Introducing the All-New Renault Austral
Renault has unveiled the latest addition to its SUV line up - the highly anticipated Austral.
The model will replace the much-loved Kadjar, and marks the next milestone in the manufacturer’s C Segment offensive – which has already seen the Arkana and all-new Megane E-Tech Electric burst onto the scene.
So, what exactly can we expect? Read on to find out.
Exterior Design
The all-new Renault Austral is an athletic and elegant SUV, which has a commanding presence on the roads. It has been built with aerodynamics in mind, with well-crafted geometric lines and a number of stylish elements to really make it stand out from the crowd. Expect signature C shaped headlights, new Renault badging, and large 17 - 20-inch alloy wheels.
A brand-new high-end 'Alpine' trim will also be available on the Austral - and for the first time on a Renault vehicle. The Espirit Alpine has a look that has been modelled on the sporting DNA of Renault Alpine. Expect a selection of high-end equipment and kit, including 20-inch diamond-cut aluminium rims, Esprit Alpine badging, roof rails, and decor highlights in Diamond Black, Extra Glossy Black and Ice black across the car’s exterior.
Interior Design
The interior of the all-new Austral is full of the latest technology. This comes in the form of a large OpenR screen that combines a 12.3-inch dashboard display with a 12-inch multimedia screen, as well as a 9.3-inch Head Up Display that sits projected onto the windscreen.
Depending on the selected trim, the materials used throughout the cabin include timber, leather, Alcantara and a variety of soft touch textiles, which add to the sense of luxury inside.
Size-wise, there’s more than enough room for the family and all their baggage, with rear knee room to match the best in category, at 27.4cm. Plenty of practical storage compartments can be found throughout the vehicle, with a boot capacity of 500 litres in mild hybrid versions. The plug-in hybrid variant is likely to have a slightly reduced boot capacity, however, there is no confirmation on this volume yet.
Performance
The all-new Renault Austral will come in a choice of innovative and efficient powertrains.
A mild hybrid petrol version uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, with a mild-hybrid 48-volt boost, to produce 130hp. The plug-in hybrid versions are powered by the same engine linked up to an electric motor, combining to produce 200hp. A fully electric model hasn’t yet been announced, but it’s thought these mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will aid the transition to electrification, without drivers having to change their driving style or lifestyle.
A number of innovative elements work to improve the Austral’s fuel consumption. For example, all three electrified powertrain options feature regenerative braking, and Predictive eco-driving advice works to help make driving more fuel-efficient, for example, indicating to the driver when the best time to release the accelerator is during differing driving conditions. The all-new Austral will be one of the most cost-effective hybrid SUVs to run.
Driving Aids
32 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available in the all-new Renault Austral to help aid drivers and other road users. These include the Head Up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Automated Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Occupant Safe Exit.
The all-new Austral is all set to be a smart, versatile and efficient SUV, that will be perfect for modern families. Due to go on sale in late 2022, keep an eye on our Newsroom for further updates.