LOUTH MOTORING: A stylish coupe SUV ready to compete with the best

I was kindly invited to the European launch of the Renault Rafale last year and have now got a chance to see what it is like on Irish roads.

My memory of the Rafale from the launch was how good looking it is encompassing all the best of Renault design currently in vogue. The new Renault 5 and 4 when they arrive will enhance that reputation even further and it is safe to say that Renault are performing brilliantly bringing sharp and stylish designs to market.

The Renault logo is proudly used on the front grille similar to the way Mercedes uses their logo on the grill vents.

The Rafale is a trendy Coupe SUVs and is quite a big car at 4.71m long. In the flesh you realise just how big it is and to frame it in your minds eye it is there or thereabouts the same proportions as the Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Mercedes GLC Coupe, the BMW X4, the Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5 Sportback.

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Lofty company for sure with only brand badge loyalty/bias separating them. The Rafale is Renault’s flagship largest model here in Ireland and it comes very well equipped. I always baulk at suggesting the competitors because you can't win.

If you compare it to a premium brand the manufacturer is thrilled but the others dismiss it entirely. I do feel that dimensions play the bigger part in terms of identifying competitors and is my reference point. After that it is price and after that it is down to the individual in terms of the optic of the brand.

I got to spend longer than usual with the Rafale and over the course of my test I simply loved the way the relaxed manner the car got on with everyday driving. Renault usually delivers a comfortable ride and the Rafale is in the right ballpark. I'd say it is a little on the hard side to appease those who see Coupe SUVs as sporty.

The hybrid system worked very well and didn't draw too much attention to itself by quietly going about its business.

Long trips and sedate commutes are its forte. The 4Control advanced (4 wheel steering) setup feels a bit strange at first but I quickly got used to it and appreciated its virtues.You notice it most at slower speeds and makes manoeuvring this big car a cinch with a turning circle of 10.4m, that’s worthy of a city car.

Above: Interior of the Renault Rafale

Make your own conclusion for sporty with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds and it can accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a claimed fuel consumption up to 40% lower than that of a combustion engine of equivalent power at 4.7 litres/100 km over a WLTP cycle allowing the Rafale boast a total range of over 1,100 kilometres from its 55 litre tank.

During my test I managed a return of 6.8 litres/100km for an 809 km range. If you owned this car you’d get more for sure.
Passenger space and comfort was generous and even the tallest passenger will enjoy being in the front or the back.

Those all important legroom and headroom dimensions ensure they won't complain. The max. boot size when the hidden rear floor is lowered is 627 litres. The front seats provide lateral reinforcements for exceptional support.

The range of cabin storage items is laudable with the middle, rear, fold-down storage compartment particularly snazzy.

There wasn't an electronic feature I could think of that was not on my top of the range model in terms of entertainment, function, comfort or safety. But there was a practicality omission, you can't lower the rear seats, that split 40:20:40, from the boot.

Reporting on interior materials in cars these days usually attests to the high quality found and the Rafale is no exception. I adored the alcantara upholstered seats with Alpine ‘A’ logo lighting that lights up at night. It’s a different design touch and one that I reckon will be copied a lot more. It certainly passes the premium test.

My car was the esprit Alpine+ E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 version costing €60,420 including metallic paint. The 200 hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain uses a series-parallel hybrid architecture that comprises a 3-cylinder 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 130 hp (96 kW) with 205 Nm of torque, and two electric motors.

That is a price tag that would deliver a lot of cars that are very tasty but not of the same genre/size so price has to be factored into your decision when buying.

While the Rafale will still face tough competition from established German and Swedish brands, its distinctive design, comfort, and hybrid efficiency make it a real option for anyone looking for a stylish and practical coupe SUV.

It has a lot going for it that merits it being considered for sure.I was taken by the Rafale at its European launch and my driving it on Irish roads hasn't altered that opinion.