Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Renault Korea’s Arkana seen as ideal 1st car for young drivers
Renault Korea's Arkana compact SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
By Lee Min-hyung
Renault Korea’s Arkana compact SUV is gaining attention as an ideal first car for young drivers, thanks to its impressive fuel efficiency, sleek coupe-like design and competitive pricing.
The carmaker aims to boost sales of the upgraded 2026 Arkana by targeting consumers in their 20s and 30s.
The Arkana is equipped with the French carmaker’s advanced safety systems, evidenced by its perfect score in the Korea New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP). These features make the vehicle more attractive to entry-level buyers.
One of the standout features of the Arkana Hybrid E-Tech is its impressive fuel efficiency, delivering 17.4 kilometers per liter with 17-inch tires. According to real-world driving tests by some popular automotive YouTube channels, the figure was also seen approaching nearly 30 kilometers per liter under certain conditions.
The gasoline-powered Arkana features a 1.6-liter engine that provides smooth, predictable acceleration by maintaining consistent engine revs in response to throttle input.
Paired with a continuously variable transmission, the vehicle minimizes engine noise while maximizing driving comfort, according to the carmaker. The fuel efficiency for the gasoline version reaches 13.6 kilometers per liter, slightly less than the hybrid model, but the figure is still decent when compared with its rivals in this segment.
A rear view of Renault Korea's Arkana SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
The Arkana’s advanced connectivity and smart features are also major draws for potential customers.
The Arkana is equipped with a 9.3-inch horizontal infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers real-time access to Tmap, the nation's most popular navigation service.
The Arkana’s proven safety is another key selling point. It earned a perfect score in KNCAP’s crash safety tests and received the highest rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme. Few other vehicles in its segment have achieved such high marks from these renowned safety organizations.
For the hybrid trim, Renault Korea has equipped the vehicle with a range of safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous emergency braking and a distance warning system.