In the 1930s, aircraft manufacturer Caudron Renault launched several record-breaking aircraft under the Rafale name. Project manager Bruno Gaye explains: "The name Rafale in 2024 stands for Renault's new flagship, in which we have incorporated the latest technology. The front of the car bears the new brand identity, including a playful way of incorporating the shape of the logo. In the case of the Esprit Alpine version, even against a blue background”.
Bruno Gaye is also in charge of the Austral and Espace. "The Rafale's suspension has been noticeably re-tuned. The result is sharper steering with a sportier feel. This includes different shock absorbers, modified springs, modified anti-roll bars and also different software for the four-wheel steering".
"Thanks to 4Control, the Rafale has a very modest turning circle, which is particularly useful in city traffic. The car needs the same space as a Clio to turn on the road. We have also adjusted the moment when the car switches from counter-steering to co-steering in order to make it more dynamic”.

Multisense is of course standard, a system that allows the driver to adjust the steering and throttle response, for example. Eco and Comfort modes are for everyday driving. Sport offers better performance and is suitable for an active driving style. There is also the Perso setting, which can be filled in by the driver.
Bruno Gaye: "The Rafale is a five-seater, with a sea of space for the rear passengers. Behind them, we offer 627 litres of luggage space. The rear seat has the same functionality as the new Scenic, with a 40/20/40 split. The centre seat folds down into an armrest with space for a smartphone or tablet, including a USB-C port.

Photo : The new Renault Rafale with its digital screens, comfortable seats and many safety features.

And indeed, sitting in the back of the Rafale for a moment quickly convinces you that Renault has created a real long-distance touring car.
Bruno Gaye: "Renault has entered into a partnership with Saint Gobain, the glass manufacturer, to develop the Solarbay roof with us. This glass roof contains liquid crystals whose colour can be changed using a button above the windscreen or by voice command. This can reduce the amount of sunlight entering the cabin and reduce heat build-up. Compared to a glass roof with sun protection, this saves weight and allows us to create more headroom”.

The powertrain is identical to that of the Espace, a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine supported by two electric motors that together produce 200 bhp. The performance is adequate, except that the engine seems to take a little time to calculate when accelerating again. This seems to vary according to the driving mode chosen.
There are currently two versions of the new Rafale on the price list: the Techno and the Esprit Alpine. The former lacks, among other things, the blue frames on the radiator grille. The Esprit Alpine has blue upholstery in the door pockets, which brightens up the interior considerably. The same applies to the blue-white-red stitching along the seat edges and on the steering wheel.

Bruno Gaye: "We are always looking for new materials to add a special touch. On the dashboard of the Esprit Alpine we use wafer-thin slate. This is a natural material, so it is not the same on every car. This technique comes from the construction industry and is now available in a car for the first time”.

"Later this year, we will launch the Rafale four-wheel drive, which will have 300 hp thanks to another turbocharger on the petrol engine and a third electric motor on the rear axle. It is a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of around 100 kilometres. The Atelier Alpine version will be our top-of-the-range model with electronically controlled shock absorbers, 21-inch wheels, a gloss black roof spoiler and, as an option, a satin blue paint finish.
While the Caudron Renault Rafale stood out for its modest power combined with low weight, it could compete with much larger and more powerful aircraft. In this respect, Renault sees parallels with the new flagship.