
Renault has released the first images and details of their new electrified SUV, the new Renault Austral.
The Austral is an all-new model for the French brand and will replace the Kadjar in the brand’s line-up of SUVs.
Features of the new Renault Austral
Designed on the 3rd generation CMF-CD platform, the new Austral will be available as a hybrid. It will have many technology features, including Renault’s 4CONTROL Advanced and 32 driving aids.
The Renault Austral chassis will come in two versions. The first is a flexible torsion beam for two-wheel steering models. Then there’s a multi-link rear axle with 4CONTROL Advanced for four-wheel steering. It promises the agility of a city car in urban driving.
17″ to 20″ wheels are available, a bi-tone roof option, and an exclusive Esprit Alpine version for a sportier look.
The new Austral’s cabin is built around the new OpenR Link multimedia system. It combines a 12.3″ dashboard instrument display with the 12″ vertical multimedia screen. A new 9.3″ head up display is also available.
The modular design means that some models feature a 2/3–1/3 split-folding rear seat. It can also be individually adjusted along 16 cm rails. There’s also a handsfree tailgate and 500 litres The generous boot comes fitted with a hands-free power tailgate. There’s 500 litres of boot space in mild hybrid versions of the new Austral.
Hybrid for the new Austral
The new Austral will be available with a number of powertrains, including the latest generation E-Tech Hybrid with up to 200 hp. There are also two petrol engines – a 130hp 48V Mild Hybrid Advanced and a 140hp/160hp 12V Mild Hybrid.
The Mild Hybrid Advanced engine makes its Renault debut in the new Austral. It combines the latest 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 48V lithium-ion battery and starter motor. It has 130hp and comes with a manual transmission.
The Mild Hybrid uses a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. It can be found already in a selection of Renault vehicles. Developed in collaboration with Daimler, the engine is backed up by a starter motor and a 12V lithium-ion battery. It comes with either 140hp or 160hp with the X-TRONIC automatic transmission, or as 140hp on manual models.
When it arrives in Ireland, the Austral will join the new Arkana and new electric Megane E-TECH in the brand’s C-segment offering.