Renault has been churning out new models like nobody’s business lately. This Rafale E-Tech 300 PHEV is its seventh SUV, I think. It’s a slick-looking coupe-SUV that’s supposed to take on the likes of the Audi Q3 Sportback and BMW X2 – big names with big reputations.
But Renault’s not playing it safe with the Rafale. It’s gone all out with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, clever suspension tech, and a bold, modern design. The question is, can it really give the German stalwarts a run for their money?
If there’s one thing the Rafale’s got nailed, it’s the looks. Renault’s designers have ignored what’s going on with the new 5 and have ditched retro throwbacks in favour of something sleek and sharp, leaving just enough French flair to make it stand out. Sure, there’s a hint of Peugeot 408 about it – no surprise, given it’s from the same designer – but it’s definitely got its own thing going on.
Up front, it’s all about aggressive lines and that oversized Renault badge flanked by sharp LED headlights. From the side, it’s clear the Rafale’s packing some serious presence, especially when it’s sitting on those massive 21-inch alloys. It’s big, too – at 4.7m long with a long 2.7m wheelbase, it’s a whisker longer than a Volvo XC60.
Classy cabin
Climb inside, and the Rafale does a good job of looking and feeling premium. There’s a fancy 12-inch portrait touchscreen running a Google-based operating system that’s smooth and snappy, with Google Maps built-in. That’s paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 9.3-inch head-up display, all angled towards you for that proper driver-focused vibe.
The quality’s mostly there, but not quite up to what you’d get from Audi or BMW. Some of the materials feel a bit cheap, and the stalk arrangement behind the steering wheel is cluttered – there are four of them, which just feels like overkill.
But practicality-wise, it’s surprisingly good. Rear seat space is generous, and the 539-litre boot is flat-floored and square, making it more usable than you’d expect from a triple-motor hybrid coupe-SUV. Plus, that huge panoramic sunroof gives the cabin a pleasant, airy feel.
Plug-in power
The real party piece of the Rafale is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s packing a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motors – one on the front axle, one on the rear for all-wheel drive, and a starter-generator to keep things running smoothly. Altogether, it kicks out 296bhp, which is pretty punchy for something like this.
It’ll do 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, which is definitely quick enough for everyday driving. More importantly, it’s got a claimed electric-only range of up to 65 miles. Realistically, you’re looking at around 50 miles of EV-only driving, which is still impressive and perfect for short commutes or school runs.
The hybrid system is generally smooth and refined, although the engine can get a bit vocal if you really push it. The gearbox is mostly slick, but it can feel a bit sluggish if you suddenly ask for full power.
Does it drive well?
Renault
has made a big deal of the Rafale’s suspension setup, especially on the range-topping Atelier Alpine trim. It’s got a fancy system that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension to keep things comfortable and controlled.
The reality? It works, but it’s not flawless. Around town, the Rafale can feel a bit floaty, like it’s not quite sure what to do with itself. Things improve at speed, though, where the suspension keeps the body nicely in check during cornering.
The four-wheel-steering system is also worth mentioning. It makes the Rafale feel a lot more nimble than its size suggests, especially at low speeds where it tightens the turning circle to Clio levels. At higher speeds, it makes the car feel more planted and stable.
Still, if you’re looking for a sporty drive, this isn’t it. It’s comfortable and competent, but the steering feels a bit numb, and there’s not much in the way of driver engagement. It’s more about easy cruising than enthusiastic cornering.
Costs and practicality
The plug-in hybrid setup means the Rafale is cheap to run if you charge it regularly. Renault claims up to 565mpg, which is pure fantasy unless you’re driving everywhere on electric power. But even if you’re not, it’s easy enough to get over 40mpg in everyday use — the onboard computer was showing 50.9mpg by the time I gave the car back.
The battery itself is a decent size at 22kWh, and it takes just under three hours to charge from a 7.4kW home wallbox. For most people, that’s going to be perfectly fine.
Business users will love the Rafale for its low CO2 emissions of just 12g/km and a Benefit-in-Kind tax rate of 8%. That makes it a very tempting option if you’re after something stylish and efficient.
Renault Rafale PHEV: The verdict
The Renault Rafale E-Tech 300 PHEV does a lot right. It looks good, has plenty of space, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain offers impressive electric range and low running costs. Sure, it’s not quite as polished as the German rivals Renault’s gunning for, but it’s also cheaper and a little bit different.
It’s not perfect – it won’t trouble a BMW X2 on a B-road, the ride can be inconsistent, the steering’s a bit numb, and the interior doesn’t quite hit the premium mark. But if you want something that stands out from the usual premium SUV crowd while keeping your tax bill low, the Rafale makes a strong case for itself. Just don’t expect it to be a proper sporty drive.
Model tested: Renault Rafale Atelier Alpine E-Tech PHEV 4X4
Price: £49,695
Average Joes rating: ★★★★☆
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