Renault Arkana I (2019 – 2025)

Reliability score : 7.6/10

The first-generation Renault Arkana is an SUV coupe with a major industrial peculiarity: it exists on two distinct platforms depending on the market. First launched in Russia in 2019 on the rustic B0+ platform (that of the Dacia Duster), it arrived in Europe and South Korea (under the name Samsung XM3) in 2021 on the modern CMF-B platform (Clio V, Captur II). In the European market, the Arkana skipped diesel to focus on hybridization, spearheaded by the 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid (145 hp) engine. This innovative technology (naturally aspirated engine + two electric motors + clutchless dog-clutch gearbox) offers excellent efficiency in urban and peri-urban environments. However, its technical complexity has led to early issues (particularly with gearbox management) that require special vigilanc

✅ Strengths

Distinctive and appealing SUV-Coupe design
Rear spaciousness preserved despite the roofline
Generous boot volume (except E-Tech which loses some volume)
Very low consumption for the E-Tech version in urban environments (4.5 to 5 L/100km)
Excellent mechanical reliability of the 1.3 TCe engine
Safe and secure road handling (CMF-B platform)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Variable reliability of the dog-clutch gearbox on E-Tech models before 2023
E-Tech engine's driving pleasure on the highway (combustion engine revs high during battery recharging)
Very poor rear visibility
Quality of some lower interior plastics
Suspension a bit firm at low speeds (especially with 18-inch wheels)
No 4-wheel drive version in Europe (reserved for the Russian market on B0+ platform)

🎯 Verdict

The Renault Arkana is an attractive choice for its design and spaciousness. If you are considering the 1.6 E-Tech Hybrid engine, caution is advised: prioritize a model from late 2022 or newer, or demand a clear service history proving that the gearbox software updates were performed on time. In case of doubt or for predominantly highway use, the 1.3 TCe (140 or 160 hp) engine is a much safer choice, offering remarkable reliability and better overall driving pleasure.

Common issues

Dysfonctionnements électroniques du système hybride (E-Tech) Medium

🔧 Dès 20 000 km

💶 100 – 1 500 € (diagnostic à remplacement de capteurs/calculateurs)

Vérifier l'historique des mises à jour logicielles et des rappels constructeur.

Problèmes de la batterie 12V (décharge rapide, démarrage) Medium

🔧 Variable, souvent avant 60 000 km

💶 150 – 300 € (remplacement batterie + diagnostic)

S'assurer de l'état de la batterie 12V, parfois lié à des bugs logiciels.

Bugs et lenteurs du système d'infodivertissement (Easy Link) Low

🔧 Dès l'achat

💶 0 – 150 € (mise à jour logicielle ou diagnostic)

Tester le système Easy Link et vérifier les mises à jour disponibles.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 170
Timing chain	£700 – 1 300
Complete brakes	£350 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£700 – 1 300

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.