After halting the production of the Duster SUV, Renault has only three models in its lineup for the Indian car market at the moment: the Kiger, the Tiber, and the Kwid. Currently, the French carmaker is working on the next-gen Duster as well as a coupe-styled SUV. Recently, an unmasked test mule of the internationally sold Renault Arkana was spotted on the streets of Chennai, fuelling rumours of the arrival of the car in the country.
The SUV pictured might be a test vehicle imported by the manufacturer to examine the SUV’s performance parameters under Indian driving conditions while also testing the platform. Many car makers have tested their worldwide models on Indian soil to see how they perform in various driving situations before introducing them here. Renault appears to be testing the Arkana for the same purpose, but without any plans to sell it in India.
At the same time, it is also possible that the manufacturer might be planning to bring the car to Indian buyers. The Renault Arkana Coupe SUV, like the Renault Captur and Duster, is available on two platforms: CMF-B for European markets and the older BO platform used by the Captur and Duster in India. The e-tech hybrid emblem on the rear confirms that the spotted model is based on the CMF-B platform.
If the Arkana is to be launched in India, another option is for Renault to go the CBU route. Renault may debut the Arkana as a brand-building product before bringing the SUV to market in limited quantities through the CBU route. The Arkana is driven by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, and a multi-mode clutch-less dog box transmission. Globally, the Arkana is offered with a 1.3-litre, 140 PS turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology as well.