The Esprit Alpine grade replaces the old R.S. Line variant at the top of the Arkana totem pole. It bring with a range of styling tweaks to separate it from the Techno variant beneath it.
First up is it has big 19-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches nicely. There are gunmetal highlights on the front bumper and the front and rear skid plates are in the same colour. It also adds a Esprit Alpine badge below the side mirror and front door sill plates.
'Tricolour' Red, white and blue stitching on the steering wheel and door trim and blue stitching on the seats, gear shifter and centre console further differentiate the Esprit Alpine from the Techno. Both grades have eight interior lighting colours to choose form.
The Esprit matches the Techno for tech with its 9.3-inch portrait shaped multimedia screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is paired to a 10.25-inch digital driver display.
The Esprit Alpine also gains a sunroof, eight-speaker Bose stereo and a heated steering wheel compared to the Techno.
Overall, the cabin presents well, but there are a few touches that let it down such as a big faux wood insert on the dash that feels low quality compared to some of the surrounding surfaces.
It has the same 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch auto transmission as the rest of the range.
The engine has plenty of poke but it is let down by the transmission that can be indecisive at lower speeds and when pushed. It is more than capable at cruising at motorway speeds.
The suspension is on the firmish side, with the rear torsion beam rear set-up crashing over smaller consistent bumps and potholes.
Steering is well weighted and there is minimal body roll through corners. It is a bit on the noisy side at higher speeds with wind and tyre roar entering the cabin.
As with the tech safety is comprehensive. The Arkana has a maximum five-star ANCAP rating, which is carried over from the older version and it is due to expire in late 2025.
There are six airbags and a wide array of active driver aids.
Servicing is on the expensive side at $2385 over five years, but it smashes the competition with 12 month and 30,000km intervals. Renault covers the Arkana with a five year/unlimited km warranty a five years of roadside assistance is complementary.
The Esprit Alpine variant adds a touch of French flair over the Techno grade as well as a few extra goodies, but whether it's worth the extra $4000 is debatable.
It's a solid highway cruiser that'd be a comfy space to do lots of kays, but the lower speed drive experience muddies the water somewhat.
Renault Arkana 2024: Espirit Alpine
| Engine Type | Turbo 4, 1.3L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.9L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $45,000 |
| Safety Rating |
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Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Espirit Alpine | 1.3L, 7 SPEED AUTO DUAL CLUTCH | $45,000 |
| Intens | 1.3L, 7 SPEED AUTO DUAL CLUTCH | $41,000 |
| R.s. Line | 1.3L, 7 SPEED AUTO DUAL CLUTCH | $45,000 |
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