- 296bhp with 4x4
- 6.4s for a 0-100kmph sprint
Several carmakers have tried their hand with the coupe-SUV body style, and Renault also seems to be surfing this wave. A completely unwrapped unit of the Renault Rafale was spotted on Indian roads. While the carmaker has not officially charted out this model for India, there are three possibilities - A halo showcase, limited-run future model, or a private import, like what we've seen with the Honda Civic Type-R.
The Renault Rafale is a full-fledged hybrid vehicle, offered in 197bhp pure hybrid (no charging) and 296bhp PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid EV) configurations. The carmaker promises a range of about 1100km on a single tank and charge, with up to 105km in the EV-only mode. Other mechanical diversities include 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.
On the features front, the Renault Rafale sports a futuristic front grille, gloss-black claddings, Alpine motifs, dual-tone alloys, dual-pod headlights, arrow-shaped DRLs, large air intakes, and a shark-fin antenna. Internally, a two-spoke steering wheel and two 12-inch displays dominate the dashboard estate. The floating centre console also has storage compartments.
Pricing and Competition
With an international price positioning that places the Renault Rafale (GBP 37,995 base price; Rs. 46 lakh in India) against the likes of the Toyota Fortuner (201bhp), Toyota Hilux (201bhp), and the BMW 3 Series LWB (255bhp), the 296bhp Renault Rafale dashes from 0-100kmph in 6.4 seconds, thereby pitting itself in big leagues.
With a power-packed heart and potentially limited clientele, the Rafale, if official in India, will likely remain a CBU.
