Latest news with #RenaultRafale
Auto Express
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
This Renault is the peak of ‘French excellence'
Many vehicles have been chosen to ferry the French president around in the past and now the Renault Rafale can be added to that list. Emmanuel Macron's new car isn't just any old Rafale either; it's been specially designed by the Elysée Palace, Renault and French artisans. The presidential Rafale was created by Renault's design centre in Guyancourt, France, and comes with several suitably patriotic styling cues to ensure it looks the part during its governmental service. One of these is the French flag expanding out from the Renault badge in the grille, and the French tri-color on the doors. Plus there's that essential prerequisite of presidential vehicles: removable flag holders. Advertisement - Article continues below Renault has also gone to the trouble of incorporating cooling technology into the exclusive 'Bleu Présidence' paint finish that can limit heat absorption by 10C. The paint also includes a blue, white and red glitter effect. Whether it's Monsieur Macron or another lofty member of the French government, whoever is sitting in the back will find an 'office on wheels', according to Renault. For what we assume to be security interests, there are no full images of the Rafale's rear sears, although we have been told there's a 'bespoke layout'. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below However, we can see changes in the front, where black and white marble from the Pyrenees has been applied to the steering wheel, centre console and dashboard. The upholstery in the Presidential Renault Rafale also gets specially selected off-cuts of leather with red, white and blue stitching. On the headrests is a laser engraving of the French coat of arms. Instead of the full-hybrid model, the Presidential Renault Rafale is based on the plug-in hybrid 4WD 300, meaning it has a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mated to three electric motors for 296bhp. It also means the presidential car has 65 miles of electric-only range (although the Rafale's extra armour will add weight and surely lower the range somewhat), so it can just about travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the French parliament building and back on EV power. Renault has also tuned the Rafale's chassis to focus on a 'smooth, stable ride, even in urban environments'. The suspension set-up had to be recalibrated in order to counteract the extra weight of the car's armour, which Renault has understandably been secretive about. The Rafale also gets 20-inch wheels with Michelin all-weather tyres and rear-wheel steer. The Rafale isn't the first Renault to get presidential preference. The partnership started way back in 1920 with the Renault 40 CV before the likes of the Reinastella, Safrane Limousine and Vel Satis were all used by France's heads of state. Want to look like a world leader? Take a look at our latest deals on a new Renault Rafale , or find top prices on a used Renault Rafale . Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3… New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
Auto Express
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Renault Rafale is a stylish, plug-in coupe-SUV for under £250 a month
Stylish design and plenty of equipment 296bhp, four-wheel steering, 60-mile EV range Just £248.83 a month The Renault Rafale sits at the top of the French brand's very broad SUV line-up, and with its Audi Q5 Sportback-aping looks, you might imagine this range-topper comes with an equally high price. But it can be yours for less than £250 a month right now. Advertisement - Article continues below This bargain deal comes from Leasing Options, via the Auto Express Find a Car service, and sees you taking the keys to this stylish plug-in hybrid coupe-SUV for just £248.83 a month, after a £3,335.95 initial payment. Mileage is capped at 5,000 a year, but should you need a larger allowance 8,000 miles per annum costs £37.94 more a month. The Rafale isn't the first coupe-SUV Renault has offered in the UK, but it's certainly the best – and a very complete package. It has premium styling, a plush interior, plenty of technology, and affordable running costs thanks to its PHEV powertrain. The chisel-cut design really makes the Rafale stand out in a sea of coupe-roofed SUV rivals, while the low roofline hasn't restricted the space inside. There's plenty of room in the back seats for tall adults, and the 535-litre boot is pretty good by class standards. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below This deal gets you the powerful plug-in hybrid model. It's arguably the best version of the Rafale, and pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors to give an impressive 296bhp and four-wheel drive. The car can travel up to 65 miles on EV power alone, without using a drop of petrol, plus there's even four-wheel steering. There are only two high-spec trim levels on offer with the Rafale PHEV. This deal gets you the lower one, but Techno Esprit Alpine still gets you 20-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 9.3-inch head-up display, Alcantara-trimmed seats with French Tricolor stitching and illuminated Alpine badges. In fact, there are numerous Alpine badges dotted around the car, showing off the car's sporting intent. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Renault Rafale leasing offers from leading providers on our Renault Rafale hub page. Check out the Renault Rafale deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact … New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time'
