Read the full review here: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/renault/rafaleHappily, the Rafale feels different and interesting enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded – if slightly confused – market segment, with potentially broad appeal across various demographics, and does so at a price point that undercuts some similarly conceived stalwarts.
The ride is a weak point, and it can’t claim a dynamic or performance edge over any of its core rivals, but from a practicality and value standpoint, it’s well worthy of consideration.
I'd wager the PHEV will introduce a number of important improvements across the board, though, when it lands later this year.
Top Gear:
Read the full review here: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/renault/rafaleThere’s lots to like about the Rafale. Smart looks (from some angles), plush materials, an intuitive mix of buttons and screens, some novel interior highlights – and all with some genuinely competitive lease deals to soften any fears of the depreciation that stung its forebears.
It’s just crying out for a slightly clearer personality. It doesn’t drive as keenly as Renault would like us to believe, but nor does it potter along with the plushness big Frenchies always used to. Perhaps, given their success (or lack thereof), it’s intentional.
All told, it’s a decent enough SUV coupe at an appealing price, but it feels like it occupies a different universe to the cars that truly excite us about Renault – namely the upcoming 5 and Twingo urban EVs.
Car:
Read the full review here: https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-revie ... afale-suv/If you’re looking for a family SUV that’ll excite in the bends, the Rafale is not for you, at least not this version. Yes, it grips well, and the four-wheel steering certainly boosts agility, yet overall this is an SUV that feels like it’s trying to be something it isn’t.
The hybrid system is best when driven gently, which combined with the iffy steering puts you off grabbing it by the scruff on a winding road. It’s a shame, as it makes a lot of sense as a family wagon if you ignore the fractious ride.
CarWow:
Read the full review here: https://www.carwow.co.uk/renault/rafaleThe Renault Rafale takes the ‘coupe SUV’ body style that has proved so popular with buyers of posh brands, and brings it into the mainstream. It’s a bit like buying designer clothes from TK Maxx because the style and quality is there but it just doesn't feel quite as fancy buying it off a rail.
Its is-it-an-SUV-or-something-else design makes it an alternative to the likes of the Peugeot 408, Cupra Formentor and the Citroen C5 X.
Whatever you want to call it, the Rafale is a stylish-looking thing. You get an upright front end with a large grille and sleek headlights. At the back the taillights are narrow in the middle before fanning out to the sides, giving the car a tall, imposing stance.
It’s a similar story inside, with the cockpit rather wrapping around you in a sporty manner. You get a horizontal instrument binnacle ahead of you, and a large, vertical display for the maps and infotainment to the right. Both are quick to switch between menus and pretty easy to use.
