Crossover Renault Austral has surpassed the outgoing Kadjar in size and equipment

Unsurprisingly, the SUV will be available to Europeans exclusively in hybrid form, and there are several electrified versions.

Renault has finally fully revealed its new C-class crossover. The model was called Austral, but this name has nothing to do with Australia: it comes from the Latin australis, which means “southern”, and, according to marketers, it should cause imagination “emotions and heat of the southern hemisphere.” In the range of the French brand, the novelty will replace the Kadjar SUV, which could not fail to succeed.

The Renault Austral is based on a modified CMF C/D platform, which also powers the third-generation Nissan Qashqai (the outgoing Kadjar is a relative of the earlier Qashqai). The front-wheel drive versions of the Renault novelty have a semi-independent rear suspension, the all-wheel drive versions have a multi-link, and such versions are equipped with a fully controlled 4Control Advanced chassis (the “third” Qashqai does not have such a chassis).

Exterior design features are rather aggressive bumpers, a large radiator grille with vertical “strokes”, embossed hood and sides, headlights and lights with “scribbles” (expensive versions have matrix head optics). The SUV has wheels ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches. In addition, Austral was announced as the first model of the brand to receive a “sporty” version of the Esprit Alpine (gray crossover in corporate photos). The “chips” of such an SUV are a radiator grille with a different pattern, black decor and corresponding emblems.

Renault Austral length is 4510 mm, width – 1825 mm, height – 1618 mm, wheelbase – 2667 mm. Thus, the new SUV surpassed the Qajar in all respects except for the width. Dimensions of the current Renault Kadjar (version for France): 4489/1835/1607 mm, wheelbase 2646 mm. The “third” Qashqai is shorter (4425 mm), but its wheelbase is almost the same as that of the Austral (2665 mm). The ground clearance according to the passport of the novelty is 170 mm.

The interior is made in the style of Megane E-Tech Electric. Thus, the digital “dashboard” (12.3″) and the screen of the multimedia system (12″) visually look like a single whole, in the form of an inverted letter L – Renault considers this to be a “monolithic” screen, although there it is a vertical air duct between the screens. A box is built into the central tunnel, there is a niche for a touch screen, a movable central armrest and an electric rear sofa backrest are also provided (it can be controlled by a hidden button in the trunk). The stem is responsible for controlling the transmission. Inside, the Austral Esprit Alpine features blue stitching, Alcantara and aluminum pedal caps.

The second row is divided in a ratio of 60:40, longitudinal adjustment will be available as an option. Trunk volume “simple” versions – 500 liters, with the seats folded forward – 575 liters, with the second row folded – 1525 liters. For comparison, the trunk volume of the Renault Kadjar is 472-1478 liters.

Austral also has a head-up display, panoramic cameras, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with a lane keeping system, a central airbag, blind spot monitoring systems, and automatic braking when reversing. In total, 32 participants were announced for the crossover. There is also a system for selecting driving modes: there are four of them “in the base” (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Perso, that is, individual), for an extra charge you can order an Extended Grip Pack with two additional modes (Snow and all roads).

The Renault Austral will only be available to Europeans with electrified units, all powered by petrol engines. Mild Hybrids: with Mild Hybrid Advanced 1.2-liter turbo and 48-volt starter-generator and Mild Hybrid 1.3-liter turbo and 12-volt starter-generator. In the first case, the turbo engine produces 130 hp, such a crossover has an exclusively manual gearbox. The 1.3 engine has two power options: with “mechanics” – 140 hp, with an X-Tronic variator – 160 hp. The top SUV is a full hybrid E-Tech with a 1.2 turbo engine and a 1.7 kWh battery running on 400 volts. The total power is 200 hp. Fuel consumption Austral Passport E-Tech – 4.6 l / 100 km. By the way).

The new Renault Austral will enter the European market in the fourth quarter of this year.