This is the new Renault Rafale - and it’ll soon be the most powerful car in the French firm’s line-up.
The Rafale is a large, distinctive coupe-SUV that’s being described as Renault’s new ‘Flagship’.
It’ll sit above the Austral in the manufacturer’s range while also competing with rivals like the Citroen C5 X and the Audi Q5 Sportback.
When it first hits the leasing market early next year, the Rafale will be available as a 200 hp self-charging hybrid which will be capable of returning around 60 miles to the gallon - which isn’t bad at all for a big SUV.
But the really headline-grabbing stat is that the Rafale will also - at a later date - be offered as an all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid with power of up to 300 hp. That’ll put it in the same bracket as the most powerful Cupra Formentor, as well as the Volkswagen Tiguan R.
Meanwhile Renault says the Rafale is ‘a new vehicle born and bred for driving pleasure’.
Gilles Vidal, VP Design, Renault brand, adds: “The all new Rafale is a powerful illustration of the Renault brand's new design language. It is in keeping with its DNA through generous curves, treated with great precision, combined with lines of tension and technical details that bring character and sophistication to the whole. With its unprecedented style, quality craftsmanship and proportions, the all new Renault Rafale asserts its power and personality on the road."
The name ‘Rafale’ is taken from a French word meaning ‘gust of wind’ and Renault says its SUV will be a ‘breath of fresh air’ in the upmarket category.
The Rafale also leans on Renault’s aeronautical heritage, with the ‘Caudron-Renault Rafale’ fighter jet having flown at a record-breaking 277 mph back in 1934.
Style-wise, Renault hopes the Rafale will be a ‘muscular’, ‘powerful’, ‘status symbol’ car that boasts a slightly raised fastback body and an imposing stance.
The self-charging hybrid powertrain features a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine as well as two electric motors.
There’s also a clever ‘multimode box’ that automatically selects the powertrain’s mode.
A Renault spokesperson explains how this can be, ‘all-electric, all-combustion, dynamic hybrid (where the the engine and motors move the wheels together, e-drive (the motor moves the wheels and the engine charges the battery) or regeneration (the motor taps into the kinetic energy)’.
The spokesperson adds: “Our new 200 hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain uses the electric motors as much as possible, whatever the circumstances, to optimise consumption. The fact that you can use the electric motor up to 80% of the time in cities ranks the car among the best in its category.”
In due course, the Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp version will also arrive, and which will have ‘performance levels never seen before in Renault’s line-up’.
You have go back to the red-hot Renault Megane R.S from a couple of years ago to find anything with as much clout.
And because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you’ll be able to run it in pure electric mode for a good chunk of the time, saving a packet on your fuel bill.
Inside the cabin you can expect sporty seats, swathes of environmentally-friendly materials, a panoramic glass roof that you can dim, and a fully-connected infotainment system.
There will also be a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
There's no word yet on how much it might cost, but we'll keep you posted!
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- Performance Vauxhall Astra GSe estate now available to lease!
- Electric Vauxhall Astra lease: Everything you need to know!
- New VW ID.7 is ‘sophisticated limousine’
- Affordable Citroen C4 scoops top industry award
- Cheap car leasing deals for the summer!
- Father’s Day advice for dads teaching kids to drive
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
