Renault Arkana goes MHEV for MY26

RENAULT Australia has updated its Arkana coupe-SUV for the 2026 model year, introducing mild-hybrid assistance, a recalibrated dual-clutch transmission, and revised pricing.

Available in showrooms now, the MY26 Renault Arkana range has been streamlined to two variants – Techno and Esprit Alpine – priced from $41,990 (+$1500) and $45,990 (+$1000) plus on-road costs respectively.

Both grades are powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 116kW at 5500rpm and 270Nm at 2250rpm, supported by a 12-volt mild-hybrid system and 3.6kW electric motor.

Drive is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which Renault says has been recalibrated to deliver smoother operation.

The mild-hybrid system does not provide meaningful electric-only driving, but is instead designed to reduce engine load and fuel use during acceleration and low-speed operation.

Combined fuel consumption is listed at 5.9 litres per 100km under ADR81/02 testing, with urban consumption of 7.2L/100km and extra-urban consumption of 5.2L/100km.

Combined carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are rated at 134 grams per kilometre, while the Arkana is calibrated to meet Euro 6 emissions standards and runs on 91 RON regular unleaded petrol.

Renault has retained the Arkana’s coupe-inspired roofline and elevated SUV stance, while continuing to offer 485 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place.

Folding the 60:40-split rear bench expands cargo volume to 1268 litres, with a split-level boot floor and temporary space-saver spare wheel fitted as standard.

The entry-level Arkana Techno is equipped with 18-inch two-tone Silverstone alloy wheels, LED headlights, C-shaped LED daytime running lights, sweeping LED tail-lights, and chrome exterior window trim.

Standard infotainment equipment includes a portrait-oriented 9.3-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, integrated satellite navigation, and a six-speaker Arkamys sound system.

Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, along with DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, a wireless smartphone charger, and four USB-A ports.

Comfort and convenience features extend to electrically adjustable and heated front seats, electric driver’s lumbar adjustment, climate-control air conditioning with an air purifier, and eight selectable ambient lighting colours.

The Techno further includes a powered tailgate, hands-free parking assistance, keyless entry and start, automatic walk-away locking, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding heated exterior mirrors.

A comprehensive driver assistance package is standard across the range, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and lane centring.

Lane departure warning, lane-keep assistance, forward collision warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot warning are also included as part of the driver assistance suite.

Rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, front, rear and side parking sensors, automatic high beam and tyre-pressure monitoring complete the active safety package.

The flagship Esprit Alpine builds on the Techno with 19-inch Elixir alloy wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, black door mirrors and dark grey detailing on the front bumper and lower doors.

It also receives dual gloss-black exhaust surrounds integrated into the rear bumper fascia and exclusive Esprit Alpine sill plates.

Inside, the Esprit Alpine gains suede-style upholstery with embroidered Alpine ‘A’ logos, a heated steering wheel, alloy pedal covers, and a dark grey roof lining.

French blue, white, and red stitching features on the steering wheel and door trims, while Alpine Blue stitching is applied to the seats, gear selector, and centre armrest.

A Bose premium audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer replaces the Techno’s Arkamys unit, while a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror and retractable sunroof are also standard.

The sunroof may be optioned on the Techno for $1500, while a black-painted roof costs $600 on either grade.

Metallic paint adds $900 across the range, with new Satin Grey matte paint available exclusively on the Esprit Alpine for $1150.

The Arkana rides on MacPherson-strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear axle, with 280mm front and 260mm rear disc brakes.

Kerb weight is listed at 1363kg for the Techno and 1375kg for the Esprit Alpine, with payload capacities of 529kg and 517kg respectively.

Braked towing capacity is rated at 900kg, with an unbraked limit of 715kg and maximum tow ball download of 75kg.

Renault Australia backs the MY26 Arkana with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while scheduled servicing intervals are set at 12 months/30,000km (whichever comes first).

Locally, the Renault Arkana continues to compete alongside the likes of the Honda HR-V (from $32,900 d/a), Mitsubishi ASX (from $37,740 + ORC), and Volkswagen T-Roc (from $38,990 + ORC).

2026 Renault Arkana pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.