The New Renault Austral. Here is hoping it lands in SA!
The SUV market in the SA market has come a long way, offering consumers a diverse range of options that cater to their growing preferences for versatile, comfortable, and stylish vehicles. One cannot overlook the impactful role played by Renault in shaping the landscape of modern mobility, with a lineup of innovative and dynamic SUVs, including standout models like the Kiger, Captur and Duster.
Shifting the focus to hybrid technology, the French automaker unveiled the Renault Austra, a mid-size family crossover set to replace the ageing Renault Kadjar. While unconfirmed for the SA market, it has been touted as one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs with a 1.3 L I4 turbo mild hybrid with 103 kW140 and 260 Nm torque, and a 1.3 L I4 turbo full hybrid (E-Tech Hybrid) producing 118 kW and 270 Nm torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or X-Tronic CVT.
Renault Austral
Built on the advanced third-generation CMF-CD platform, production of the Renault Austral kicked off in July 2022 at the Palencia plant in Spain. This family SUV boasts a sleek and handsome design with the new retro-inspired logo and LED lights in Renault’s C-Shape signature adding to its modern appeal.
Packed With Plenty of Tech
The Renault Austral adopts the brand’s latest design language, Sensual Tech, combining modern aesthetics with advanced technology. The bold SUV is generously equipped with a new OpenR infotainment setup (largely inspired by that of the Megane E-Tec), which offers a 9.3-inch head-up display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, based on Google’s Android Automotive OS platform.
Renault Austral
Features such as front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, adaptive LED headlights and a head-up display are included as standard across all trims. More positively, the top-spec comes with a Haman Kardon stereo, electric heated front seats, panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging and four-wheel steering, which drastically reduces the turning circle to 10.1m.
In terms of specifications, the Austral is slightly larger than its predecessor, the Kadjar, with increased length, a taller stature, and a longer wheelbase. A sliding rear seat lets you customise the legroom and boot space as needed, and there are some handy storage touches too.
Renault Austral
With fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100 km (combined) and CO2 emissions ranging from 139 to 142 g/km (Euro 6d compliant), the Austral ensures an eco-friendly driving experience without compromising on performance.
While SUV enthusiasts in South Africa can only hope for its arrival, the Renault Austral undeniably sets a high standard for style, advanced technology and efficient powertrains in the ultra-competitive family SUV market.
