We've Already Driven The Austral, Renault's New 'techno' SUV
Renault's new big bet is the Austral, the SUV with which the French brand is trying to take back the C-segment and strengthen the brand's attack with the Arcana and the new Mégane e-Tech Electric.
the weatherFrom our first contact with the new Austral, it was easy to see that Renault is heavily backing the successor to the Kadjar, which is therefore a very important argument in favor of the French brand not being a so-called Renault first. . . The Nouvelle Vague is still the first to benefit from the new seven-year or 150,000 kilometer total warranty for individuals and professionals only, which explains the commitment of Renault, which believes that the new Austral has the most customers. In both cases , "it shows the confidence we had in this new model," Renault Portugal CEO Ricardo López recalled at the launch event for the new SUV.
In this context, the new Austral offers a sporty, sensual and technical exterior design that covers all the codes of an SUV. In addition, it offers the exclusive Esprit Alpine Edition with a sporty appearance and a dynamic and attractive design, available for the first time on a model in the Renault range.
At 1.62 meters high, 1.83 meters wide and 4.51 meters long with a 2.67 meter wheelbase, the new Austral's proportions immediately convey width and strength and confirm its sporty character.
Despite the attractive exterior design, the cabin quickly catches our attention thanks to the new Austral's cutting-edge technology and improved ambience.
The crown jewel is the expansive inverted L-shaped OpenR display, which combines in-line data viewing with navigation and media capabilities, including the best Google services and apps. With a diagonal of 12 inches and a height of 9.3 inches, the two large screens have a total surface area of around 1000 cm2 for an intuitive, immersive and connected driving experience.
Upon entering the booth, the large OpenR screen lights up with a welcome message. Ambient lighting highlights the dashboard in front of the driver, while interior speakers deliver soothing Renault sounds. A technical and sensory experience from the second you set foot.
One of the largest screens on the market, the OpenR screen is motorized and covered with Gorilla Glass. toughened glass that is extremely scratch resistant, withstands daily impacts and repeated cleaning. In addition, it benefits from an additional anti-fingerprint and anti-reflective coating, so tactile performance and perfect visibility are never compromised.
© Provided by AutoGearThe section dedicated to the OpenR display panel offers the driver four display options, depending on his preferences and priorities at the moment: classic (speed, revs, etc.), navigation (map), Zen (minimalist) and track (its visualization). ) surrounding roads and vehicles).
The highly customizable dashboard also includes five widgets (fuel economy, tire pressure, distance, eco monitor and music) and eight lighting colors.
In addition, the screen and OpenR steering wheel are integrated into one kit with very fine details. The slightly angled shape of the steering wheel makes it easy to get in and out and provides the best view of the dashboard. The compact size fits aesthetically with the look of the OpenR camera and display, which we really liked.
© AutoGear provided by othersNote the long and wide center console, known as the 'Grand Confort' panel, which is part of the road car heritage and offers a sleek and modern design, creating a subtle separation between driver and passenger, each with its own trendy and contemporary style. offer a protected cocoon, but are still big and open enough to enjoy each other's company.
The panel has a finely machined finish. The wallpaper has a double techno stitch. The sleek design has been spared with all the buttons and switches placed around the steering wheel and OpenR display, as well as the E-Shifter automatic transmission control knob.
It is also characterized by a very original armrest, designed and inspired by the world of aviation and fine watchmaking, as its aerodynamic design facilitates the operation of the multimedia screen and the "piano" type buttons just below.
Despite its excellent technology and improved interior ambience, the Austral is the ultimate family SUV, and its cargo volume varies between 555 and 575 liters depending on the engine, up to 1,525 liters with the rear seats folded down. In addition, the new Austral also offers rear seat height adjustment of 16cm along the track and passengers can enjoy 274mm of legroom.
Seemingly at the forefront of modernity, the Austral is equipped with third-generation 32 Driving Aids (ADAS), Multi-Sens configuration and 4 Control Advanced, which adds a steering column to the rear multi-link. On the axis, the maximum steering angle of the rear wheel, which rotates in the opposite direction of the front wheel, is now 5 degrees, which allows the Austral to have a turning diameter between pavements smaller than that of classic city cars, only 10.1 meters.
The system we tested proved to be easily manageable on the street circuit, allowing us to adjust the response in 13 levels. Of course, this 4 Control Advanced system is an option that costs around 2,000 euros, but it allows the inclusion of independent suspension on the rear axle, which contributes to better road behavior and lively performance for those who appreciate more.
In fact, when cornering (from 50 km/h and depending on the multi-directional configuration selected), the rear wheels can also turn in the same direction as the front wheels, giving the driver extra stability and a truly smooth driving experience.
On the engine side, the first Renault developed on the third-generation CMF-CD platform, jointly developed within the Alliance, offers a new version of the E-Tech "full hybrid" system, more powerful and more powerful. Time is more efficient, in addition to two "mild hybrid" gasoline engines, 48V and 12V.
The new Austral will be offered with 140 and 160 hp mild hybrid powertrains. Both are based on a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine backed by a 12-volt electrical system that acts as a starter/alternator and can include a six-speed manual gearbox or alternatively an X-tronic type CVT. Automatic transmission, promising consumption of 6.1 l/100 km and emissions of 138 g/km CO2.
On the other hand, the top of the range engine is the new generation E-Tech full hybrid unit with 200 horsepower. The drivetrain is packed with technology, including a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors (an 'E-Motor' traction motor and a high-voltage HSG alternator/starter for combustion). engine, changes gears and charges the battery), a central battery of 400 V architecture and a 7-speed transmission (two for electric mode and five for hybrid mode). The ratios are optimized in terms of torque output (350 Nm to 410 Nm), power, performance and responsiveness.
The result guarantees a more powerful and linear start, smooth acceleration through gear changes and clear transitions without torque converter dropout, while the combustion engine continuously operates in its optimal range.
The new Austral E-Tech Hybrid therefore offers maximum driving performance, accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and guarantees market-leading responsiveness. Regenerative braking, combined with the high charging capacity of the lithium-ion battery and the efficiency of the E-Tech system, is automatically activated during deceleration and braking, allowing for optimal fuel consumption. This means that 80% of the time in urban traffic can be spent exclusively on electricity, which corresponds to a fuel saving in urban traffic of 40% compared to a conventional gasoline engine, without changing the driving style and thus indicating an average consumption of 4.6 l/m. 100 km and CO2 emissions of -105 g/km.
At the wheel, you can really feel the power of this new 200 hp engine, even on winding roads, where the Austral always combines the most precise dynamics even in curves, displaying remarkable agility and never compromising on comfort. It is ideal for those who are looking for strong emotions.
The new Austral range offers three trim levels: Equilibre, Techno and Iconic, with the latter two available in Esprit Alpine design.
New to the range, these editions inherit Alpine's unmistakable sporty DNA design, with a satin gray Sportblade front bumper, 20-inch Daytona alloy wheels, black front logos and carbon/Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching at the rear and 'Espirito Line' Blue", special leather steering wheel with white and red stitching.
However, the entry-level model in the range is the Equilibre variant, which comes with a large checkered grille and gloss black wheel arches and side skirts. Inside, a 9-inch central screen and a large 12.3-inch dashboard, folding screen for the driver. This version is equipped with rear parking assist system and Pure Vision LED headlights.
On the other hand, the Techno variant gets 19-inch 'Komah' alloy wheels, mixed leather/grey fabric interior and personalized ambient lighting. In addition, this version is equipped with several modern facilities, including the OpenR Link system and connectivity and integrated Google services with a 12.3-inch screen. The Tecno variant has sliding rear seats with center armrests.
Instead, the flagship version comes with 20-inch 'Effie' alloy wheels, two-tone painted bodywork (star black roof), chrome-look roof rails and LED taillights with 3D effect.
On the inside, we highlight the standard power driver's seat with massage function, heated front seats and hands-free power rear doors. This flagship version also offers a 3D camera with 360º vision and adaptive cruise control.
Renault has already announced that the Renault Austral will be available in seven body colors: Glacier White, Flame Red, Glossy Pearl White, Star Black, Iron Blue, Slate Gray and an exclusive Satin Slate Gray Esprit Alpine Edition.
As for the price, Renault has already revealed that the balance of the new Austral 140hp starts at €34,200 for the mild hybrid version.
All new Renault Austral prices
Engine - version - price
Mild hybrid 140 - test report - 34,200 euros
Mild hybrid 140 - Tecno - 36,700 euros
Mild Hybrid Auto 140 – Tecno – €37,700
E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 – Techno – €41,700
Auto Mild Hybrid 160 - Techno Esprit Alpine - 39 700
E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 – Techno Esprit Alpine – €43,200
Mild hybrid 160 car - cult - 41700 euros
E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 - cult - 45,200 euros
E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 - Iconic Alpine Spirit - €46,200
