The competitive and decisive European C-SUV segment has made all the brands see in it an important profit niche. The compact SUVs have managed to position themselves at the top of the charts. Renault was late to the game, offering a product that will soon be replaced by the Renault Australia. A newly created model that makes an appearance in the first days of March 2022.
We have tested this car:
Test Renault Austral Esprit Alpine hybrid 200 CV (with video)With a name that cuts the usual way of calling its models in the bud, the Renault Austral replaces the Renault Kadjar, which has not finished meeting the expectations that were placed on it. The Austral has the new philosophy of the French house, initiated first hand by the Renault Megane E-TECH, the 100% electric compact. However, the Renault Austral does not propose only an electric format, with various solutions present within the range.
Technical characteristics of the Renault Austral
Due to its size, the Austral fits perfectly among the house's SUVs, being larger than a Renault Captur, and smaller than a Renault Koleos. Its closest model is Renault arkana, although unlike this it does not have the unmistakable coupé line. Under its bodywork, the new C-SUV hides the CMF-CD3 platform, allowing a wide mechanical and technological offer.
This platform is the one used by the house wins in its compact models, the same one that we can see in other units such as the Nissan Qashqai. Externally it reaches 4,51 meters long, 1,83 meters wide and 1,62 meters high.. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,67 meters, which allows homologating a passenger compartment for a maximum of five passengers. Three of those five occupants sit on a generously proportioned rear bench whose width limits three adults from being able to travel comfortably on long journeys.
Regarding load capacity, The Renault Austral offers a minimum boot volume of 500 litres, expandable to 575 thanks to a longitudinally adjustable rear bench seat. The figures for the hybrid version are reduced, offering a minimum of 430 liters, and can grow to 555 liters if the rear bench is moved to the maximum. At maximum capacity, with the rear row folded down completely, capacity grows to a maximum of 1.525 litres.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Renault Austral
The fact of having a new generation platform allows the Renault Austral enjoy a versatile mechanical fleet adaptable to every need. The offer will revolve exclusively around gasoline engines with some degree of electrification, not having plug-in units, unlike other models of the house such as the Captur. Such systems would make sales prices more expensive in a segment where every euro is essential.
The range starts with Austral Mild Hybrid 140 hp and six-speed manual gearbox, being able to add an automatic transmission as an option. Next we find the Austral Mild Hybrid 160 hp that always arrives associated with an automatic transmission. Both versions employ a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and 12-volt auxiliary electrical system.
Above these units we find the non-plug-in E-TECH versions of Renault. At a first level of power is the Austral E-TECH 160 horsepower. Above him is the most performant of the family, the Austral E-TECH 200 horsepower. Both send all the power to the front axle through the management of an automatic gearbox. Thanks to a larger battery, the electric range reaches an average of five kilometers in the urban cycle.
Equipment of the Renault Austral
Inside the doors, the new Austral offers a renewed image. Renault wants to expand the quality of its models by offering model and very complete interiors. The new compact SUV of the house improves the dimensions offered by the already disappeared Kadjar. The choice of materials allows to offer surfaces trimmed in leather with varied moldings. The touch is very pleasant thanks to soft elements that increase the feeling of comfort.
As is customary at Renault, the technological offer is distributed in vVarious trim levels: Equilibre, Techno, Tecno Esprit Alpine, Iconic and Iconic Esprit Alpine. In each of the levels, the equipment offer varies, in addition to aesthetic changes depending on the finish, being able to go from a more sober and basic format to a more sporty one with wheels up to 20 inches.
The equipment of the Renault Austral is shown to be very complete, offering attractive systems such as the 12-inch multimedia display with OpenR software, an Android Automotive system layer which will deliver apps like Google Maps out of the box. The panel, arranged vertically, will focus all the functionalities. It will be completed with 12,3-inch digital instrumentation and many more systems, including a wide range of assistance and safety elements.
Test Renault Austral on video
The Renault Austral according to Euro NCAP
Renault has always been a brand that is highly committed to the safety of its models, it was the Gauls who inaugurated the five Euro NCAP stars. At the end of 2022, the security agency evaluates the resistance of the Renault Austral in its usual tests, certifying the SUV with its highest score. The results by sections are as follows: 88 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 83 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 69 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 87 out of 100 in driving assistance systems.
Rivals of the Renault Austral
As we have already said, the C-SUV segment has managed to position itself as the most important within the European market. That means that the Renault Austral will have important rivals to face, as happened some time ago with the Kadjar. The most outstanding enemies are represented by the figures of: Hyundai Tucson, KIA Sportage, SEAT Ateca, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008, Opel Grandland and many more. All of them similar in size and price, although the Renault is one of the few that offers this hybrid approach throughout the range.
Highlight
- Integrated
- Equipment
- habitability
To improve
- No diesel versions
- basic equipment
- No 4×4 drive
Price of the Renault Austral
Renault wants with the Austral to attract an increasingly common customer in Europe, an SUV seeker with hybrid mechanics, a favorable environmental label and a reasonable cost. The starting price of the Renault Austral starts at 30.900 euros, without offers or promotions. That amount is associated with a model with a balance finish and 140-horsepower MHEV mechanics. The most expensive of the family is the Austral iconic esprit Alpine with a 200 horsepower hybrid engine. Its price starts at 43.600 euros, without offers or promotions.
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