THE new Renault Arkana has gone on sale with the revamped SUV now priced from £26,995.

Three trim levels are available following Renault's plans to simplify its range structure with the Arkana coming in either Evolution, Techno or Esprit Alpine specification.

All are powered by Renault's E-Tech hybrid powertrain with two electric motors developing 145hp. Renault says that in city driving the new Arkana can run on electric power for 80 per cent of the time with emissions of 105g/km.

With new styling featuring C-shaped LED headlights, a fresh design for the front grille and the Renault badge the Arkana sits alongside the Megane E-Tech 100 per cent electric model and the new Austral E-Tech full hybrid.

Evolution models have automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and folding heated door mirrors and tinted rear windows while standard equipment also includes an electronic parking brake, automatic climate control, hands-free keycard, a seven -inch driver information display, and seven-inch Easy Link infotainment system with navigation and wireless smartphone connectivity with both Android Autoand Apple CarPlay.

Safety and driver aids include active emergency braking system, traffic sign recognition with overspeed prevention, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, hill start assist, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, and automatic wipers with rain sensors.

The Technograde is priced from £28,995 and builds on the Evolution's equipment with such features as blind spot warning, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold function.

Inside there is an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 10-inch driver information display, 9.3-inch Easy Link portrait display with voice recognition, three Multi-Sense driving modes, a foldable rear armrest with cupholders, black headlining, and sustainably-produced TEP artificial leather upholstery.

From the outside, the Techno has 18-inch alloy wheels, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate, and a distinctive aerodynamic F1blade on the front bumper.

The range topping Esprit Alpinecosts from £31,295 and has 19-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors, a bespoke Esprit Alpine F1 blade, double exhaust tailpipes in gloss black, and special Esprit Alpine exterior detailing.

Inside, it comes with heated power adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment on the driver's side, a heated steering wheel, frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Esprit Alpine TEP artificial leather and suede upholstery, and Renault's Easy Drive which adds adaptive cruise control with a stop/go function and lane centring assist.