Renault Arkana R.S (2023-2026)

As a very happy owner of the smaller Captur (review elsewhere here) for over four years, I decided to take advantage of a new Arkana. It is a 2023 model RS LINE. Note that its often sold just as RS in Australia however this is the RS Line version… Read more

with impressive detail but not sport modification. I'm confident in the future reliability, after no warranty claims in the Captur.

I've had the Arkana 7 weeks. So, it has all the features and similar to an Intens but with black wheels, privacy rear windows and better interior including carbon fibre style dash. the same mechanically .... KW 115. The same as the Captur. With those darkened bits it looks more coupe like. Actually, I'm glad to be out of an SUV and although not a sedan lover this just seems different. And finally I have a sunroof back ! The same Seven speeds and 1.3 litre turbo with paddles to operate it. The 'extras' included are comprehensive and if fact too numerous to list. It's not unusual for owners to last years before discovering things. But here's the thing......NO overwhelming use of a centre screen, but which is itself, very good for setting up and using. I mean the passenger can play with the navigation screen and much more. The usual occasional settings for the car like wipers , lanes and many others for your preferences are there too before you start off. Whats driver friendly is that A/C and vent settings, temperature and more often used items are Manual knobs !! Even the radio can be changed to your favourite stations using the Rotary knob behind the steering wheel by touch........ and sound and mute too next to it.

Every other extra (that on some dash settings) work just a little different to the Captur. But I fitted in to it straight away, as in most ways as it’s the same, with just enough to make it different. And when you need to go a little faster you have manual paddle (& hold 2 secs to lock in ---and say 4secs to go back to drive). Or drive in Sport which resets parameters at different lower points and still change higher if wanted with the paddle, picking up say 6 or 7. The only jarring note was that this 'new' demonstrator came with one key and although they said they'd ordered one, there appeared to be different claims and also poor reports on this site for the particular dealer. Reports here on this dealer has caused me to back away from risking my car or key. Be aware that new programmable rolling block keys are not cheap with a delay in them coming in. Update….despite the above and response through this site, the dealer has forwarded a new key which I will have programmed.

I've always had European tyres but these are Asian Kumho Solus TA31. The standard 18x55 give a good ride, which was better after the Captur, and are said to have a long life.( Standard Arkanas have18x60.)I did note (and it’s said) that wet grip is not so good. That doesn't worry me. I note that the latest Alpine version is a similar car but has 19” wheels and is why I bought the RS line with 18s I use 98 petrol instead of 91 and on prior cars was always better power, economy and drive ability. Some net reports suggest some clutch judder on engagement issues and true on my Captur but not this Arkana……..some electronics but not on either car (and indeed Samsung is involved in the car). After many sporting cars ….and this is my 20 th new car, I can say that the ride is good, good medium pointing ability, brakes re assuring and the car solid without squeaks etc. UPDATE : ) Oct 2025 Generally known and sold as an RS .......It’s technically an RS line. In fine print on the sides of the fenders. The steering is variable electric and the torque comes in strong at 1500.revs peaking at max torque at around 2250. This is great torque low down and in Sport mode with all that and a good ride you can be very happy. All that with 1330 ccs.

It’s still going well as before however I mention the fuel consumption (98 fuel). In short drives, it suffers, as all cars do, going to the shops etc...more like 8-10 L/100, however on a trip from Baulkham Hills to Gosford on the M1, it managed 5 L/100 km !! (if you had a life before metric, it is 56.5 mpg ). .......and a touch less at over 5.2 l/100 (54MPG) coming back. And on a later run from Hills M1 to Brooklyn 4.3 L per 100kl. M1 on ramp to off ramp only I can get 3.9 L/100km to 4.8L/100 .......This last one was a flat run with no traffic lights.I triple checked these. Off a freeway you will not get these but it does show whats possible. This is from the cars computer. WOW.

I am at a loss to understand any negative reviews elsewhere.

Totally happy.