Renault is one of the leading car manufacturers in France and Europe, with a history of innovation and quality. The company has recently unveiled its latest model, the new Renault Austral, a compact SUV that combines style, performance, and efficiency. The Austral is set to compete with other popular models in the segment, such as the Peugeot 3008, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Ford Kuga. But what makes the Austral stand out from the crowd? Here are some of the key features and facts you need to know about the new Renault Austral.
Hybrid Powertrains
One of the main selling points of the Austral is its range of hybrid powertrains, which offer lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than conventional engines. The Austral is available with three different hybrid options:
- The E-TECH Full Hybrid, which combines a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 200 hp electric motor and a 2 kWh battery. This powertrain can run on electric mode for up to 50 km, and has a combined fuel consumption of 4.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 104 g/km. This is the best consumption to performance ratio on the market, according to Renault.
- The Mild Hybrid advanced, which pairs the same 1.2-liter petrol engine with a 48 V battery and a starter-alternator. This powertrain has a power output of 130 hp and a manual transmission. It has a fuel consumption of 5.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 118 g/km, which are the lowest in the category.
- The Mild Hybrid, which uses a 1.3-liter petrol engine with a 48 V battery and a starter-alternator. This powertrain has a power output of 160 hp and an automatic transmission. It has a fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 132 g/km.
Stylish Design
The Austral is not only efficient but also attractive. The SUV has a sleek and dynamic design, with a distinctive front grille, LED headlights, and a sloping roofline. The Austral also features the new Renault logo, which is more modern and elegant. The SUV is available in 10 different colors, including the exclusive Bleu Austral, which is inspired by the Australian sky. The Austral also has a sporty-looking finish called esprit Alpine, which adds some extra flair to the exterior and interior.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
The Renault Austral is designed to offer a premium and comfortable driving experience with a spacious and high-tech interior. The SUV can accommodate up to five passengers, with generous legroom and headroom. The boot capacity is 527 liters, which can be expanded to 1,498 liters by folding the rear seats. The Austral also has a panoramic sunroof, which adds more light and airiness to the cabin. The interior has the new OpenR link infotainment system, which Google Automotive Services powers. This system features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen, and a 9.3-inch head-up display. The system also offers access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, as well as wireless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Austral also has a 48-color ambient lighting system, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless charging pad.
Advanced Safety Features
The Renault Austral is not only stylish and comfortable but also safe. The SUV has 32 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which help to prevent accidents and enhance driving comfort. Some of the main safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, which automatically adjusts the speed and distance to the vehicle in front.
- Lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, which alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of the lane and gently steers it back.
- Blind spot warning warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spots and applies corrective steering if necessary.
- Traffic sign recognition detects and displays the speed limit and other road signs on the instrument cluster and the head-up display.
- The 360-degree camera provides a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the touchscreen.
- Automatic emergency braking detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and animals and applies the brakes if the driver does not react.
Renault Austral Price
The prices for the new Renault Austral SUV are very competitive, considering the features and quality it offers. The cheapest version of the Austral is the equilibre Mild Hybrid advanced 130 hp, which costs €33,400. The most expensive version is the techno esprit Alpine E-TECH Full Hybrid 200 hp, which costs €42,100. Renault also offers monthly payment plans for the Austral, starting from €330 for the equilibre version and €410 for the techno version, following a first €5,000 installment.