Renault has announced a high-performance, plug-in hybrid version of its forthcoming Rafale SUV, which has been styled with the help of the Alpine brand and promises 300hp and a combined range of up to 1,000 kilometres.
The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp is based on the E-Tech hybrid 200 hp powertrain, with the addition of an electric motor on the rear axle and a chargeable battery with a substantial capacity of 22 kWh. This gives Rafale a WLTP range of up to 100 kilometres in all-electric mode.
Managed by E-Tech technology, the combustion engine works with the three electric motors and the battery to deliver a total output of 300hp.
According to Renault, the Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp offers WLTP combined fuel consumption of 0.7 l/100 km (403.5 mpg ), and 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg ) even when the battery is empty, thanks to the efficiency of the combustion engine and the high capacity of the battery (WLTP homologation in progress ).
Under the bonnet, the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine has a new turbocharger, boosting power to 110 kW or 150 hp (compared with 96 kW or 130 hp for the E-Tech 200hp version ) and torque to 230 Nm (compared with 205 Nm ). The multi-mode clutchless dogbox takes account of these changes. This gives the Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds - 2.5 seconds quicker than the E-Tech 200hp hybrid.
Alongside the 'Esprit Alpine' trim shared with the E-Tech hybrid 200hp version, the Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp is available in a specific 'Atelier Alpine' version, which features a distinctive 'Satin Summit Blue' bodywork, a 'Starry Black' floating spoiler, and special 21-inch 'Chicane' wheels with Continental tyres (20-inch wheels for the Esprit Alpine trim ).
In a sporting nod to the Alpine brand, the interior of Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine gain mats in the iconic blue of the arrowed 'A' logo.
The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp features a generously-sized 22 kWh rechargeable battery rated at 400V. According to Renault, a 10- to 80-per-cent charge will take just over two hours, thanks to 7.4kW AC charging that’s designed to work with ‘wallbox’ home charging points.
Irish pricing for the high-performance Rafale should be announced some time in June, with an autumn launch date planned.
