offer greater value

     

    24.68%

    Yes, it helps me stand out

     

    6.77%

    No, the car is essentially the same

     

    68.55%

    Total Votes : 709
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe