Renault Rafale SUV and Callum Skye EV: A Comparison of Two Flagship Vehicles
In the latest edition of John Murdoch’s Drive Time, the spotlight was on the new Renault flagship SUV, the Rafale, and Callum’s impressive Skye electric vehicle. The French automaker Renault is set to launch the Rafale in July with a starting price of £38,195. The SUV is powered by a full hybrid 1.2-litre engine and two electric motors, delivering a total of 200hp and marking the debut of new design chief Gilles Vidal.
The Rafale is built on Renault’s CMF-CD platform, similar to the Renault Austral, but slightly larger at 4.71 metres long and 1.86 metres wide. The vehicle boasts a spacious interior with a long wheelbase of 2.74 metres and a curved roofline to provide ample headroom in the back seats. Performance-wise, the Rafale can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 8.9 seconds, reach a top speed of 111mph, and achieve a fuel efficiency of 60.1mpg with emissions as low as 105g/km.
Offered in three trim levels – techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine – the Rafale features Renault’s Solarbay panoramic glass roof with Saint-Gobain’s AmpliSky technology, offering customizable lighting settings. The SUV also comes equipped with the company’s OpenR digital cockpit, Google Maps, Google Assistant, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
On the other hand, the Callum Skye, a high-performance electric vehicle created by former Jaguar design director Scot Ian Callum, offers sportscar-like performance with a 0-60mph acceleration in under four seconds. Priced between £80,000 and £100,000, the Skye features a 42kWh battery with a range of 170 miles and the option for ultra-fast charging for a full charge in under ten minutes. The EV also boasts a sleek interior design with a vertical centre console, rotary touchscreen dials, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
With orders now open for the Skye, customers can expect versatility with removable rear bench seating for extra cargo space. The vehicle will be available in various on and off-road focused models, catering to different driving preferences. Stay tuned for more details and specifications on the Callum Skye as the company prepares for its upcoming launch.