Rafale leads Renault's SUV range

New coupé-SUV uses same platform as Austral, Hybrid powertrain, with plug-in option due later

- Jordan Katsianis

RENAULT has revealed its new flagship new coupé-SUV will rival everything from the Audi Q5 Sportback to the Citroen C5 X.

The Rafale is closely related to the French brand's Austral family SUV, and is based on the same CMF-C/D platform. However, it measures 200mm longer and 10mm lower than its more practical sibling.

The Rafale is the first clean-sheet project under the eye of Renault's design director Gilles Vidal, with the new car evolving the firm's styling language with sharper creases and bold surfaces.