Renault Arkana SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2

​Straight from launch, the Renault Arkana came with electrification on both engine options, with the range starting with a petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance – now though, the sole option left is the full hybrid E-Tech. 

The E-Tech hybrid gets a 1.2kWh battery which doesn’t give the option to drive on electric power alone for any great length of time. It also gets two electric motors and a 1.6-litre petrol engine – a combination that promises diesel-like fuel efficiency. Renault has no plans to offer a diesel version. There’s no plug-in hybrid or electric version yet, so if you’d like to take advantage of lower running costs or tax liability, it’s worth checking out the Captur plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or the Megane E-Tech Electric.

Renault’s claim of 58.9mpg seems achievable; our test drive on faster roads returned over 53mpg, and staying at lower speeds would increase the fuel efficiency further still. That compares well to hybrid SUV rivals like the Kia Niro and the Toyota C-HR.

All models are subject to the lower rate of VED (road tax). Meanwhile, CO2 emissions stand at just 108-109g/km for the hybrid, so it offers a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating for company-car drivers. Due to the way that plug-in hybrid and electric cars are incentivised for business users, Renault’s other electrified SUVs are even more appealing for business customers, however.

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Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the Arkana start from group 15 for entry-level Evolution models, and rise to 17 out of 50 for the E-Tech version.

Servicing

A three-year service plan is around £500 and can be paid in one go or in monthly instalments, making it easier to spread the cost of maintenance. Look out for deals with servicing plans included or discounted to save yourself money when it’s time for scheduled maintenance.

Warranty

Renault used to offer a very appealing five-year warranty in the UK, but that’s been pared back in recent years. You now get three years of cover, with no mileage limit in the first two years, and a 60,000-mile limit in the third year. The battery in the E-Tech version is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, and Renault will replace it if it drops below 63% of its original capacity during the cover period. Renault also provides 12 years’ cover against anti-corrosion and three years’ cover for paintwork.