{"id":697173,"date":"2023-06-19T16:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=697173"},"modified":"2023-06-19T16:38:24","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T14:38:24","slug":"renault-reveals-its-new-flagship-hybrid-suv-features-and-launch-date","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/motoring\/697173\/renault-reveals-its-new-flagship-hybrid-suv-features-and-launch-date\/","title":{"rendered":"Renault reveals its new flagship hybrid SUV \u2013 features and launch date"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Renault has unveiled its new global flagship model, the Rafale SUV coupe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rafale presents the brand’s updated style and incorporates the latest in connectivity and tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe all-new Renault Rafale is central in the Renaulution, symbolises our move upmarket and shows that we belong in every customer segment. With its captivating coupe-SUV design crafted for intense experiences, it provides unprecedented driving pleasure with its hybrid powertrains and a standard-setting chassis brimming with passion and know-how from Renault engineers,\u201d said the CEO of Renault Fabrice Cambolive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SUV is slated to go on sale in Europe before the first half of 2024. However, the domestic subsidiary confirmed to TopAuto<\/a> that \u201cit\u2019s not in the local planning for South Africa yet\u201d but that it is \u201cunder consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among its unique features is the grille and signature light pattern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The All-new Renault Rafale\u2019s novel radiator grille is built around the brand\u2019s hallmark diamond. It is made up of a constellation of small diamonds that arrange space in three dimensions around the emblem in the middle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It stands out against the blue or shale grey hues (depending on the version) that appear and disappear in the background depending on where you look at it from \u2013 like works of optical art in the 1970s,” said Renault. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Clio was the first vehicle in Renault\u2019s line-up to feature the brand\u2019s new signature lights, and the Rafale is the second. The pattern unambiguously points to Renault: it is diamond-shaped, forceful and robust, and visually enhances the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the French automaker, the Rafale will only be sold in hybrid derivatives, with the launch model featuring a 147kW, front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power is generated by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors, with a fuel consumption of 4.7l\/100km allowing for a substantial driving range of up to 1,100km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gearbox is described as a \u201cmultimode automatic dog box\u201d, which integrates the electric side\u2019s two-speed ratios with the petrol side\u2019s four ratios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company further confirmed that a 221kW, four-wheel-drive (4WD) variant will follow in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This version of the Rafale gains an additional electric motor on the rear axle that turn the wheels directly and has the ability to charge via a cable.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As outlined by Top Auto, the new Rafale will host all the latest comfort features one would expect from a car of this standard and even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new SUV hosts a 12-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a new-design multifunction steering wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a heads-up display, ambient lighting, sports seats with Alcantara inserts, a movable centre console with a wireless charger, and rear armrests with USB outlets, cupholders, and smartphone\/tablet stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An entirely new addition to Renault’s offering will be the Rafale’s new smart panoramic glass roof that goes dark at the push of a button or via voice commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe roof\u2019s AmpliSky technology replaces standard screens with a fully active system that darkens each of its segments on demand, using electric fields to displace molecules,\u201d said Renault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is more practical than a standard sunshade because the passengers in the back can let the sunlight in even if the people in the front prefer not to,” added Renault. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt provides maximum protection from the sun in seconds, and the sequential darkening of the nine segments across the glass surface is exhilarating to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Renault Rafale also comes with 32 advanced driver assistance systems (ADASs) divided into three categories: driving, safety and parking. And it includes Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), a system that automatically alerts the driver if the car\u2019s speed exceeds the limit it reads on road signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other ADASs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n