First Details Announced for Renault Austral SUV

14th Apr 2023

By Chris Russon

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The first details of the new Renault Austral self-charging hybrid SUV have been revealed, with the French carmaker promising plenty of technology and a nod to its Alpine sports brand.

The Austral will come with up to 30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and settings, which give four different driving styles suitable for a range of journeys and terrains, a four-wheel steering system and a new 197bhp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery.

Renault says the car is capable of up to 60.1mpg on average, giving it a range of up to 683 miles with emissions of 105g/km.

Three versions will be available – Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine – and the Austral follows the new Arkana and Megane E-TECH Electric in Renault’s medium-sized SUV line up.

At 4.51 metres in length, the vehicle is designed to replace the Kadjar in the current range. It uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor, which offers zero emission city driving while the battery recharges when decelerating and braking with no need to plug in.

With a city-car like turning circle of 10.1 metres, the Austal has a 555-litre boot and comes with rear and side parking sensors and a 360-degree 3D camera system.

There are also twin 12-inch OpenR screens and a 9.3-inch head-up display, powered by Google services, which includes Google Play, Google Maps and Google Assistant. A range of up to 35 apps are available and all can be voice operated.

Prices are still to be announced, but the Austral is expected to cost from around £40,000 when it arrives in the summer.

Prices correct as of 14/04/2023 and are subject to change.