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Is it time to forget everything you thought you knew about SUVs? Here are our five reasons why the Renault Rafale could be vehicle of tomorrow…
The SUV. It’s quickly becoming the car equivalent of that friend who’s always there: dependable, practical, and uncomplicated. You can rely on these trusty steeds for school runs, weekly shops, and even those rogue trips to a certain flat-pack furniture store. But could SUVs sometimes be a little too predictable these days? Could the bland box allegations be true?
Enter the Renault Rafale, here to try and shake up this perception. Don’t be fooled by its name referencing one of the French brand’s historic racing planes (and pronounced something like ‘ruh-fowl’), this recent market addition could just be the SUV of tomorrow. Here’s five reasons why:
Let’s face it, there is a certain amount of homogeneous design traits in the SUV space. Until you reach the upper echelons of the segment — say a Porsche Cayenne or Lamborghini Urus — you can expect an all too familiar silhouette with one or two signature elements to differentiate models. Again, practical, but not exactly head-turning.
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The Rafale, however, waltzes in with the elegance of a futuristic coupé. Its sloping roofline, athletic poise, and dynamic lines bring more of a sportier flavour than a sensible one. It’s like Renault shrugged at the traditional SUV, and said, 'let’s spice things up.'
The result is a vehicle that defies the typical SUV aesthetics at its price point, proving utility doesn’t have to sacrifice style. For some angles, it even has hints of a concept car that snuck off its display stand, which garners no complaints from us.
Remember the old adage of SUVs guzzling fuel like it’s going out of fashion? Well, maybe that is now out of fashion, and the Rafale is looking to ensure that fact with its full hybrid powertrain.
Packing a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, you’ll get a handy 194 hp to help you glide along. But of course, efficiency is the star of the show, and the mpg can climb as high as 60, taking the edge off any guilt trips at the pump.
Oh, but if a little more performance does appeal, there is also the 300 hp E-Tech 4x4 model to scratch that itch…
Step inside the Rafale, and you might forget about the ‘utility’ in SUV — it’s a little bit luxurious.
Full of premium materials, impeccable build quality, and a focus on comfort, the interior feels built to last. Designed to pamper passengers through technology including futuristic interfaces in the form of dual OpenR infotainment screens, an active-darkening glass sunroof, and even a smart armrest in the rear.
It’s spacious, advanced feeling, and generally not the worst place to be stuck in traffic. It again feels a bit like a concept car which has snuck its way into the real world, right down to the logo-lights embedded into the ergonomic seats.
Cards on the table, the words ‘fun to drive’ and ‘SUV’ don't always belong in the same sentence. But the Rafale is here to make that a thing of the past.
Thanks to its advanced 4CONTROL 4-wheel-drive system — which engages steering from all four corners — you can expect responsive handling when cruising at low speeds, and increased agility at high speeds.
It’s a dynamic drive for a vehicle of its stature and when fitted with ultra-high performance Continental SportContact 7 tyres, you can enjoy these engaging characteristics on both wet and dry roads.
While the Rafale ticks many boxes with its looks and tech, Renault hasn't forgotten the most crucial aspect: keeping you and yours safe.
As with all truly modern vehicles, the Rafale is packed with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). We’re talking adaptive stop & go cruise control, interventive blind spot monitoring, and auto-emergency Braking, all designed to prevent incidents before they even become a 'near miss'. Combine that with 360-degree cameras and the enhanced visibility of an SUV perch, and your surroundings will always be crystal clear.
And, while technology plays a massive role, the only thing connecting the Rafale to the road — and all its safety features to reality — are its tyres. And again, when fitted with Continental’s SportContact 7 you can rely on the extra-soft BlackChili compound to safely adapt to road conditions, keeping your drive stress-free whether stuck in traffic or putting the Rafale through its paces.
So, is the Renault Rafale truly the future of SUVs? It certainly makes a compelling case. With its head-turning looks, eco-conscious yet powerful hybrid engine, driver-centric tech, and surprisingly nimble handling, it’s redefining what we expect from this popular segment. It’s stylish without being silly, practical without being boring, and potent without being polluting, but would you like one on your driveway?
Hero image credit: Adobe Stock
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