2023 Renault Rafale 1.2L E-Tech 200 ch (130 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The 2024 Renault Rafale represents a unique SUV produced by the French brand. It inherits its name and some features from Renault’s aviation past, especially the Caudron-Renault Rafale plane from 1934.

The compact SUV has a 200 hp (202 Ps) E-Tech full hybrid gasoline powertrain paired with a clutchless multimode automatic dog box. Two electric motors complement a 1.3-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion engine.

The multimode automatic dog box combines the four ratios of the ICE with the two ratios of the electric motors to offer 15 different combinations of output from them. These variations are automatically selected by the dog box transmission to enable different driving modes like all-electric, all-combustion, dynamic hybrid (the engine and motors work alongside one another), e-drive (the motor spins the wheels, and the engine charges the battery), and regeneration.

The Rafale has the most up-to-date version of the 4CONTROL Advanced four-wheel drive system to boost its handling and provide a more facile driving experience. At low to moderate speeds, the back wheels of the car turn (for a maximum of one degree) the same way as the front wheels to improve the SUV’s stability.

At very low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels for increased agility and a reduced turning radius for the Renault.

Although built on the modular CMF-CD platform, the fastback body combined with the increased ground clearance portrays the vehicle with a unique sporty appearance. To further improve the car’s aerodynamic performance and complement the Rafale’s athletic silhouette, the back windshield is tilted approximately 17 degrees.

The exterior’s main attraction, the redesigned front grille, provides an optical illusion when viewed from different angles, as its 3D elements seem to offer multiple grille appearances. Built with the help of artificial intelligence, the Deep Glossy Black diamond pattern enhances the look of Renault’s logo to establish the modern aspect of the vehicle.

Besides the two new colors, White Pearl Satin and a new Alpine Blue tone, the SUV represents an innovative approach of Renault’s design department also because of its distinctive headlights that are inspired by the Clio model.

A Solarbay sunroof represents one of the most impressive interior features of the Rafale. The voice-activated smart glass roof offers four roof settings: all light, all dark, light in the front and dark behind, and the reverse.

The interior is also marked by the Alpine-inspired front seats with an illuminated logo and reinforced sides that offer a better driving experience. Also, the OpenR digital cockpit enhances connectivity with all the vehicle’s functions.

With a modern look, generous space, and innovative features, the 2024 Renault Rafale represents a vision of the brand’s future direction in the automotive industry.