Renault Rafale: The Ah and Oh of car life

Let's be honest: we also buy cars because we want our family and friends to be amazed. The shape of the new Renault Rafale is enough to make you go "Ah!", "Oh!" and "Ui!". The SUV coupé looks dashing. Backlit blue shimmers through the black grille. Ah! Get in, press the button - and the XL glass roof changes from transparent to opaque. Oh! Drive off, first bend - and the Rafale turns in extremely swiftly for a length of 4.71 meters thanks to its all-wheel steering. Wow!

The Rafale is only available as a hybrid. Either as a full hybrid with 147 kW/200 hp or, as in the test Rafale, as a plug-in hybrid with 221 kW/300 hp and 230 Nm. The latter pushes two tons vehemently, with a perceived acceleration to 100 km/h in less than 6.4 seconds, making it all the better that there is no lack of economy and ecology. The hybrid system changes modes very smoothly and is simply a joy to drive - and in the test, the all-electric system covered an impressive 87 kilometers before the petrol engine came into play. The factory figure of 0.7 l + 21.7 kWh/100 km is only realistic for the first 100 kilometers after charging. But our test average is very good: we achieve 5.1 l + 15.4 kWh/100 km, so there's nothing to complain about. The suspension is firm, sometimes almost harsh in urban areas. But still always pleasant.

There is no digital shock: Once you have swiped and clicked your way through the XL monitor, everything quickly becomes logical. There are also buttons for particularly important functions. The (optional) head-up display is highly recommended, especially as the instrument display is somewhat overloaded with information. The excellently finished, attractive materials are impressive: yes, it feels premium. And it has to: although the price is very fair in view of what is on offer, it is not a bargain price: 200 hp is available from 44,300, 300 hp from 47,900 francs. Our test car - top-of-the-range "Atelier Alpine" plus options - comes in at 59,050 francs.

The disadvantages? You have to look for them. And finds almost nothing. Almost. In the rear, extra-long legs can be stretched out in a relaxed manner, but the flat roof plus glass roof make the headroom in the back shrink considerably. Dramatic? No, pleasant. The load compartment is large with 465 to 1826 liters. We think so: The Rafale (please pronounce without the "e") is an outstanding design. And as soon as it gets dark, the instruments, center display and ambient lighting light up in the color of your choice - and even the illuminated (!) logo in the backrests of the front seats. Ah! Oh! Ui! Important? No. But cool.

Pros & cons
Renault Rafale PHEV 4×4 "Atelier Alpine"
+ Cool styling and excellent quality
+ Powerful and economical drive
+ Suitable for families despite coupé shape
- Sometimes too tight in urban areas
- Poor visibility to the rear