Review of the Renault Rafale

The 2024 Renault Rafale enters the UK market as a fresh contender in the increasingly competitive coupe-SUV segment. Based on the Renault Austral platform, this model is Renault's attempt to challenge premium rivals such as the Audi and BMW. With a striking design and hybrid powertrain options, the Rafale is set to appeal to those looking for a stylish, eco-friendly SUV without breaking into luxury price territory.

Rivals to the Renault Rafale include the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X4, Peugeot 408, Cupra Formentor, Citroen C5 X and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Our Renault Rafale review covers:

• Sleek coupe-SUV design with sharp lines and a distinctive sloping roofline
• Luxurious interior with premium materials and a spacious layout
• 535-litre boot, expanding to 1,709litres with rear seats down
• Hybrid engine options, offering both E-Tech full hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants
• Four trim levels are available: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine, Iconic Esprit Alpine And Atelier Alpine

Pros:

• Nimble handling
• Loads of standard kit
• Affordability and value for money

Cons:

• Limited engine options
• Hampered rear visibility
• Higher price point for top trims

The Rafale’s design reflects Renault’s focus on style and sophistication. Its swooping coupe-inspired roof and aggressive front fascia provide a sporty appeal, while high-tech LED headlights and gloss black trim give it a premium touch. The AI-crafted front grille, featuring a constellation of diamonds, is one of the most distinctive design elements, adding an innovative flair to its appearance​. It’s a vehicle designed to turn heads, whether in city traffic or cruising along the motorway.

Despite its sporty exterior, the Renault Rafale doesn’t compromise on practicality. The interior space is generous, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. Even with its sloping roofline, the headroom remains ample, making it comfortable for taller passengers. In addition, the advanced infotainment system with its large, easy-to-use touchscreen, and various driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, contribute to a user-friendly and stress-free driving experience​.

The Renault Rafale shines in terms of practicality, offering up to 647 litres of boot space when including the underfloor storage. This makes it ideal for families or those who need extra storage for long trips. The actual boot capacity is still a substantial 535 litres, enough to handle the everyday demands of shopping, travel, or even outdoor adventures​. For added flexibility, the rear seats can be folded down to a further 1,709 litres, making it adaptable for bulkier items.

The Renault Rafale’s interior is crafted to provide a luxurious and connected driving experience. The centrepiece is a large 24-inch combined display, which includes both the infotainment and driver display screens. This system, powered by Google, provides seamless integration with Google Maps, voice control, and a variety of apps, ensuring that navigation and entertainment are always at your fingertips. The infotainment system is complemented by physical controls for the climate settings, allowing for easy adjustment while driving without relying entirely on touch-sensitive interfaces.

The cabin materials are high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and a mix of modern trims that enhance the premium feel. There’s also plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, despite the coupe-like roofline. Rear passengers are particularly well-catered for with features such as USB-C ports and an armrest designed for comfort.

The Renault Rafale is available in four trim levels, each offering a unique mix of features:

Techno:

• Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, the 24-inch digital display, and the Google-powered infotainment system.
• It also comes with a host of driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-view camera, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Techno Esprit Alpine:

• This trim level adds a sportier edge to the design, featuring Alpine-inspired styling elements both inside and out. Expect unique badging, enhanced trim finishes, and sportier seat designs to give the interior a dynamic feel.
• Additional driver assistance technology is also included, further improving the convenience and safety of your journey.

Iconic Esprit Alpine:

• Moving up to the Iconic Esprit Alpine, you’ll find more luxurious touches, such as premium upholstery, larger alloy wheels, and adaptive headlights that improve visibility in various driving conditions.
• This trim also includes an upgraded sound system and additional comfort features like a panoramic sunroof, allowing natural light to flood the cabin, enhancing the interior atmosphere.

Atelier Alpine:

• At the top of the range, the Atelier Alpine trim delivers the most exclusive experience, with bespoke design elements and the highest level of luxury. Expect high-end materials, customisable ambient lighting, and all the top technology features, including four-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability.
• This version also features adaptive dampers and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, ensuring both a smooth ride and the highest levels of safety.

The Renault Rafale is available with two key hybrid powertrain options. The entry-level E-Tech full hybrid combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 197bhp. This setup is designed to offer a balance between power and fuel efficiency, ideal for everyday driving and long-distance journeys​.

For those seeking more performance, Renault offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. This more powerful version features a 148bhp petrol engine paired with a secondary 134bhp electric motor that drives the rear wheels, resulting in a combined output of 296bhp. The PHEV also provides an impressive 62-mile electric-only range, making it perfect for short commutes or city driving with zero emissions​.

Both powertrains prioritise fuel efficiency and lower emissions, with the self-charging hybrid emitting as little as 105g/km of CO2 and achieving up to 60.1mpg on the official WLTP cycle​. These figures make the Renault Rafale a solid choice for eco-conscious drivers who still want performance.

The Renault Rafale’s driving experience is shaped by its hybrid technology and advanced engineering. The 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering system plays a key role in delivering a nimble and engaging drive. This system allows the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at lower speeds, reducing the turning circle and making city driving and parking easier. At higher speeds, it enhances stability and improves cornering​.

The hybrid system itself is generally smooth and quiet, though it can be a little hesitant at times when switching between petrol and electric modes. However, it performs efficiently, particularly in urban settings where the electric motor shines. On motorways, the Rafale offers a stable and comfortable ride, though the regular hybrid version can feel a bit stiff on rougher roads​.

For those who want a more dynamic drive, the plug-in hybrid offers quicker acceleration, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.4 seconds compared to the 8.9 seconds of the full hybrid variant​. This extra power, combined with its all-wheel drive capability, makes it the sportier option in the lineup.

The Renault Rafale is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of Price On Request*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £230.84.

If you're considering leasing a Renault Rafale, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Renault Rafale can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.