Unconventional Arkana Crossover Could Fit Into Renault’s India Plan

Renault plans to expand its Indian product portfolio in new segments and the mid-size crossover (SUV-coupe) is one segment we hope it gets in

• Arkana’s platform is derived from Duster’s.

• It’s an SUV-coupe like the BMW X4 and X6.

• Could come to India in the near future (after 2020).

• If launched, it will rival the Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass in terms of price.

The second half of 2019 and the year 2020 will see Renault entering two new segments with the Triber and a sub-4m SUV codenamed the HBC. The carmaker, which raised the bar in the entry-level hatchback segment by offering an unusual product in the form of Kwid, now wants to replicate its success in other segments by introducing unconventional products. The Triber will be one such product that is aimed at offering the flexibility of an MPV and the compactness of a hatchback. We hope the RBC follows a similar ideology. But what next?

A step-up for Duster and Captur owners

After launching the Triber and the RBC, Renault will have at least one product for all its customers to graduate from until the Duster or Captur. The Triber will be positioned over the Kwid, the RBC over Triber, while the Lodgy, Duster and Captur will sit on top. With presence at almost all price points in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment, it will be natural for Renault to look beyond the Duster and Captur for market presence, and that is where the Arkana can fit.

No direct rivals, a new sub-segment

The Arkana is an SUV-coupe like the BMW X4 and X6. In the mid-size SUV space, there’s no other car with such a bodystyle, so it will be an entirely new sub-segment that Renault will be able to create if it launches the Arkana -- something that the company also intends to do.

Competition in the affordable mid-size SUV space has intensified over the past with new rivals for XUV500 in the form of Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the upcoming MG Hector. But again, all these cars sport a more traditional SUV bodystyle in comparison to the Arkana.

Manufacturing ease

Arkana is based on a revised version of the Duster platform with 45 per cent carryover. The Duster’s platform has been heavily localised in India. That’s the first advantage that Renault might want to leverage. The other is the fact that both the Arkana and Duster can share powertrains, like the Duster and Captur. The Arkana will also get the new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that’s on offer on the Duster as well in overseas markets. So it is likely that manufacturing Arkana won’t require too much investment and time.

What are your thoughts about the Arkana? Do you think it can be a more attractive option over stylish, but more conventional SUVs like the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.