Renault Rafale
E-Tech 200 Esprit Alpine hybrid FWD automatic
Sustainability Rating: 3 stars
Our verdict:
The Renault Rafale is a full hybrid vehicle and its operating strategy makes good use of the 400 V electric system, resulting in credible consumption values. It shows a well-balanced environmental performance, resulting from a robust emissions control and efficient powertrain.
- The Rafale has efficient exhaust aftertreatment and scores average for tyre and brake abrasion; strong hybridisation helps reduce brake wear.
- It performs well in energy efficiency due to reasonable fuel consumption, with test figures ranging from 5 to 7.4 l/100 km.
- Despite relatively low fuel use, the total life cycle emissions of 226 g CO2-eq./km limit its greenhouse gas index score.
Driving Experience
Our comments:
Compared to conventional vehicles, which are only evaluated in the 'Consumption and Range' section, the Driving Experience assessment of full hybrid vehicles also includes the category 'Cold Winter Performance'.
- The real-world consumption estimations place the expected Rafale performance generally in the ""adequate"" range for both warm weather trips and for cold winter drives. The car is equipped with a PTC heater, but as heating in cold weather can require additional power, the combustion engine might need to be switched on in phases where it would usually be inactive and thus the consumption figures in cold weather increase more.
- The cabin heat supply of a combustion engine vehicle is much slower compared to an electric vehicle, but the Rafale is additionally equipped with an electric heater, which should have helped reach comfortable temperatures quickly. However, the heating up remains slow and the performance is evaluated as poor. On the positive side, the vehicle demonstrates very good thermal insulation, so that once the desired cabin temperature is reached, it should be maintained more easily.
See datasheet for more details.