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Named after a well-known racing airplane, the Renault Rafale is the coupe-fied model of the Austral, and it will likely be solely accessible with hybrid powertrains
This story contains impartial illustrations that aren’t affiliated with Renault. After the official announcement and teasers, the article was revised to incorporate probably the most up-to-date info. (Up to date 6/17)
Renault at the moment provides the Austral and the Espace, which cater to the compact and midsize SUV segments in Europe. Nonetheless, there may be one other carefully associated mannequin on the horizon. The all-new Rafale that’s named after a Thirties racing airplane is scheduled to debut on June 18, bringing an enhanced and extra interesting design to the lineup. The Rafale can even share the electrified underpinnings with its sibling fashions.
Rumors relating to a Renault compact coupe-SUV had been circulating on the web for a substantial time. Nonetheless, it wasn’t till April 2023 that the first camouflaged prototypes made their look on the street, with an official teaser launched on Could 16. These testers confirmed that the brand new Rafale would transcend being only a coupe-SUV model of the Austral, as it might incorporate Renault’s newest design language.
Extra: Renault Rafale Is An Austral-Based Hybrid Coupe-SUV, Debuts On June 18
Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops
The rendering we created integrates the brand new model of LED headlights that was not too long ago launched by the facelifted Renault Clio. Vertical DRLs attain decrease into the entrance bumper, merging with the intakes whereas being thicker than these present in rival Peugeot fashions. The flagship Esprit Alpine trim will possible characteristic sportier bumpers, larger-diameter alloy wheels, and particular badging.
Along with its extra aggressive styling cues, the Rafale reveals a bolder general design in comparison with the Austral. That is evident in components such because the absolutely redesigned rear, which reinforces the coupe-SUV stance with pronounced shoulders and a closely angled rear glass. Anticipate elongated LED taillights that incorporate Renault’s emblem and twin spoilers for added aptitude.
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A well-recognized inside
The Rafale’s cabin is more likely to be borrowed from the Austral and Espace pictured above
As for the inside, we’d be stunned if Renault didn’t use the digital cockpit discovered within the Austral and the Espace because it already has the most recent tech from the automaker’s arsenal. This features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch OpenR Hyperlink infotainment touchscreen, and a 9.3-inch head-up show. To additional elevate the premium expertise, count on the inclusion of a 48-color ambient lighting system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Alcantara upholstery, just like that seen on the Esprit Alpine, can also contribute to the upscale ambiance.
The Rafale will likely be constructed on the most recent iteration of the CMF-CD structure, which serves as the inspiration for varied fashions inside the Renault Group. It’s possible that the Rafale will share its wheelbase of two,738 mm (107.8 inches) with the Espace, offering designers with larger flexibility to craft a beautiful profile whereas additionally permitting for a extra spacious inside.
Consequently, the general size of the coupe-SUV ought to fall someplace between the 4,510 mm (177.6 inches) of the Austral and the 4,722 mm (185.9 inches) of the Espace. This sizing would supply the Rafale with extra respiration room in comparison with the Captur-based Arkana, which measures 4,570 mm (179.9 inches) lengthy.
Electrified However Not Absolutely Electrical
In the case of powertrain choices, a heavy dose of electrification is predicted with a purpose to align with the sporty look of the Rafale. Renault has formally confirmed that the mannequin will likely be accessible with E-Tech hybrid engines. It’s extremely possible that this may embody the self-charging hybrid variant, which delivers a mixed output of 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque, just like the Austral and Espace fashions.
This specific setup consists of a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, an electrical motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and an automated gearbox that sends energy to the entrance axle.
Extra: New Renault Espace Debuts As A Longer Austral SUV With Seven Seats
It’s extremely possible that Renault can even introduce a extra highly effective and environment friendly plug-in hybrid choice for the Rafale, that includes a notable all-electric vary and powerful efficiency capabilities. In contrast to Peugeot, which provides each hybrid and absolutely electrical variants of its fashions, Renault follows a distinct technique by using a separate platform for its electrical automobiles, just like the strategy taken by the VW Group.
Subsequently, it’s anticipated that the Rafale is not going to have a zero-emission variant, as Renault will concentrate on different fashions inside its lineup to satisfy the demand for electrical automobiles.
The Renault Rafale is scheduled to have its international debut on June 18 on the Paris air present in Le Bourget, earlier than happening sale in Europe later this yr. Positioned inside Europe’s midsize section (D-SUV), it’ll function a direct competitor to the Peugeot 408 fastback. Moreover, higher-spec variations of the Rafale could appeal to prospects who would in any other case think about the bottom fashions of premium rivals such because the Mercedes GLC Coupe, BMW X4, and Audi Q5 Sportback.
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