Renault Rafale SUV – Plugin Hybrid or Full Hybrid, starting at 37500 £

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The Renault Rafale SUV impresses with a Plugin Hybrid or Full Hybrid engine, 300 HP 97 km and an attractive starting price of 37500 £. Here are all the details at a glance.

from about £37,500
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.6 - 5 L
  • Electric Range : 97 km
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Design & Presence

The Renault Rafale arrives as Renault's swoopy take on the coupe-SUV trend, with a long bonnet, coupe roofline and muscular haunches that set it apart from boxier crossovers. At 4,710 mm long and 1,886 mm wide it looks planted without feeling oversized in urban traffic. Lighting signatures and aero elements give it a premium look that competes with German rivals, yet the three-cylinder 1.2‑litre engine under the bonnet signals efficiency over brute force. Visuals promise sportiness — the reality is a compromise between drama and everyday usability.

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Interior & Usability

Inside, the Rafale leans into clean surfaces and quality materials with soft-touch panels, contrast stitching and an overall calm layout that feels a step up from mainstream Renaults. The driver gets a crisp digital cluster and a central touchscreen that manages climate and media, though some physical controls remain for frequently used functions. Fit and finish are generally good, and the cabin lighting and seat comfort help on long drives. Cabin acoustic insulation is acceptable for the class, though heavier PHEV variants reveal their mass in ride refinement.

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Space & Everyday Practicality

Practicality is a strong suit for daily life: five adults can be carried, and luggage capacity ranges from about 539 to 627 litres depending on trim, expanding to a maximum of roughly 1,826–1,910 litres with seats folded. At 55 litres the fuel tank is conventional and payload figures near 400–440 kg mean typical family loads are no problem. Rear headroom is slightly compromised by the sloping roofline, but knee space and door aperture make access straightforward. Small items are catered for with multiple cubbies and a flat load floor that helps with supermarket runs and weekend gear.

Driving & Handling

On the move the Rafale balances comfort and composure rather than chasing sharp handling — suspension tuning absorbs urban irregularities and keeps the ride stable on motorways. The performance split is clear: the E‑Tech Plug‑in Hybrid produces a combined 300 hp with AWD and can sprint 0–100 km/h in about 6.4 seconds, while the Full Hybrid makes around 200 hp, front‑wheel drive, and does 0–100 in about 8.9 seconds. Heavier PHEV versions (curb mass over 2,000 kg) feel more planted but less eager through quick direction changes, whereas the lighter hybrid is nimbler in town. Steering is weighted for reassurance rather than engagement, which suits buyers prioritising calm progress over sporty thrills.

Efficiency/Consumption & Range

Efficiency is where the Rafale shows its dual personality: the plug‑in PHEV claims about 0.6 L/100 km and an electric range up to 97 km, which is excellent for electricity‑first commutes but only achievable with regular charging. The full hybrid version is rated close to 5 L/100 km in theory and gives consistent economy without the plug‑in complexity, making it simpler for buyers who rarely charge. CO2 output therefore varies widely — very low for the PHEV when charged and higher around 109 g/km for the hybrid — so real-world numbers depend heavily on usage patterns. For mixed driving, expect higher fuel use once the PHEV's battery is depleted and the system reverts to hybrid mode.

Assistance & Infotainment

Technology includes an up-to-date infotainment suite with smartphone mirroring, a configurable digital cluster and driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise, lane keep and blind‑spot monitoring that are competitive for the segment. The 180 km/h top speed is more a paperwork number than everyday relevance, but safety assistance and visibility aids make motorway runs less tiring. Some advanced features are tied to higher trims, so the experience depends on specification level rather than model alone. Updates to maps and software appear conventional rather than revolutionary, offering useful convenience without stealing headlines.

Who is it for?

The Rafale suits buyers who want a stylish, well‑equipped coupe‑SUV that prioritises comfort, tech and efficient propulsion over raw sportiness. Urban commuters with access to charging will extract the most value from the 300 hp plug‑in model and its 97 km electric range, while families who prefer simplicity may favour the 200 hp full‑hybrid. Pricing and trims will dictate how much kit is included, but the Rafale competes as an alternative to premium crossovers by offering distinct styling and a practical interior. Overall, it is a polished option for buyers seeking a fashionable, efficient crossover rather than a driver's hot hatch.

Costs and Consumption

Price
37500 - 49500 £
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
co2
14 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4710 mm
Width
1886 mm
Height
1613 mm
Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
Brand
Renault
What drive types are available for the Renault Rafale?

The Renault Rafale is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.