In a break from tradition, Petrolblog is doing a long-term review of a new car. A proper test like the big name titles, albeit on the pages of Petrolblog and not a proper motoring website. Still, on paper at least, the Renault Rafale E-Tech hybrid is a Petrolbloggy new car.
Why? Well, for a start it's French, which makes it more interesting than most German metal. Secondly, it's been labelled a ‘new-age Safrane’ by none other than Autocar magazine. A Safrane E-Tech would be a marvellous thing, but for now let's focus on Renault's flagship SUV.
The Rafale is one of seven Renault SUVs and is available as either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Petrolblog's test car is the more affordable hybrid, which pairs a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a couple of electric motors to produce a total of 197bhp.
There are also three trim levels: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine. Petrolblog has been treated to the top trim, which costs £44,695, although with optional Shadow Grey metallic paint, the price increases to £45,945 – the equivalent of 45 Renault Safranes.
To say it's fully loaded would be an understatement; it'd be easier to list what it doesn't have. For the purposes of this introduction, the highlights are: dual-zone climate control, electric tailgate, heated windscreen and steering wheel, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, interior ambient lighting, Alcantara upholstery, four-wheel steering, keyless entry and start, wireless phone charger, front and rear parking sensors, 3D camera, hands-free parking, a suite of driver assistance systems and a cuddly toy.
Did you get all that? Bruce Forsyth and Larry Grayson will be along in a moment to test your skills of recollection. You can't ask Isla St Clair for help.
As for the onboard tech, you get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9.3-inch head-up display, 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, built-in Google and, get this, soundscapes developed in collaboration with Jean-Michel Jarre. Yes, really.
First impressions are good, not least because everything works – quite a novelty when you own a fleet of (mostly terrible) French cars. Does it look like a Renault? Arguably not; cover the badges and a lot people would require a few guesses before saying it's French, let alone a Renault.
That's not a criticism; Renault is one of the more interesting car companies of 2025, with retro-inspired electric cars like the 5 E-Tech and 4 E-Tech on the one hand, and impressive SUVs like the Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech on the other.
You suspect that Renault is targeting Audi, BMW and Mercedes buyers with the Rafale, so it'll be interesting if it can pull off the whole ‘Unmistakeably German (Made in France)’ thing with the coupé-SUV. Actually, it can't, because the Rafale is built in Spain.
Petrolblog will be running the Renault Rafale for Diesel&EcoCar magazine until the middle of August, so get in touch if you have any questions or would like any specific information on the car. A twin test with one of the Renault Safranes will happen if at least one person requests it...
Stay tuned for the first update. In the meantime, here are some quick reviews from the proper websites, along with the price, performance and economy figures.
- Autocar: Segment-bending flagship is plush, well-equipped and best-served in plug-in hybrid form – 3.5 (out of 5)
- Auto Express: The new Renault Rafale is a coupé-SUV Renault can be proud of, and a much better showing in this niche, but very in vogue, segment than the lacklustre Renault Arkana – 3.5 (out of 5)
- Car Buyer: The Renault Rafale is a stylish and practical coupé SUV, but it's not the last word in premium feel – 3.9 (out of 5)
- Heycar: The Renault Rafale is quite a signal of intent for the French company, as a flagship model with complicated hybrid technology and a top-notch interior – 8 (out of 10)
- Honest John: This is Renault's pitch at the premium end of the family SUV segment and is priced accordingly – 4 (out of 5)
- Parkers: Handles tidily, but not much fun – 3.3 (out of 5)
- Top Gear: Renault offers an X4 rival at X2 prices and gets a lot of it right, but arguably misses the point of what a family SUV should really do – 7 (out of 10)
- What Car?: The Rafale has a plush and spacious interior but some rival family SUVs ride and handle better – 3 (out of 5)
Renault Rafale E-Tech hybrid Iconic Esprit Alpine specification
Price: £44,695
Price as tested: £45,945
Options: Shadow Grey metallic paint £1250
Engine: 1197cc 3-cylinder turbo, petrol, plus two electric motors
Battery: 1.7kWh
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Max power: 197bhp
Max torque: 205Nm
Max speed: 111mph
0-62mph: 8.9sec
WLTP range: 683 miles
CO2: 105g/km
Fuel economy: 565mpg
BIK: 26%
Insurance group: 30E
