French chic reborn with Renault flagship

French chic is a much-overused description of Gallic fashion, especially when applied to French cars. However, Renault may have recaptured that description with a range of visually imposing models. The company has experienced significant periods in the doldrums in recent years, but it has delivered a strategic turnaround plan known as the ‘Renaulution’.

Well, it is a kind of revolution. Renault seems to have cracked the eternal conundrum of producing a proper luxury flagship. The Rafale is the third Renault I have driven recently, after the revamped, smaller Captur and the Austral – and the flagship reminded me why I liked the Austral so much. It has similar styling cues, a solid build, and features highly efficient engine combinations.

Priced from £37,195, the Rafale is offered in a choice of four trim levels: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine, Iconic Esprit Alpine and the range-topping Atelier Alpine.

Stylish exterior

The Rafale is basically the Austral’s bigger, sleeker sibling. They share the same architecture underneath, but the Rafale stretches things out and even though it is the bigger car, it still manages to look sleek and aerodynamic. You get the same family face as the Austral, but the Rafale’s roofline slopes back like a coupé. It is as if the Austral received a sporty, flowing makeover without losing any of its sleekness.

The most striking part is the grille and that unmistakable Renault diamond. Surrounding it are slick parametric details – little geometric shapes or triangles. This gives the front end a high-tech vibe. It could be described as cosmetic, but for many buyers, that kind of detailing could swing a sale. The rear lights feature geometric shapes made up of five triangles, creating a ‘floating ice cube’ effect when off. Rounding off the look are 19- or 20-inch wheels, with this Esprit Alpine version adding black roof bars, dark window trim and unique alloy designs.

High end interior

The interior is equally impressive, especially on the Alpine version, which feels premium with high-quality materials. A 12-inch OpenR Link touchscreen with built-in Google provides navigation, apps, and voice control, alongside a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. In the rear, the Ingenius® armrest folds to reveal device stands and charging ports.

The heated, powered seats feature perforated Alcantara and an illuminated Alpine logo. Other touches include aluminium pedals and a synthetic leather sports steering wheel. The driver gets a 12.3-inch display and a 9.3-inch head-up display, while the MULTI-SENSE system offers Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Personal drive modes.

Available features include an electric tailgate, six-way electric driver adjustment with massage, air purifier, heated windscreen and steering wheel, keyless entry, wireless charging, and an optional panoramic sunroof.

The OpenR Link includes Google Maps and over 35 apps, while the large centre console offers a phone charger and ample storage. This model also features a sliding rear bench, tinted windows, and a false boot floor.

Efficient hybrid and dynamic performance

The full hybrid E-Tech 200hp drivetrain combines a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with a 50kW electric motor and a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, mated to an automatic transmission to deliver impressive performance both around town and on the motorway, where economy was exceptional over a prolonged drive. It showed around 55mpg against the official figure, but this was often high-speed motorway driving. It is also quick off the mark, hitting 62mph in 8.7 seconds, but is even better at motorway speeds, accelerating from 50–74mph in 5.6 seconds.

On the road performance

A choice of driving modes is available – Eco, Sport and Comfort – which adapt throttle response, steering and cabin ambience to your preference. The car moves off in electric mode with almost silent running, and even when the three-pot engine kicks in, sound is deadened thanks to better soundproofing. On the road, it handles well but can be a bit uncomfortable on rougher surfaces.

The 4CONTROL Advanced four-wheel-steering system boosts low-speed agility and high-speed stability. Below 30mph, the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the fronts, shrinking the turning radius to 10.4 metres – the same as a city car. Above 30mph, they turn up to 1 degree in the same direction for greater stability.

The suspension setup tends to prioritise handling over comfort, leading to a firmer ride that can feel jarring over bumps. However, it does offer a smooth experience when operating under electric power, especially in urban settings.

Clever practicality

The Austral is hugely practical, with clever ways to maximise stowage space. The modular rear bench can slide 16cm and reclines in three positions, maximising space with a cargo capacity ranging from 527 to 1,736 litres. It was tested to the full and packed to capacity – including literally a kitchen sink at one stage – with no effect on performance.

Advanced safety

Renault has a strong safety reputation, and the Rafale delivers with standard features like autonomous emergency braking (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, a 360-degree camera, and driver attention alert. Passive safety includes multiple airbags, ISOFIX mounts, and a reinforced body structure for added peace of mind.

Verdict

The Rafale is stylish, efficient, and packed with clever touches, proving Renault has finally delivered a genuine luxury flagship. A firm ride and high-spec price are the only drawbacks – otherwise, this is French chic done right.

Factfile

• Renault Rafale E-Tech iconic esprit alpine
• Price: £44,695
• Mechanical: 1199cc, 200bhp three cylinder hybrid petrol engine driving front wheels via auto transmission
• Max speed: 105mph
• 0-62mph: 8.7 seconds
• Combined mpg: 60.1mpg (range
• Insurance group: 30E
• BIK rating: 26%
• CO2 emissions: 105g/km
• Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles