Renault has unveiled its latest SUV, the Austral, an entirely new model destined to replace the outgoing Kadjar in the SUV-sized C-segment.
The looks
Although the Austral is the first car to use the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-CD platform, the underpinnings are an evolution of those used in the Kadjar, and the Austral shapes up at around the same size as the car it's replacing.
In addition to traditional crossover styling cues such as front and rear skid plates, a higher ride-height and larger wheels (up to 20 inches in diameter), the Austral makes use of a lot of the latest elements of Renault's current design language as otherwise seen on the Mégane E-Tech Electric.
A horizontal chrome trim strip extends between the two C-shaped LED front headlights, for instance. Prominent too is the new "Nouvel'R" logo, the latest version of Renault's diamond badge. The C-shaped lights are echoed at the rear, extending across much of the boot-lid, though not meeting in the middle as a light bar might.
The body will be available in seven (muted) colours initially: two whites, black, dark blue, red and grey, while higher-spec models get a contrasting black roof.
Loads of tech and mixed materials
The interior is a high-tech affair and a major upgrade over that of the Kadjar. Sitting in front of the driver is a hefty configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 9.3-inch head-up display projecting through the windscreen. In the middle of the dash is a 12.0-inch portrait-aspect infotainment screen. The multimedia system is powered by Google with Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice-controlled operations and Google Play for downloading apps. Optional is a stereo system developed with Harman Kardon.
Separating driver and passenger is a chunky central armrest featuring an inductive smartphone charger as well as an additional array of USB charging ports and storage options.
Overall, the interior contains an attractive mix of materials such as Alcantara, leather, real lacquered wood and other soft-touch recycled fabrics, depending on the chosen version.
As for space, the rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split and all three can slide back and forth separately from each other. Fully slid forward, there's 575 litres of boot space in the mild-hybrid versions, though that falls to 555 litres in the E-Tech full hybrid models thanks to the battery requirements. Fully folded, there's a substantial 1,525 litres behind the rear seats (1,455 in the E-Tech).
Hybrid only
There are no petrol- or diesel-only models with the new Austral - in fact, there's no diesel anywhere in the range.
First up is a mild hybrid using a four-cylinder 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine as seen elsewhere in the Renault and Nissan ranges and with outputs of 140hp and 160hp (the latter only on the automatic gearbox version) and fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km
Next in line is another new mild hybrid system (named Mild Hybrid Advanced) utilising a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine and 48V electrical assistance to deliver 130hp and fuel consumption of 5.3l/100km.
At the top of the range is an all-new full hybrid system (E-Tech Hybrid) also using that same turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with a 1.7kWh battery, electric motor and clutchless multi-mode gearbox to provide 200hp, electric-only start-up and short-distance running. Fuel consumption, pending certification, is rated at 4.6l/100km.
Though there's no all-wheel drive model, the optional Extended Grip package adds two driving modes, Snow and All Roads, to give greater grip in trickier conditions, working with the Austral's 4CONTROL Advanced four-wheel steering system.
Driver and safety assistance
There are, according to Renault, 32 advanced driver assistance and safety (ADAS) features in the new Austral.
Some of these include Active Driver Assist, a Level 2 autonomous system that combines Adaptive Cruise Control with 'Stop & Go' and Lane Centring to remove some of the driver workload, particularly on motorways. Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Prevention are also useful features to help avoid drivers changing lane at inopportune moments, potentially preventing accidents.
For parking and around town, there's a 360-degree 3D camera and Automated Park Assist (which essentially handles the entirety of the parking manoeuvre). Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automated Emergency Braking makes reversing that bit safer, while Occupant Safe Exit provides a warning in case the driver or passengers should attempt to open a door into oncoming traffic.
High-end Alpine version
The Austral is the first Renault model to receive a special Esprit Alpine version, inspired by Renault's sports car brand, Alpine. While there aren't any performance upgrades, it is painted in a special shade of satin grey with contrasting black trim details. The 20-inch Alpine-badged alloys are bespoke to the car too, and, inside, the Alcantara-upholstered seats feature blue stitching and piping. The pedals are clad in aluminium, and the door-sills also bear Alpine badging.
When is the Renault Austral coming to Ireland?
The Austral won't be hitting Irish roads until late in 2022. Irish pricing has also yet to be announced, though, considering the price of the outgoing Kadjar as well as the additional tech and new powertrains in the Austral, expect a starting price somewhat higher than the Kadjar's €33,550.