Considering a Renault Arkana? Share Your Reviews & Experiences RENAULT Arkana I (LCM_) (08.2019 - ...)

Hi there! I've had my Renault Arkana for about a year now, and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with it. The fuel efficiency is really good - I'm averaging around 45mpg, which is great for a car of this size. As for the infotainment system, it's been pretty smooth sailing for me. It's responsive and easy to use, and I haven't had any major issues. The driving comfort is also top-notch, with a smooth ride and decent handling.

One quirk I've noticed is that the suspension can feel a bit stiff over rougher roads, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. In terms of maintenance, I've just been sticking to the recommended service schedule and it's been running like a dream. Overall, I'd highly recommend the Arkana if you're in the market for a crossover SUV.

The navigation and connectivity features on the Arkana have been great for me. The maps are pretty accurate and the voice control works well, so I haven't had any issues getting where I need to go. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also seamless, which makes it easy to use my smartphone apps on the go.

One thing I will say is that the menu system can be a bit convoluted at first, but once you get used to it, it's not too bad. And the sound quality from the speakers is really impressive, so I've been enjoying my music and podcasts on the road.

I actually just bought a 2021 GLA 250 4MATIC a few months ago and I've been really happy with it so far. The performance is great - the 2.0L turbo engine provides plenty of pep for daily driving. And the 4MATIC all-wheel drive has been super helpful in the wet UK weather.

In terms of tech, the 2021 has Mercedes' latest MBUX infotainment system which I find to be user-friendly and packed with features. The only potential downside is that it might not have the absolute latest tech features that the 2024 model is rumored to have. But for me, the 2021's tech was more than sufficient.

As for reliability, it's still early days but I haven't had any issues so far. I'd imagine the 2024 will be similarly reliable, but the 2021 is proving to be a solid performer. The only known issue I'm aware of is some potential power steering problems on earlier 2021 models, but Mercedes issued a recall to address that.

Overall, I'm really pleased with my 2021 GLA 250. Unless you're set on having the absolute latest features, I'd say it's still a great option to consider. But I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's driven the 2024 model and can speak to the improvements.

I can definitely empathize with the dilemma of choosing between the 2021 and 2024 GLA models. I was in a similar position when I was shopping for my current car.

In the end, I decided to go with the 2021 GLA 250 4MATIC, and I have to say I'm really pleased with my decision. The performance, tech, and overall driving experience have all been fantastic. And the price difference was substantial enough that it just made more financial sense for my situation.

That said, if the 2024 model's improvements are truly meaningful to you and you can swing the higher price tag, I don't think you'd be disappointed. The enhanced acceleration, updated infotainment, and potential reliability gains do sound quite appealing.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to your personal priorities and budget. If the extra features of the 2024 GLA are "must-haves" for you, then it could be worth the investment. But if you're looking to get an excellent luxury crossover at a more accessible price point, the 2021 model is still a fantastic option.

Either way, you really can't go wrong with the GLA in my opinion. It's a great vehicle no matter which model year you choose. But I'd encourage you to test drive both if possible to get a feel for the differences and see which one resonates with you more.

That's good to hear, @A_Graham. The infotainment system is a big factor for me, so I'm glad to know it's been reliable. What about the overall driving experience? How would you describe the power and handling?

The driving experience in the Arkana has been really enjoyable for me. The 1.3-litre turbo engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, and the handling is surprisingly responsive for a crossover. It's not going to set any lap records, but it feels agile and confident on the road.

The steering is well-weighted and provides good feedback, and the brakes have a nice, solid feel to them. The all-wheel-drive system also provides good traction and stability, which is especially helpful in wet or slippery conditions.

Overall, I'd say the Arkana strikes a nice balance between performance and comfort. It's not the most thrilling drive, but it's more than capable of handling daily commutes and weekend getaways with ease.

The Arkana has been quite practical for me in everyday use. The cargo space is pretty decent, with 508 litres of boot space with the rear seats up. Fold the seats down and you get over 1,200 litres, which is more than enough room for my needs.

The boot opening is wide and the loading height is low, making it easy to load and unload larger items. The rear seats also fold down in a 60/40 split, which adds to the versatility.

In terms of general usability, I've found the Arkana to be really user-friendly. The controls are well-laid out and intuitive, and there's a good amount of storage space throughout the cabin. The visibility is also great, which makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

One minor gripe is that the rear seats could use a bit more legroom, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. Overall, I'd say the Arkana ticks a lot of the practical boxes for a crossover of this size.

You're very welcome! I'm always happy to share my experiences with the Arkana. It's been a great car for me, and I'm confident it could be a great choice for you as well. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions as you're considering your purchase. I'm more than happy to provide any additional insights I can.

This has been a really informative discussion. I'm not in the market for an Arkana myself, but it's great to see such detailed and balanced feedback from an owner. The information you've provided, @Ian_Edwards, really highlights the strengths and minor quirks of the car. It's exactly the kind of real-world perspective that can be so valuable for someone like @iMartin.8 who's trying to make a decision. Kudos to you for taking the time to share your experiences so thoroughly!

I'm really glad I could provide a helpful perspective! As someone who's been through the car-buying process, I know how valuable it is to get genuine feedback from current owners. I always try to give an honest, balanced assessment – both the positives and any areas for improvement. Hearing that this has been useful for you and @iMartin.8 is very rewarding. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions, either about the Arkana or just the car-buying experience in general.