WITH A moniker derived from the Latin phrase ‘australis’ and stated to evoke “the vibrancy and warmth of the Southern Hemisphere”, the brand new Renault Austral small SUV appears a shoo-in for the native market, however at this stage, the Kadjar substitute, stays solely “into consideration” for Australia.
Though Sydney-based Renault importer Ateco is remaining tight-lipped concerning the probability of the Austral’s introduction in Australia, GoAuto understands the ageing Koleos medium SUV is probably going to get replaced by a three-row model of this new mannequin when manufacturing of the latter ends subsequent yr.
The longer seven-seat mannequin will give Renault a direct competitor to the Peugeot 5008 and can be produced alongside the two-row Austral on the French agency’s Palencia facility in Spain.
At first look, one might be forgiven for pondering the slickly styled Austral is a road-hugging battery-electric car; Renault’s “Sensual Tech” design language, which mixes svelte curves with robust geometric traces, may be very obvious.
Though the mannequin’s rear facet is relatively spinoff (other than the segmented fake diffuser), the deeply sculpted bonnet, intricately detailed LED headlights (with L-shaped DRLs) and expansive entrance grille and decrease air consumption distinguish the Austral’s frontal design.
Furthermore, the brochure-friendly Esprit Alpine variant proven right here incorporates a decidedly sporty execution awash with Diamond Black, Further Shiny Black and Ice Black detailing.
The Satin Shale Grey exterior end is complemented by a stark chainmail-patterned grille, 20-inch diamond-cut black alloys with Alpine branding and Satin Black roof rails. Esprit Alpine badges seem on the flanks.
Much more overt crossover cues seem on the Austral’s inside. Other than the now ubiquitous expansive digital surfaces forward and to the fitting of the motive force, the cabin structure’s standout characteristic is the broad centre console, or “cruising console” as Renault calls it.
Within the absence of a transmission lever (the Austral has a column-mounted shift stalk), there’s a sizable hand relaxation, which is flanked by an inductive charging slot for a smartphone and extra cupboard space.
Varied trim finishes can be found relying on grade, akin to real wooden, leather-based, suede, padded textiles and as a melange of gloss-black and satin-chrome components.
Tech-wise, the motive force’s interface combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.0-inch portrait oriented infotainment touchscreen outfitted with smartphone screen-mirroring and different connectivity options and a 9.3-inch head-up show. “Dwelling Lights” LED illumination can also be included.
Higher-end variants characteristic premium inside options akin to Alcantara with carbon-fibre twill cloth, blue stitching and piping, a multi-function steering wheel with Nappa leather-based trim, Alcantara inserts and blue, white and crimson stitching (oh oui), aluminium pedals and Alpine-branded door sills.
By way of practicality, the Austral is claimed to supply “greatest at school” rear knee room of 274 mm, 35 litres’ value of oddment house, and a 66.5/33.5 split-folding rear seat that may be adjusted alongside 16cm rails.
The load bay capability is 500 litres (VDA) on variations with delicate hybrid drivetrains and, due to the sliding bench seat, baggage house can balloon to 575L with the rear seats nonetheless in place or 1525 litres when they’re folded down. Entry to the maintain is offered by a hands-free energy tailgate.
Primarily based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s third-generation CMF-CD platform, the Austral shares its underpinnings and a number of other mechanical elements with its Japanese cousin, the Nissan Qashqai, which is predicted to be launched within the Australian market fairly quickly.
The Austral’s high powertrain is a brand new petrol-electric E-Tech “full hybrid” that mixes a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an electrical motor and a 400V, 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery. Mixed energy is rated at 146kW and Renault claims a gasoline consumption determine of 4.6L/100km.
A “Gentle Hybrid Superior” powertrain combines a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and handbook gearbox with a 48V lithium-ion battery and starter motor that generates 97kW. This variant, which is Renault’s “different to a turbo-diesel” is claimed to devour 5.3 L/100km on the mixed cycle.
Renault will even provide two further mild-hybrid powertrains together with an entry-level 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine mixed with a 12V lithium-ion battery and starter motor that gives 103kW together with a handbook gearbox or 120kW when paired to an computerized transmission.
Like its predecessor, the Austral has a front-wheel-drive configuration, however higher-grade variations characteristic Renault’s four-wheel steering system, which reinforces consolation, agility and manoeuvrability.
By way of driver help options, the Austral comes with as energetic driver help, adaptive cruise management (with cease and go), lane centring, a 360-degree surround-view 3D cameras, automated park help, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure prevention, rear computerized emergency braking; rear cross-traffic alert; adaptive matrix LED lighting and occupant protected exit capabilities.
