Renault Arkana RS-Line arrives in Australia, joined by a price bump across the range

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The 2022 Renault Arkana small coupe SUV went on sale in Australia in July 2021 in base Zen and mid-spec Intens grades, but now the sporty RS-Line ($42,090 before on-road costs) has arrived to cap the range.

This isn’t a fully-fledged performance product, however – the Arkana RS-Line is all about its sportier exterior and interior treatment. 

Along with the arrival of the new variant, Renault’s importer Ateco lifted Arkana pricing in a range-wide increase last month by $600 for the Zen (now $34,590 before on-road costs) and $1100 for the Intens and RS-Line.

Price increases have become the norm for the car industry at present with sales giants such as Toyota and Mitsubishi also jacking up prices, yet Renault Australia’s general manager Glen Sealey is positive about the brand’s success in Australia.

“With positive sales growth at the end of 2021, a massive 150-percent growth YTD in 2022, and an engaged dealer network, the outlook for the Renault brand is undoubtedly positive – subject to production availability, of course”, Mr Sealey said.

What does the RS-Line get?

The $42,090 Arkana RS-Line isn’t a fully fledged performance model like the Megane RS so it features the same 115kW/262Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder found in other Arkana grades – an engine developed in a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz.

To visually differentiate the RS-Line, Renault has fitted 18-inch alloy wheels, grey door handles, a black pack and a sportier front bumper said to be inspired by Formula One cars.

Inside, the RS-Line is outfitted with carbon-look trim, a perforated leather steering wheel, and contrast stitching on the heated and ventilated electric leather seats. 

This extra flair builds on decent cabin technology including a 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen, wireless phone charging and a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display.

Renault Arkana 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Zen: $34,590 (up $600)
• Intens: $38,950 (up $1100)
• RS-Line: $42,090 (up $1100)