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The Renault Rafale is a head-turning flagship SUV coupé that blends standout style with the punchy performance of Renault’s full hybrid E-Tech powertrain.
Its 1.2-litre petrol engine works with twin electric motors to deliver brisk acceleration and impressively low emissions - a combination that secured it the title of Best Hybrid Large SUV in the Ecocar Electrified Top 50 Awards, where judges praised both its performance and style.
Step inside and you’ll find a premium, technology-rich cabin, crafted with sustainable materials to make it a a bold, stylish addition to Renault’s growing electrified line-up
The Rafale is available in four trim levels - Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine, Iconic Esprit Alpine - which AM put through its paces - and the range-topping Atelier Alpine. The latter comes exclusively with the hybrid E-Tech 4x4 300hp powertrain, delivering all-wheel drive, and plenty of power when needed.
What stands out with the 200hp powertrain is that, for dealers looking to highlight fuel efficiency alongside D-segment performance, the Rafale Esprit Alpine Iconic offers a compelling proposition in the hybrid market.
The Rafale Esprit Alpine Iconic’s advanced hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system integrates a petrol engine with electric motors to optimise fuel consumption without compromising on power, boosting efficiency, particularly in stop-and-go urban driving.
On motorways, the petrol engine works efficiently with electric assistance, maintaining optimal fuel use at higher speeds.
It delivers strong fuel economy figures, outperforming many conventional petrol sports cars in its class so dealers can confidently present this model as a smart choice for customers who want the excitement of a performance car but with significantly reduced fuel costs and lower emissions.
While its fuel-efficiency earns it sufficient plaudits alone, the Rafale does not sacrifice style or driving enjoyment, however. The Rafale Esprit Alpine Iconic hits the sweet spot, making it an attractive offering to eco-conscious buyers and go-fast petrolheads alike.
This means positioning the Rafale as a hybrid performance vehicle with tangible fuel savings is an effective sales angle that can be usefully employed to broaden the customer base.
In terms of offers, the Rafale is currently available with, 0% APR PCP, no minimum deposit offering. This sees the 200hp Rafale E-Tech Hybrid available for £281 per month when a customer puts down a £6,000 deposit over 36 months and clocks up 18,000 miles during that period.
If customers want more power, then they can opt for the 300hp PHEV version. Here, the Rafale PHEV Esprit Alpine 4x4 300 would cost just £357 per month on the same basis. Again, there is no minimum deposit required.
Potential buyers can also play around with the finance calculators on the Renault website to choose a finance package tailored to their needs.
Price: £37,195
Engine: Petrol 1.2L
Transmission: 1.2L Transmission Automatic
Range: WLTP range 683 miles
Performance: 0-62mph 8.9 secs
Max speed: 111 mph
AM deputy editor Aimée Turner has been a specialist B2B editor and journalist covering the international transportation sector for more than 20 years.
She has specialised in the significant safety, regulatory, and environmental issues that impact advanced technology businesses in the pursuit of more efficient, safer and sustainable transportation modes.
