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Underpinned by Renault’s CMF-CD platform, the new SUV shares a close relationship with the slightly smaller Austral. Measuring 4.7m long and 1.61m tall, the Rafale fits firmly in the large SUV segment.
The hybrid’s exterior comes with several clever features such as a 3D grille which changes appearance depending on your perspective and ‘oil-slick’ headlight coatings.
At the rear, a stylish fastback roof line keeps up with current SUV trends and inside an increased use of soft-touch materials gives the cabin a premium quality.
Every Rafale will come with Renault’s I-shaped interfaces and Google software as standard.
From launch, the Rafale will first be offered with a 197bhp E-tech powertrain that gets its power from a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors.
The first electric motor offers 67bhp and sits between the engine and gearbox. The second electric motor starts the petrol engine and collects energy when the car brakes or coasts.
The high-end four-wheel-drive Rafale will be a plug-in hybrid option with 296bhp. This trim uses the same hybrid set-up at the front but includes an extra electric motor on the rear axle. It’ll also have a battery pack for a 30-40 mile electric range.
Despite being larger than the family-focused Austral, the Rafale aims to be more of a driver’s car with its wider front and rear tracks, unique suspension system and passive damper set-up.
When the Rafale arrives next year, expect pricing to begin around the £40,000 mark.
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