The Renault Austral is a new mid-size family SUV that aims to challenge the dominance of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV4 in the hybrid market. Unlike its rivals, the Austral comes only as a full hybrid, meaning it can run on electric power alone for short distances but doesn’t need to be plugged in to recharge. Renault claims that this makes the Austral more efficient, more affordable, and more convenient than plug-in hybrids, which often have higher purchase prices and require regular access to charging points.
But how does Renault Austral compare to its competitors in terms of performance, design, practicality, and technology? And is it worth considering if you’re looking for a hybrid family SUV? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features, specs and prices of the Renault Austral E-Tech and see how it stacks up against the competition.
Performance and Drive
The Renault Austral E-Tech is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and a 1.2 kWh battery. The combined output is 200 hp, which is more than enough to move the SUV with ease. The Austral can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. The fuel economy is impressive, too, with a claimed average of 60.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 108 g/km.
The Austral uses a unique hybrid system called E-Tech, which has 15 different modes of operation, depending on the driving conditions and the driver’s preferences. The system can switch seamlessly between the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both, to optimize efficiency and performance. The Austral always starts in electric mode, and can run on battery power alone for up to 25 miles at speeds of up to 84 mph. The battery is recharged by regenerative braking, which captures the energy that would otherwise be wasted when slowing down or stopping.
The Austral also offers four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and MySense. Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy and reduces the engine's and electric motor's power and torque. Comfort mode provides a smooth and quiet ride with a balanced use of the hybrid system. Sport mode enhances the responsiveness and agility of the Austral, with more power and torque from the electric motor and faster gear changes. MySense mode allows the driver to customize the settings of the hybrid system, the steering, the suspension and the climate control, according to their personal preferences.
One of the most distinctive features of the Renault Austral E-Tech is the optional four-wheel steering system, which is available on the top-spec Iconic Esprit Alpine trim. This system improves the handling and maneuverability of the Austral by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at high speeds. This reduces the turning circle of the Austral to 10.1 meters, which is comparable to a city car, and makes it easier to park and navigate tight spaces. It also increases the stability and safety of the Austral on the highway by enhancing the grip and the cornering ability.
Design and Style
The Renault Austral E-Tech has a sleek and modern design, with a distinctive front grille, LED headlights and taillights, and a sculpted body. The Austral is available in nine colors, including two exclusive shades: Alpine Blue and Highland Grey. The Austral also has some sporty touches, such as a rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust pipe, and 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim level.
The interior of the Renault Austral E-Tech is spacious and comfortable, with a high-quality finish and a minimalist dashboard. The Austral can seat up to five people, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both the front and rear passengers. Depending on the trim level, the seats are upholstered in fabric or leather and have adjustable lumbar support and heating functions. The driver’s seat also has a memory function, which can store up to six different positions.
The Austral has a generous boot space of 480 liters, which can be expanded to 1,380 liters by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats. The boot also has a flat floor, a removable floor panel, and several hooks and nets to secure the luggage. The Austral also has a sliding rear bench, which can be moved forward or backward by up to 16 cm, to increase the boot space or the rear legroom, depending on the needs of the passengers.
Technology and Safety
The Renault Austral E-Tech is equipped with advanced technology features to enhance the driver's and passengers' convenience, comfort, and safety. The Austral has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which displays the speed, fuel level, hybrid system status, and other useful information. The Austral also has a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and satellite navigation. The infotainment system can be controlled by voice commands, steering wheel buttons, or a rotary knob on the center console.
The Austral also has a wireless charging pad, four USB ports, a 12V socket, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system to keep the devices and the entertainment on board. The Austral also has a dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a hands-free tailgate to add more comfort and convenience to the driving experience.
The Renault Austral E-Tech is also packed with safety features to protect the occupants and prevent accidents. The Austral has six airbags, ABS, ESP, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. The Austral also has a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. The Austral also has an emergency braking system, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles and apply the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
Comparison and Prices
The Renault Austral E-Tech is a hybrid SUV that stands out from the crowd, with its unique hybrid system, its optional four-wheel steering, and its sleek design. But how does it compare to its main rivals in the hybrid market? Here is a comparison table that shows some of the key features and specs of the Austral and its competitors:
| Model | Renault Austral E-Tech | Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Kia Sportage Hybrid | Nissan Qashqai e-Power | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol + electric motor | 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol + electric motor | 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol + electric motor | 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol + electric motor | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor |
| Power | 200 hp | 230 hp | 230 hp | 190 hp | 218 hp |
| 0-62 mph | 8.4 seconds | 8.0 seconds | 8.2 seconds | 9.5 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 124 mph | 120 mph | 120 mph | 115 mph | 112 mph |
| Fuel economy | 60.1 mpg | 49.6 mpg | 47.9 mpg | 57.6 mpg | 51.4 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 108 g/km | 127 g/km | 131 g/km | 114 g/km | 126 g/km |
| Boot space | 480-1,380 liters | 616-1,795 liters | 591-1,780 liters | 504-1,394 liters | 580-1,690 liters |
| Price | $47,500-$54,500 | $39,000-$48,000 | $40,000-$49,000 | $37,000-$46,000 | $38,000-$47,000 |
As you can see, the Renault Austral E-Tech has advantages and disadvantages over its rivals. It has the best fuel economy and the lowest CO2 emissions, saving you fuel and tax money. It also has the most advanced hybrid system, which can switch between 15 different modes of operation, and the optional four-wheel steering, which improves handling and maneuverability. However, it also has the highest price, the smallest boot space, and the lowest top speed, which may deter some buyers. It also has a slightly noisy and harsh engine and a firm ride on the top-spec trim, which may affect comfort and refinement.
Ultimately, the Renault Austral E-Tech is a hybrid SUV that offers many features, performance, and efficiency but also comes at a premium. It may appeal to those who are looking for a hybrid SUV that is different from the mainstream and who value the technology and the design of the Austral. However, it may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a hybrid SUV that is more affordable, more spacious, and more comfortable.
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