Since Renault Group’s boss Luca de Meo announced the aggressive Renaulution plan back in 2021, new Renault models seem to have been coming to market non-stop. Especially this year, with launch highlights including the Scenic, Symbioz, 5 E-Tech, and this, the Rafale.
Well, following on from the 197hp front-drive full hybrid E-Tech version, is the one probably of most interest to fleet buyers – the range-topping E-Tech 4×4 300, plug-in hybrid version.
It’s built on the familiar CMF-CD platform, but as the name suggests, power jumps to 296hp. This is thanks to an additional 136hp electric motor powering the rear wheels, plus a 70hp motor at the front, with a 34hp HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator), and finally a more powerful 148hp version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine.
Performance aside, the most interesting figure for business buyers is the 65-mile all electric range, equalling the impressively low 8% BIK figure.
Other Renault models on this platform are front-wheel drive, but more interestingly, this Rafale adds four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.
Design and practicality
Outside, the standard Rafale is a striking car, in the same French fastback style as the Peugeot 408. Most interesting are the sharp creases down the flanks, and this Renault’s muscular stance.
Inside, like the outside, the Rafale has its own sense of style – but it’s obvious that items such as the portrait infotainment system, and the welcome physical controls for the ventilation, are borrowed from the Austral. This is Renault’s range-topper, with a punchy £49,695 price tag, and we’re pleased to say the more visible use of soft plastics in the cabin bears this out – although like rivals, the plastics seems to get harder as you work your way back to the boot.
The infotainment and instruments, as before, look good – but there are too many menus that take some getting used to.
Interior space is also impressive – then again this is a very long car. Rear legroom is fine even for the tallest – but the battery under the floor means your knees are higher than you’d expect. Plus, the curvy roofline leads to the tallest heads brushing the back of the headlining.
Other Rafale interior highlights include the central rear armrest, including two USB-C ports, and two device holders, which might help keep kids and adults happy on long trips. There’s also Renault’s clever ‘Solarbay’ roof which can go from clear to opaque at the touch of button, to give or remove welcome interior light.
Finally, there’s a practical 647-litre boot, although it has a high loading lip.
Performance and drive
Like most performance PHEV models, the Rafale doesn’t feel 300hp fast – although with electric power from the off, it is swift. The transitions between electric and petrol power are smooth – but you can feel some vibration through the steering – as the engine cuts in.
Of all the driving modes, ‘Sport’ makes the biggest difference to the dynamics. The throttle feels at its most reactive, as the three-cylinder engine is on all the time. The three-cylinder hum is well hushed by the Rafale’s window glazing – but is still audible. In fact, it feels fastest in the mid-range. ‘Sport’ mode also tightens up the body control, without any obvious issues. Despite the SUV stance, the Renault’s handling is impressively tight. The rear motor and four-wheel steering mean you can hook up the power and exit corners quicker than you might expect. The four-wheel steering adds precision to the handling – although it is ultimately numb in feel.
Despite the Atelier Alpine equipment grade’s standard 21in wheels, clever adaptive suspension that reads the road via camera works well. Although, even in ‘Comfort’ mode, road imperfections are easily felt, and body control sometimes suffers over potholes and speed humps.
The 8% BIK rate and Rafale’s sporty looks will attract fleet interest, but rivals offer even lower rates, and we’re not sure the PHEV’s extra performance is worth it.
Positive: Looks, space, EV range, punchy performance.
Negative: Expensive, steering lacks feel, adaptive suspension has some issues.
Standard equipment: Floating rear spoiler, 21in ‘Chicane’ alloy wheels, specially tuned chassis developed with Alpine Cars, self-adjusting suspension system, electric hands-free opening power tailgate, ‘Solarbay’ opacifying panoramic sunroof, Harmon Kardon 12-speaker premium audio system, 360° around view 3D camera, hands-free parking, puddle lamps.
Engines: Hybrid: 200hp 1.2; Plug-in hybrid: 296hp 1.2
Transmissions: Multi-mode auto
| Model | Renault Rafale E-Tech PHEV Atelier Alpine 300 4WD |
| P11D | £46,640 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 564.9mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 12g/km (8%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £62/£124 |
| Luggage capacity | 647 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,199cc/296hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
