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Aviation homage Rafale teased as Renault’s flagship coupe SUV
Based on the Austral and Espace, the Rafale will take-up station above the Arakana as Renault's second sloping roof-styled SUV.
Based on the Austral and Espace, the Rafale looks noticeably similar to the Peugeot 408 and from the rear, the Audi Q8. Image: Renault
Set to back-up the Arkana as its second coupe-style SUV, Renault has released the first teaser image of the Rafale ahead of its world debut on 18 June.
Renault in the air
A model the automaker says takes inspiration from its aviation involvement in the 1930s, the Rafale takes its name from a single-engine plane called the Caudron C.430 Rafale that used a Renault aero engine developing 180 kW to set a series of speed records in 1934.
Applied to the newcomer, the coupe-SUV iteration, according to Renault, “reconnects” with the C.430 by virtue of its “camouflaged silhouette, which instantly conjures up visions of performance, daring, excitement and character”.
No winged platform or interior
Underneath though, the Rafale will ride on the same CMF-D platform as the Austral and despite its aviation association suggesting a different model, incorporate likely small frontal design changes from its sibling that provides the base for the new Nissan X-Trail, as well as the long wheelbase Espace.
Aside from the fastback rear that resembles the roofline of the Audi Q8, the single teaser also shows a side front-end profile similar to the new Peugeot 408, while the design of the bootlid spoiler indirectly pays a passing resemblance to that of the second generation Ford Focus RS.
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While Renault didn’t disclose any details or indeed images of the Rafale’s interior, speculation is it will differ minorly from the Austral’s cabin, the biggest difference being the reduced headroom and smaller boot.
Hybrid only
Underneath its bonnet, the Rafale will make use of the E-Tech hybrid powertrain that matches a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 1.7-kWh lithium-ion battery and a pair of electric motors for a total system output of 118 kW or 147 kW.
In both cases, drive is directed to the front wheels via the multi-mode clutchless transmission from the Clio that combines a torque-converter four-speed automatic with a pair of ratios provided by the electric motor for an effective six-speed self-shifter.
Paying homage
For its official unveiling on said date, Renault will use the Paris Air Show before commencing with production at its Palencia Plant in Spain that also manufactures the Espace and Austral.
With more than a month left though, don’t be surprised if more details and teasers are divulged over the coming weeks.
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