Renault joined the coupe-SUV trend early on with the introduction of the Arkana (also referred to as the Megane Conquest in select markets) in 2019. Now, the French automaker is taking it up a notch by combining the appeal of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV in the D-segment. Bucking the earlier rumors of a revival of the "Avantime" nameplate, Renault has settled on the name "Rafale" for its latest creation.
Interestingly, the Rafale name has historical significance, albeit not in the automotive realm. Back in 1934, shortly after Renault acquired aircraft company Caudron, the newly formed Caudron-Renault renamed their C460 racing plane as the Rafale, inspired by a renowned wind. While the nameplate has already made an appearance on the Megane E-Tech Electric, which offers a Rafale Grey paint option, it is now poised to take center stage as the moniker for this highly anticipated coupe-SUV.
Renault has shared limited details about the Rafale, but we know that it will be based on the CMF-CD platform and feature hybrid powertrains. It is likely to share commonalities with the new Espace, which has transitioned from a minivan to an SUV. The sloping roofline of the Rafale suggests that it may sacrifice the third row in favor of a sleeker profile, emphasizing style without compromising entirely on practicality.
As Renault progressively moves away from diesel engines, it is safe to assume that the 2024 Rafale will not offer a diesel option. The Espace, for example, currently offers a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with an output of 130 horsepower and 205 Newton-meters of torque. This internal combustion engine collaborates with two electric motors – a primary unit producing 70 horsepower and 205 Newton-meters of torque, and a secondary starter generator contributing 25 horsepower and 50 Newton-meters of torque.
Positioned above the Arkana in the Renault lineup, the Rafale is set to complete the range. The world premiere of this highly anticipated coupe-SUV is scheduled for June 18 at the 54th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, a commune located in the northeastern suburbs of Paris.
Source: Renault
