New Renault Austral fullhybrid SUV
THE new Renault Austral E-Tech self-charging hybrid is a very important car for the iconic French car and commercial vehicle manufacturer, as it replaces the successful Kadjar family SUV that graced our shores from 2015 until its demise in 2023.
The blue ‘e' at the end of the Austral name on the tailgate is a nod towards the electrification of the powertrain on offer and, although it is not a fully electric car, it does feature an advanced petrol/electric hybrid powerplant that offers the convenience of self-charging. Underpinning the new Austral is the third-generation CMF-C platform that also underpins the latest Nissan Qashqai SUV, and under the bonnet is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 68bhp electric motor which is powered by a 2kWh battery.
This petrol and electric combination produces a healthy 200hp and 255Nm of torque, with power sent to the car's front wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
There are four driving modes on offer, all of which are accessed by pressing a steering wheel-mounted button, providing drivers with the opportunity to adjust the steering weight, engine response and powertrain noise channelled into the cabin.
Adjustable brake regeneration also features, with four settings that can be selected via paddles behind the wheel when required.
The spacious cabin in the Austral is light years ahead of that found in the Kadjar, and is a sign of Renault's upmarket intentions for its latest SUV. Renault's new OpenR Googlebased infotainment system comprises a 12-inch driver's display and a 12.3-inch centrally-located main display.
The graphics are excellent, and the system is easy to navigate through, while also proving responsive in its operation.
The centre console features masses of storage areas, along with 2 cupholders at the bottom of the dash, and a cleverly-designed movable armrest that resembles a huge gear-lever in appearance. Physical buttons for the climate control are located below the centre screen for convenience and the overall cabin layout is highly commendable.
Trim variants in the new Austral consist of Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine, all of which come with striking, technologically-advanced front and rear lights. The two large C-shape rear lights merge into the car's logo, and the front design offers a similar eye-catching light design.
The hallmark stylistic features of the new Austral include a clear, structured crease that runs along the lower section of the body.
With up to 32 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on offer, the new Austral is one of the safest SUVs on the market too.
My Austral Iconic Esprit Alpine E-Tech review car looked amazing in its Iron Blue metallic paint with a contrasting black roof. Renault's advanced 4CONTROL 4-wheel steering comes as standard and it provides the car with all the benefits that a mere 10.1-metre turning circle brings.
At speeds of up to 50km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels for enhanced agility when making a U-turn on a narrow road, or when negotiating a parking manoeuvre.
When driving above 50km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, resulting in enhanced road holding ability. The petrol/electric hybrid powertrain allows for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 8.4 seconds and, with an official WLTP fuel consumption figure as low as 4.7l/100km, it is possible to achieve a driving range of up to 1100km from a full tank of petrol. The relatively soft suspension set-up provides impressive comfort on a motorway, while also doing a decent job of insulating occupants from the majority of rutted road surfaces around town.
The petrol engine can get somewhat noisy when you really push it hard, but the powertrain does provide a quiet and refined driving experience under all other circumstances.
Thanks to impressive body control, the Austral manages to limit the amount of roll in corners, making it one of the more enjoyable SUVs to drive.
The Austral is significantly better than its Kadjar predecessor, and it represents a huge leap forward for the Renault brand.
The new Austral was recently awarded the prestigious title of ‘Irish Medium SUV of the Year 2024' in association with Continental Tyres, and is on sale at Renault dealerships nationwide now, with prices starting from €45,295. My review car specification is priced from €52,295.