New Renault Austral: Nothing but a hybrid!

Renault has unveiled a modernized New Austral that incorporates the brand’s stylistic renewal with a limited offering under the hood.

With a reinvented front end and a distinctive lighting signature, the second-generation Renault Austral aligns with the Rafale and New Espace models, asserting a cohesive design across segments C and D.

However, the Austral stands out with a bold choice: it offers only one hybrid E-Tech engine of 200 horsepower in France. While this positioning may seem odd or risky at first glance, it is strategic. By focusing entirely on this hybrid solution, Renault targets a customer base ready to adopt proven efficiency and performance suited for everyday needs and long journeys.

An improved model, without revolution

The interior of the New Austral reflects this upmarket shift. Onboard comfort is notably enhanced, thanks to new ergonomic seats and better acoustic and vibrational insulation. The embedded technologies, such as the OpenR Link system with integrated Google and automatic driver recognition, enrich the user experience.

On the road, the Austral seems to focus on dynamism. Its full hybrid powertrain, combined with a multi-mode automatic transmission without clutch, offers a good balance of power and efficiency. This engine, which already accounts for 80% of sales, has been refined to ensure smooth transitions and effective acceleration.

Regarding versatility, the SUV features a rear bench that slides 16 cm, allowing cargo capacity to be adjusted between 527 and 1,736 liters. Versatile and practical, it meets the expectations of a clientele looking for solutions suited for all uses.

With over 200,000 units sold since its launch in 2022, the Renault Austral confirms its central role in the “Renaulution” strategy favored by Luca de Meo, but avoids a revolution. Available in three finishes – Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine – and still manufactured in Palencia (Spain), this model targets a customer base loyal to the brand who are not keen on overthinking their choice of engine. Renault bets that this single hybrid engine option will appeal to confident drivers. For others, the brand’s SUV range is quite extensive and complex, making it hard for everyone to find a car to their taste.

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