Renault unveiled just a few minutes ago its new model for the C-SUV segment, the Renault Australia. As we have been anticipating in recent weeks, it is the direct successor to the Kadjar, already discontinued, and in turn we could say that it is the first cousin of the Nissan Qashqai, since it is developed on the same CMF-CD platform.
In this way, the diamond brand wants to fight again for the leadership of the midsize SUV segment, where he has to fight with rivals of great stature, such as the aforementioned Qashqai, the Seat Ateca, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage or the Peugeot 3008 among others. We remind you that this category is extremely important for brands that work in the European market.
This is the Renault Austral on the outside
Although there is nothing written about tastes, it seems that Renault has managed to create a product with a brand identity that matches very well with European tastes. It comes with the usual luminous styling and those headlight appendages, a sizable grille, and the brand's new non-embossed logo. As we can see, it has many aesthetic similarities with the electric Renault Megane E-Tech that we recently met.
On the side, you can see that usual musculature of SUV cars, with prominent wheel arches, sills and many tension lines along the entire side, introducing a slightly raised belt line as well as some marked hips. In addition, the body can carry the roof and the pillars in black. By the way, the rims can be from 17 to 20 inches.
Meanwhile, at the rear stands out the design of the LED pilot lights, very thin, elongated and in the shape of a boomerang, another of Renault's usual hallmarks that makes its cars recognizable at night from many meters away. There is also a roof spoiler to give sportiness and a lower area with protections.
If we talk about dimensions, the Renault Austral measures 4,51 meters in length, 1,83 in width and 1,62 in height, with a wheelbase of 2,67 meters.
With Google integrated into the infotainment
In the cabin follows the line of what we have recently known with the electric Megane E-Tech. We have a digital screen for the multi-configurable instrument panel, and on the right but in vertical placement appears the infotainment system with integrated Google, which we were already able to test in the aforementioned electric compact and which pleasantly surprised us. The box screen is 12,3 inches and the central one is 10 inches.
“It is also a positive detail that the air conditioning is handled with some physical keys located just below the screen.”
El steering wheel It is identical to that of the Megane, with buttons to operate the different functions of the car in a glossy black finish, as well as a circular button on the left side with which we will manage the driving modes of the Multi-Sense system.
In the images we can see that, despite having a good feeling of spaciousness, the center console feels somewhat wide and joins the dashboard. In this area we have USB and 12-volt outlets, a sliding armrest with a hand (or wrist) area, a wireless charging tray and a double opening chest at elbow height.
Sliding rear row and 500 liters of boot space
We have not yet been able to sit in this new Renault Austral, but the brand already warns us that the front seats may have electrical adjustments, heating and massage functions. However, even more remarkable is the possibility of sliding the second row of seats to distribute the space between the occupants and the trunk in no less than 16 centimeters. You can also adjust the inclination of these backrests in three positions.
And since we have mentioned the trunk, the cargo capacity of the Austral is 500 liters, expandable to 575 if we move the second row to its most advanced position. In the case of the E-Tech hybrid mechanics, the trunk volume is 430 litres. By the way, this trunk can be accessed by passing your foot under the bumper.
Only mechanical mild hybrid and non-plug-in hybrid
One point that perhaps not everyone likes is that the Renault Austral will not have diesel engines, which we know from experience are very interesting for this type of vehicle; although it is true that its demand is decreasing. In addition, no variant with four-wheel drive has been presented either, being all front.
On the one hand we have two light hybrid versions, yielding 140 and 160 hp. To them must be added two conventional hybrid options, which develop 160 and 200 hp. And, at least for the moment, that is going to be the mechanical offer. No conventional diesel or gasoline versions have been confirmed, nor have electric or plug-in hybrid options.
In other respects, the Renault Austral will be able to carry the 4Control Advanced system, the latest evolution of the steering rear axle. This equipment is quite interesting, especially for urban use, since the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front ones up to 5 degrees and the turning radius is significantly reduced, allowing much better maneuvering.
When does it hit the market?
Of course, the prices of the new Renault Austral are not yet known. The exact date of its arrival on the market has not been published either, although everything seems to indicate that will be released in early summer.
Gallery Renault Austral
Source - Renault