Renault, the French automotive manufacturer, has unveiled its new coupe-SUV for international markets. Called the Rafale (a French word for a sudden gust of wind), it is the company's top-of-the-range SUV named after a 1934 legendary aircraft. Renault has positioned this new model in the D-SUV segment. It measures 4,710mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,610mm in height. Furthermore, it has a long wheelbase of 2,740mm, similar to that of the Renault Espace MPV. The brand-new Rafale SUV sits above the Renault Arkana coupe-SUV, which is already available in the European market. Sharing its underpinnings with the Espace and Austral, the Rafale is based on Renault's CMF-CD platform. However, it gets a new visual language, thanks to Gilles Vidal, Design Director at Renault.
The 2024 Rafale gets a sculpted front bumper, Peugeot-style LED headlights, and arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights. A new radiator, which is positioned below the car's sleek nose, includes an aerodynamically enhanced design reminiscent of Renault's diamond emblem. At the back, the SUV has Y-shaped taillights, an integrated spoiler on the tailgate, and a sleek rear bumper. The Rafale rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky 245mm tyres. The rear windscreen is inclined at 17 degrees for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
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Coming to colour options, the Rafale is available in new Satin Pearl White and Alpine Blue colours, along with the classic Flame Red, Diamond Black, and gloss Ceramic Grey.
2024 Renault Rafale Coupe-SUV: Interior, Features
Inside, the 2024 Renault Rafale coupe-SUV gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 9.3-inch head-up display. In addition, the SUV also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology. In the flagship Esprit Alpine trim of the SUV, seats are upholstered in Alcantara with tri-colour stitching and have illuminated Alpine emblems on the seatbacks. The new Rafale is also the first car worldwide to incorporate dyed cork and slate for dashboard inserts.
Despite sporting a coupe-like roofline, the headroom in the back is not compromised. However, the Rafale does miss out on the third row, as the French carmaker plans to sell the new SUV only with 5 seats. In terms of storage capacity, the Rafale has a roomy boot with 647 litres. Developed by Saint-Gobain, a massive 1,470 x 1,117 mm Solarbay panoramic glass roof adds to the spaciousness of the cabin and can be voice-controlled via Google Assistant.
2024 Renault Rafale Coupe-SUV: Drivetrain
Under the bonnet, the 2024 Rafale coupe-SUV receives a powerful E-Tech hybrid powertrain. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show, the model gets the same self-charging hybrid system as the Austral and the Espace. Powering the SUV is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors. The petrol engine produces 128bhp and 205Nm of torque, while the main electric motor is powered by a 2kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 69bhp and 205Nm. The secondary electric motor is a high-voltage starter generator with 33.5bhp of power and 50Nm of torque. The combined output of the Rafale SUV is rated at 197bhp and 205Nm, similar to the figures of the Espace.
In addition, a newly developed E-Tech 4x4 plug-in hybrid setup with 296bhp of power will be subsequently offered with the Renault Rafale SUV, according to the carmaker. The boost in the power output will come from an additional motor on the rear axle, enabling all-wheel drive. Besides, it will also receive updated rear-wheel steering, along with chassis tuning.
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2024 Renault Rafale Coupe-SUV: Availability, Competition
The 2024 Rafale coupe-SUV will be manufactured at the Palencia plant in Spain. It will go on sale in Europe and other select markets in spring 2024. In terms of rivalry, the SUV competes with the Peugeot 408, the Citroen C5 X, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, BMW X4, and Audi Q5 Sportback.
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