Volvo Car Canada closes 2023 with record sales

VOLVO CANADA - Volvo Car Canada set an all-time annual sales record of 12,865 cars in 2023, a 25 per cent increase over to last year. Sales of Recharge models—those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain—accounted for 35 per cent of sales for the year, up 30 per cent compared to the previous year.

In 2023, the company delivered over 4,000 Recharge vehicles to customers in Canada, a significant step as the company works towards its global ambitions of selling only fully electric cars by 2030 and becoming climate neutral by 2040.

 

Volvo Car Canada is targeting continued growth for 2024 with the introduction of two new fully electric models: the Volvo EX90 seven-seat flagship SUV and the company’s smallest ever SUV, the Volvo EX30. Both vehicles will use next-generation electric architectures with advanced battery and computing technologies.

 

Enhanced customer journey

 

Online sales in Canada increased 40 per cent in 2023, a trend Volvo Car Canada predicts will continue into 2024 as it continues to meet consumer demand with its One Price Promise sales model, a streamlined and transparent shopping experience that's negotiation-free, both online and in-store.

 

A more sustainable retailer experience

 

Volvo Car Canada retailers are supporting the company’s sustainability efforts through investments in state-of-the-art Volvo Retailer Sustainability Experience (VRSE) facilities. VRSE stores are powered by renewable energy and built according to industry-leading environmental standards. The first two locations opened in 2023—Volvo Cars Richmond and Park Avenue Volvo Cars Brossard—with additional facilities being added this year.

 

“We are proud of the strides we’ve made as a company this year from enhancing the customer experience to working towards our ambitious electrification goals while setting sales and performance records,” said Matt Girgis, President, Volvo Car Canada. “I’d like to thank our retail partners and loyal customers for allowing us for their commitment to Volvo Cars and their support in our growth journey.”

Volvo Car USA and Canada reports sales in 2023 up 26 percent with strong fully electric results

VOLVO CAR USA AND CANADA - Volvo Car USA and Canada reports sales of 141,566 cars for the full year 2023, up 26 percent compared with last year. Recharge models—those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain—accounted for 28.3 percent during the year, up 30.6 percent compared over last year.

Volvo Car USA and Canada sold 14,817 cars in December, up 22.4 percent over the same period last year. Recharge sales represented 25.2 percent in December, an increase of 7.4 percent compared with the same period last year. Fully electric cars accounted for 6.4 percent of Recharge sales.

 

For the full year 2023, sales in the US reached 128,701 cars, up 26.1 percent compared with the previous year. This included a record year for sales through the retail channel in the US.

 

December sales in the US reached 13,609 cars, up 22.4 percent over the same period last year. Recharge sales represented 23.7 percent; an increase of 0.9 percent compared with the same period last year.

 

In the US, the XC90 midsize luxury SUV was the top selling model with 4,844 cars sold during December, followed by the XC60 compact luxury SUV (4,075 cars) and XC40 small luxury SUV (3,067 cars).

 

In 2023, Canada set a new annual sales record with sales of 12,865 cars during the year. The previous record was set in 1974 with 11,763 cars sold. December sales in Canada rose 50.8 percent over the same period last year, with a volume of 1,208 cars setting a new December record. Recharge sales accounted for 41.9 percent; an increase of 80.7 percent compared with the same period last year.

 

"Throughout the year, we saw strong demand from our customers for our cars, including our Recharge models,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. “I’d like to thank our retail partners and loyal customers for their commitment to Volvo Cars as we continue on our electrification and growth journey.”

Nissan Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Sales for 2023

NISSAN CANADA -  Nissan Group announced total Canadian fourth quarter (October-December) sales for the calendar year 2023 of 21,149 units, an increase of 27.11 per cent versus the prior year. The group also reported total Canadian sales of 91,378 units, an increase of 19.59 per cent versus the prior year.

The Nissan division reported total Canadian sales of 19,839 vehicles sold in the fourth quarter, an increase of 30.89 per cent versus the prior year. 
The INFINITI division reported total Canadian sales of 1,310 vehicles sold in the fourth quarter, a decrease of 11.54 per cent versus the prior year. 

Nissan Division fourth quarter 2023 highlights:

• The Nissan Rogue sold 6,942 units in the fourth quarter, an increase of 21.2 per cent versus 2022.
• The Nissan Kicks sold 3,031 in the fourth quarter, an increase of 97.3 per cent versus 2022. 
• The Nissan Qashqai sold 4,636 units in the fourth quarter, an increase of 132.4 per cent versus 2022.

INFINITI fourth quarter 2023 highlights:

• The QX80 sold 229 units, an increase of 13.9 per cent versus the prior year.  
• The Q50 sold 127 units in the fourth quarter, an increase of 46.0 per cent versus the prior year.

Nissan Division 2023 year-end highlights:

• The Nissan division reported total Canadian sales of 85,170 vehicles sold, an increase of 20.02 per cent versus 2022.
•  The Nissan Rogue sold 26,665 units this calendar year, an increase of 32.4 per cent compared to the previous year.
• The Nissan Qashqai reported total calendar year sales of 12,942 units, an overall increase of 21.7 per cent compared to 2022.
• The Nissan Kicks reported total calendar year sales of 13,621 units, an overall increase of 3.9 per cent compared to 2022.
• The Nissan Pathfinder sold 6,773 units in the calendar year, an increase of 41.8 per cent versus the previous year.
• The Nissan ARIYA sold 1,810 units in the calendar year.
• The Nissan LEAF™ reported total calendar year sales of 2,002 units, an overall increase of 29 per cent versus the previous year.

INFINITI 2023 year-end highlights:

• The INFINITI division reported total Canadian sales of 6,208 vehicles sold, an increase of 14 per cent versus 2022.
• The QX60 sold 3,245 units in the calendar year, an increase of 46.4 per cent versus 2022.
• The QX80 reported a 2023 calendar year sale of 841 units, an overall increase of 39.5 per cent versus sales in 2022.

	2023	2022	% Change
Total Fourth Quarter (Oct-Dec) 2023 sales (units)	21,149	16,639	27.11 %
Nissan Division sales	19,839	15,158	30.89 %
INFINITI sales*	1,310	1,481	-11.54%
Calendar Year Total sales (units)	91,378	76,411	19.59 %
Nissan Division sales	85,170	70,965	20.02 %
INFINITI sales*	6,208	5,446	14.00 %

TIRF poll: New post-pandemic decline among drivers self-reporting driving when they believed they were over the legal limit

TIRF -  The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) has released, Road Safety Monitor 2023: Drinking & Driving in Canada, with sponsorship from Beer Canada and Desjardins Insurance. This new fact sheet examines current beliefs, attitudes and practices related to drinking and driving in Canada. It considers them in the context of recent trends in alcohol-related fatal crashes using TIRF’s National Fatality Database which is current up to 2021; the most recent year for which data are available.

In 2023, a total of 5.8% of respondents admitted driving when they thought they were over the legal limit in the past 12 months. However, it should be noted while this percentage is smaller compared to previous years, this is among an estimated licensed driving population of 26 million drivers. This significant decrease from 10.5% in 2022 reverses a trend that began in 2016 which showed a steady increase in drivers who admitted to driving when they thought they were over the legal limit. Continued monitoring is essential to determine whether this decline will continue beyond 2023.

“The significant drop in the percentage of people self-reporting driving when they thought they were over the legal limit is a really positive change, however, still almost 400 Canadians died in a road crash involving a drinking driver in 2021,” shares Hannah Barrett, TIRF Researcher & Program Coordinator. “This means it is essential Canadians do not become complacent about the issue. Progress is difficult to achieve but rather easily lost.”

Respondents who reportedly drove when they thought they were over the legal limit were also asked with whom they did most of their drinking. In 2023, over one-third (36.7%) of respondents reported doing most of their drinking alone compared to 15% in 2022. In addition, one-fifth of respondents reported doing most of their drinking while with a partner or family (22.9%) or acquaintances (20.6%). The increase in persons who drink alone is perhaps due to the increased loneliness felt as a result of residual effects of pandemic social distancing and isolation, and the move to remote work.

“Despite this shift in the historical trend for self-reported drinking and driving behaviour, we continue to see high levels of concern among three-quarters of Canadians, and this is critical to motivate continued action on this issue,” shares Milad Delavary, TIRF Research Scientist. "While the overall decrease in impaired driving is encouraging, the persistent issue demands sustained efforts. The correlation between self-reported drinking and driving behaviour and alcohol-related crashes underscores the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns."

It is essential to tailor key messages to reach the subgroup of Canadians who are drinking at home alone and then getting behind the wheel. Notably, female respondents were 51.3% less likely than males to report driving after consuming any amount of alcohol, signifying a potential avenue for targeted interventions.

As we near the holiday season, we encourage all Canadians to prioritize responsible choices behind the wheel to create safe roads for everyone. We must remain vigilant to protect the lives of all road users.

About the poll

These results are based on the RSM, an annual public opinion poll developed and conducted by TIRF. A total of 1,500 Canadians completed the poll in September of 2023. Results can be considered accurate within plus or minus 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The majority of the questions were answered using a scale from one to six where six indicated high agreement, concern, or support and one indicated low agreement, concern or support.

New Economic Report Underlines New Car Dealers' Vital Role in Canada's Economy

CADA - The Canadian Auto Dealers Association (CADA) published its highly anticipated 2023 Economic Impact Report. This groundbreaking study, developed in collaboration with MNP, offers a comprehensive portrait of the substantial economic contributions made by auto retailers across the country.

This new data will allow decision makers to have a better understanding of how integral auto dealers are to local communities and regional economies. As the automotive industry is going through major structural changes, better information sharing is key in ensuring that policy objectives are well aligned with what is being observed, on the field, by auto retailers.

From job creation to economic growth and tax revenue generation, this report showcases the vital role played by new car dealers in shaping Canada's current and future economic landscape.

Key Findings from the National Report Include:

• Canadian automobile dealers sold 1,488,645 new vehicles.
• Generated over $28 billion of Canada's GDP.
• Contributed $6.3 billion in tax revenue.
• Recorded total revenues of $151.5 billion of which 54 percent was attributable to the sale of new vehicles and the remainder were attributable to the sale of parts, accessories, used vehicles and maintenance services.
• Directly employed 167,790 people, 56 percent of whom were in jobs requiring a post-secondary credential, professional certification or significant experience.

In addition to the national release, CADA strongly encourages individuals to explore the Economic Impact Reports simultaneously published by the provincial auto dealer associations. These provincially focused reports offer a nuanced perspective on the regional contributions of auto retailers, highlighting the diverse and substantial economic benefits they bring to communities across the nation. Commenting on the importance of the provincial reports, Tim Reuss, President and CEO for the CADA, emphasized:

"The data specific to each province is invaluable, especially when auto dealers engage with their regional and provincial politicians. These reports will serve as crucial tools for effective advocacy, enabling the industry to communicate its significance to local economies."

By delving into both the national and provincial reports, stakeholders, policymakers, and the public can gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role played by the auto retail industry in Canada's economic prosperity.

CADA and MNP remain committed to fostering transparency and understanding of the economic impact of new car dealers. The reports, accessible through this website, aim to serve as valuable resources for informed decision-making and policy development.

Volvo Car USA and Canada reports sales of 13,077 cars in November

VOLVO CAR USA AND CANADA - Volvo Car USA and Canada sold 13,077 cars in November, up 28.7 percent over the same period last year. Recharge models—those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain—accounted for 27.5 percent in November, an increase of 16.5 percent compared with the same period last year. Fully electric cars accounted for 8.7 percent of Recharge sales, a decrease of 14 percent over the same period last year.

The US and Canada region sold 126,749 cars year-to-date, an increase of 26 percent compared with the same period last year. Sales of the company’s line of Recharge models represented 28.7 percent, an increase of 33.7 percent over the same period last year.

Sales in the US reached 11,671 cars in November, up 26.4 percent over the same period last year. Recharge sales represented 26 percent; an increase of 10 percent compared with the same period last year.

In the US, the XC90 midsize luxury SUV was the top selling model with 3,657 cars sold during November, followed by the XC60 compact luxury SUV (3,170 cars) and XC40 small luxury SUV (2,684 cars).

Sales during the month in Canada rose 51.5 percent over the same period last year, with a volume of 1,406 cars. Recharge sales accounted for 39.6 percent; an increase of 73.5 percent compared with the same period last year.

"Each month, we continue to see strong demand from our customers for our Recharge models,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. “As we near the end of the year, we are confident that the demand for our Recharge vehicles will bring the company to being fully electric by 2030, especially with EX30 and EX90 joining our line up next year.”

"Best Global Brands 2023": Mercedes-Benz rises to seventh position among the most valuable brands in the world

MERCEDES-BENZ - Mercedes‑Benz has further expanded its leading position as the most valuable luxury automobile brand in the world in the current "Best Global Brands 2023" ranking. After five years in a row at number eight, the star now shines as the seventh most important brand in the world. The renewed increase in brand value by nine percent underlines the company's consistent transformation into an iconic brand that impresses with its exceptional aesthetics, innovative technologies and integrated sustainability.

"The latest increase in our brand value is a first‑class achievement by the entire Mercedes‑Benz team, which makes us all very proud. The result is both a confirmation and an incentive for us: we are continuously building on our brand heritage to shape the future – with the goal of creating the most desirable cars in the world."
Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Communications & Marketing Mercedes‑Benz AG

With the strategic realignment of the company in 2021, the brand's core was also refined. From now on, the brand with the star stands for "Desire for Iconic Luxury". The company thus combines two essential characteristics: Firstly, its strong roots as a luxury automobile manufacturer that has created numerous style-defining icons. And on the other hand, the pioneering spirit with which Mercedes‑Benz, as an innovation leader, drives forward the development of the automobile. Mercedes‑Benz is focusing more than ever on the radiance of the brand, which has a culture-shaping effect, and is carefully developed further while still honouring the brand's heritage. The goal is to shape the digital age by creating the most desirable vehicles and services in the world.

Nissan Sentra Cup mid-season will be reached this weekend at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières

NISSAN SENTRA CUP -  The Nissan Sentra Cup will be one of the featured series presented at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières this weekend. The Canadian motorsport series will have two races, one on Saturday August 5th and the other on Sunday August 6th, as part of the ever-popular event, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators once again for this fifty-third edition.

These rounds, 5 and 6 of the 2023 season, will mark the conclusion of the first half of the season. With three wins in four races so far, Simon Charbonneau is undoubtedly the favorite. He currently leads the championship standings ahead of Nicolas Barrette, Alexandre Fortin (winner of the opening round of the season), Simon Vincent and defending champion Valérie Limoges.

Limoges, who holds the record for the most career overall victories at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières for a female driver (two wins in the Nissan Cup - Micra and Sentra), will attempt to secure another triumph on this temporary 2.4 km urban track which greatly enhances the abilities of the drivers. On the other hand, after his triumphant performance in front of a packed audience at the Nissan Grand Prix at the Complexe ICAR in Mirabel on July 9, Charbonneau now holds his own destiny is his hands as he aims for his very first victory in Trois-Rivières.

For those unable to be on-site, it will be possible to watch all the Nissan Sentra Cup on track sessions on the series' Facebook page. Free practice, qualifying, races, all will be presented live! Fans in the grandstands will have free access to the Nissan Sentra Cup paddocks to meet the Series' family. Additionally, they can test their Nissan Z driving skills on the Nissan Canada simulator.

Nissan Sentra Cup drivers will be on track from 1:00 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. for a free practice session on Friday, August 4, followed by qualifying from 4:00 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. Saturday, after the formation lap behind the Series' official Safety Car, which will be the new Nissan Z, the first race will begin at 2:10 p.m., providing 40 minutes of action. On Sunday, the second race will be presented from 11:15 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. The podium ceremonies will immediately follow the end of both races.

Between 25 and 30 drivers are again expected in the Nissan Sentra Cup for this Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières 2023. As usual, the racing Sentra field will be completed by the Micra class cars.

For more information on the Nissan Sentra Cup, visit sentracup.com and the series' social media. To watch all the events of the 2022 season, visit the Nissan Sentra Cup YouTube page

SCHEDULE 2023 - NISSAN SENTRA CUP

May 26, 27, 28                     Spring Classic, Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Québec
July 9                                    Nissan Grand Prix, Complexe ICAR - Mirabel, Québec
August 4, 5, 6                       Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec
August 26                              NASCAR Event, Complexe ICAR - Mirabel, Québec
September 1, 2, 3               Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, Ontario
September 22, 23, 24         Fall Classic, Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Québec

To follow the Nissan Sentra Cup on social media:
Facebook: @CoupeSentraCup
Instagram: @nissansentracup
Twitter: @SentraCup
YouTube: SentraCupTV

Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada Wins Three Vincentric Best Fleet Value in Canada™ Awards

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada has earned three 2023 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in Canada™ Awards, continuing a long trend of recognized success by the esteemed manufacturer. Thanks to their remarkable quality and outstanding ROI, Mercedes-Benz Vans have become a fixture in the award ceremony.

The winning candidates were once again the Sprinter 2500 & 3500 XD, more specifically:

• 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Passenger High Roof 144 WB 4 Cylinder – Best Fleet Value in Canada: Full-Size 3/4-Ton Passenger Van segment (ninth time and third consecutive for Sprinter 2500 Passenger)
• 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Crew High Roof 144 WB 4 Cylinder Diesel – Best Fleet Value in Canada: Full-Size 3/4-Ton Cargo Van segment (tenth time for Sprinter 2500)
• 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 XD Cargo High Roof 170 WB AWD 2.0L 4 Cylinder Diesel HO – Best Fleet Value in Canada: Full-Size 1-Ton Cargo Van segment (seventh time for Sprinter 3500)

The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in Canada™ Awards recognize the specific vehicle and trim with the lowest total cost of ownership in the greatest number of 24 different lifecycle cost scenarios. In order to identify the winners, Vincentric conducts rigorous monthly analyses of the cost of ownership for more than 1,600 vehicle configurations. Their typical usage in Canadian commercial fleets is the main point of attention during these tests. The cost is determined by focusing on eight different factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs. The vehicles are evaluated in all ten provinces using 24 different lifecycle cost scenarios. Winners are determined according to the vehicles that have the lowest fleet lifecycle cost in the most scenarios.

When comparing the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Passenger High Roof, 2500 Crew High Roof and 3500 XD Cargo High Roof to their competitors, Vincentric determined that all three models had the lowest ownership costs in their segments.

"These awards attest to our ongoing dedication to provide our valued customers with products and services of the highest quality and reliability, and we are honoured to be recognized for our continuous dedication to delivering top-tier fleet solutions in Canada," said Sonja Schneemann, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada. "Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada will continue to offer a product mix that meets the needs of our customers in Canada, while preparing for our exciting all-electric future ahead."

Greater Plant Capacity, Improving Efficiencies Support Lower F-150 Lightning Prices for Customers

FORD CANADA - Ford is taking advantage of increased plant capacity, continued work on scaling production and cost, and improving battery raw material costs to help lower the MSRP of F-150 Lightning^® for all customers.

The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan is temporarily closed to complete final plant upgrades to triple the plant’s annual run rate to a targeted 150,000 F-150 Lightning trucks beginning this fall.

 

The upgrades at the plant, combined with improving battery raw material costs and continued work on scaling production and cost, help make it possible to lower pricing across the F-150 Lightning line. Customers will now have greater availability of their built-to-order truck as early as October at an MSRP closer to initial Lightning pricing, with many dealerships also having stock and demo units.

 

“Shortly after launching the F-150 Lightning, rapidly rising material costs, supply constraints and other factors drove up the cost of the EV truck for Ford and our customers,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e. “We’ve continued to work in the background to improve accessibility and affordability to help to lower prices for our customers and shorten the wait times for their new F-150 Lightning.”

 

With ordering now open and more inventory available at dealerships, Canadian customers can contact their preferred Ford dealer to discuss purchase financing and lease options for the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Customers can take advantage of the BlueOval Charge Network – the largest public charging network in North America – which will add access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers starting early next year. Commercial customers can also access Ford Pro Charging solutions to keep their F-150 Lightning powered up whether they need to charge at home or onsite at work.

 

The 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year, North American Truck of the Year, and Guide de l’Auto Truck of the Year, some F-150 Lightning models may become eligible for federal and provincial incentives in Canada under the newly reduced pricing. Customers can check applicable government websites to verify which electric vehicle models are eligible for rebates.

To learn more, customers can Build and Price the F-150 Lightning on ford.ca and can place an order through their preferred dealer in-store.

The new Renault Arkana: more "nouvelle vague" than ever

RENAULT - Unveiled in October 2020 in its European version, Renault Arkana is a shining example of the Renaulution’s success. Renault has sold 163,000 of this distinguished-looking Coupe SUV so far (240,000 in all, including Renault Korea Motors’ XM3) and it is playing a pivotal role in the brand’s plan to reconquer the C-segment, alongside Megane E-Tech electric and Austral.

Arkana has rewritten the rules with its Coupe SUV style combining zip and roominess, and is now selling in markets on several continents – ranging from Australia, New Zealand and Japan to Israel and on to Chile. Its upmarket versions – R.S. Line then E-Tech Engineered – offer extra character and vigour, and have contributed a lot to its success (they account for 53% of the mix in Europe in 2023). The best-selling powertrain is the E-tech full hybrid 145 hp (63% of sales in Europe in the first six months of 2023).

This engine is unparalleled on the market, the driving pleasure it offers is unprecedented and its energy efficiency is outstanding. It is the second criterion buyers look at when choosing a car, behind design1.

1 NCBS survey, FY2022

NEW LOOK

The New Arkana, which Renault is unveiling today, combines an original fluid feel, imposing demeanour and heavy-duty build with Renault’s new identity, to ride even higher on the “Nouvelle Vague”. The Nouvel’R logo is built into the grille, at the centre of the Deep Glossy Black band linking the headlights. This surface is entirely flush and smooth, making it even more elegant.

The Nouvel’R logo’s design provides the basis for the new pattern on the grille – a deliberately unstructured assortment of diamonds reverberating around the one in the middle. A 3D effect on the diamonds’ edges seems to carve them out and add depth. Depending on the trim (Evolution, Techno or Esprit Alpine), these features will be Black, Satin Chrome or Dark Chrome, to underline the shift upmarket. The vertical pattern on the upper grille makes the overall look more consistent with that on the grille at the base of the bumper.

The aerodynamic blade that became an R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered version hallmark is now on the bumper of the line-up’s Techno and Esprit Alpine trims. It is the same colour as the body in the Techno version and Satin Grey in the Esprit Alpine version.

The logo at the centre of the tailgate is Dark Chrome, matching the one at the front as well as the lettering and tailpipes. The lights have ever-so-slightly smoked crystal-like covers to add a modern touch.

The chrome on the decorative features (grille, window rims, etc.) has been replaced by Black, Satin Black or Deep Glossy Black depending on the version.

NEW ESPRIT ALPINE TRIM

Like the other most recent models in Renault’s line-up, the New Arkana now includes a sporty-chic Esprit Alpine trim at the top of the range – which beautifully befits the vehicle’s personality.

One of the exterior features is the Satin Gry blade on the front bumper. Another is the Shale Grey badge nestled in Deep Glossy Black on the wing trim. It also comes with new 19-inch openwork wheels that add to its stateliness as much as is sportiness. A new aileron cut to match the roof enhances the tailgate’s aerodynamics.

Inside, the seats are a mixture of Eco Tep (10% bio-sourced materials) and imitation suede (more than in the former R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered high-end models). The seats now come with blue horizontal overstitching and the Alpine logo on the back, and the safety belts with two blue stripes.

The inside of the doors and the steering wheel have red, white and blue stitching and the cladding on the dashboard area facing the front passenger seat is slate-like for an elegant, low-key effect.

Whatever powertrain you choose, the cockpit in the New Arkana Esprit Alpine includes the e-shifter gear stick with no mechanical cabling.

A SIMPLER RANGE AND MORE AMENITIES

The New Arkana line-up has been slimmed down to three trims: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine.

Evolution now includes navigation as standard in the Renault EASY LINK infotainment system, which also connects wirelessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The digital screen on the dashboard still measures 7 inches diagonally but now displays information across a larger area.

In addition to the aerodynamic blade matching the body, Techno has kept the same wheels as the R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered versions. The logo and lettering at the rear are Satin Chrome.

This line-up is introducing a new body colour, Midnight Blue, and comes with the same choice of powertrains: E-Tech full hybrid 145 hp and petrol mild hybrid 140 hp and 160 hp.

THE E-TECH FULL HYBRID 145 HP POWERTRAIN WITH E-SAVE MODE

The driving pleasure from the E-Tech full hybrid 145 hp powertrain is like nothing else: it is as smooth in electric mode as it is vigorous and efficient. It interlinks two electric motors (a 36 kW main motor and an 18 kW High-Voltage Starter Generator) with a 4-cylinder 1.6 litre 69 kW (94 hp) petrol engine, a smart multi-mode clutch-less dog box and a 1.2 kWh battery.

The gearbox manages 4 ratios on the petrol engine and 2 ratios on the main electric motor. With the E-Tech full hybrid powertrain, in other words, you have up to 14 possible combinations between the engine and motor to optimise energy efficiency.

The car invariably starts in electric mode and can run on the electric motor alone for up to 80% of the time in cities, which cuts consumption by up to 40% compared to a standard petrol engine. This high-efficiency powertrain’s CO2 emissions can be as low as 105 g/km, which is outstanding in the category. Besides enjoying the silence in electric mode, you can enjoy the convenience of driving without stopping to charge the battery.

The New Arkana’s E-Tech full hybrid 145 hp powertrain includes e-save feature. You can select it on the vehicle’s centre screen in the vehicle’ settings, or via the driving mode in versions that come with MULTI-SENSE settings, and it keeps the battery’s charge at 40% at least, so you have that extra backup to keep on driving in electric mode if you need to, or to assist the engine on steep uphill slopes.

AN ENJOYABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The New Arkana is built on the CMF-B modular platform developed by the Alliance. This platform has been praised for the efficiency and driving pleasure it affords, its outstanding versatility, its high-performance handling and its great comfort.

In addition to the car’s reassuring road hold, the New Arkana’s rear wheels adjust to keep it remarkably steady when you negotiate bends at high speeds. Lateral movement is limited, even on the jaggedest of roads. The precise and direct steering boost the chassis’ performance, and the short kerb-to-kerb turning diameter (11.2 metres) adds to its agility.

ORDERING

The New Renault Arkana will be available for ordering starting in summer 2023, depending on the country.