Renault claims the Rafale PHEV can solely run on its 22kWh battery for up to 62 miles and at speeds up to 84mph. Overall, there’s an official WLTP combined fuel efficiency figure of 403.5mpg with 48.7mpg expected when the battery is empty. A maximum recharge rate of 7.4kWh means a 0-100 per cent refill will take two hours and 55 minutes.
On the outside there’s not much to differentiate the plug-in hybrid Renault Rafale from the full-hybrid. The E-Tech 4×4 300hp gets a new ‘Atelier Alpine’ trim level to go with the lower-spec Esprit Alpine. Atelier Alpine brings Satin Summit Blue paint, a black spoiler, bespoke 21-inch alloy wheels and blue floor mats inside.
The Atelier Alpine also receives chassis tweaks with new dampers, springs and anti-roll bars at the front and rear. Along with four-wheel steering, there’s bespoke ‘Agility Control’ modes that make changes to braking, regenerative braking, stability control and steering, plus Continental sports tyres are fitted as standard. There’s also a camera up front that scans the road and will make adjustments to the suspension to suit.
The interior features the same 12.3-inch driver’s display and 12-inch central touchscreen as you’d find on the full-hybrid model. As standard, every Renault Rafale gets a wireless smartphone charger, automatic dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Click here to discover the best plug-in hybrid cars…