Renault has unveiled a striking new crossover SUV, but unlike the Kadjar and Captur, it isn’t coming to the UK. Or Europe. In fact, the only place you’ll be able to drive this new high-riding Renault initially is Russia.
Unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show, the Arkana coupe-crossover combines ‘the elegance of a saloon and the sturdiness of an SUV’ (Renault’s words, obviously).
It will go on sale in Russia in 2019 and other unidentified markets soon after, but there are currently no plans to bring it to Europe. And that’s a shame.
The Kadjar and Captur have clearly, err, captured the hearts of the British public and going off what Renault has shown so far, there’s little reason to believe that the Arkana wouldn’t be a hit too.
'A French touch'
The Arkana targets a robust yet elegant look. With a high ground clearance, wide wheel arches and large 19-inch wheels, it should cope with most harsh terrains. But the high waistline, sloping coupe roofline, side chrome detailing and panoramic glass roof lend it an elegant edge too.
Unveiling the car in Moscow, Laurens Van den Acker, senior vice-president of corporate design at Groupe Renault, said: “[With the Arkana show car], we have dialed in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch.”
Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Well let’s just add it to the long list of restricted Renaults we can only dream about driving…
Other Renaults we aren’t allowed to drive
This isn’t the first time Renault has withheld new models from the UK in recent times.
When the Talisman – a stylish D-segment saloon/estate – was revealed in 2016, Renault didn’t bother offering it us Brits. The same goes for the estate version of the current Clio. What gives?! We love the Clio, we love tips runs; give us a load-lugging Clio already!
Another restricted Renault is the Megane Grand Coupe – available in 20 countries worldwide, but not in the UK.
Furthermore, it’s unlikely the current Espace will ever see the inside of a Renault UK showroom, while the Jimny-esque Kwid was developed exclusively for the Indian market.
Fine without you
Renault Groupe seems to be doing just fine without us though – it sold 3.76 million Renault and Dacia-badged vehicles in 2017, 8.5 per cent more than in the previous year.
It might be a surprise to you to learn that Russia is the group’s second biggest market, with over a quarter (28 per cent) of its sales ending up in the country.
By 2022, Russia is expected to be the biggest buyer of Renault Groupe vehicles – so can we really blame them for making a car just for them?
There are still plenty of
great Renaults available in the UK –
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