One of the year's most highly anticipated new cars is arriving in the UK. The Renault Austral is an SUV that works for the whole family and offers high performance, a spacious interior, and plenty of high-tech features.
The Austral is the latest SUV to join the E-Tech range, boasting an elegant design that combines Renault’s iconic looks with a dynamic drive. It makes an immediate impression with its signature C-shape LED headlights, which accentuate its stylish silhouette.
The 'Techno' trim starts the range with its 19-inch Komah alloy wheels, matrix LED vision headlights, mirage-effect rear LED lights, flush roof bars, shark fin antenna, surround parking sensors with rear-view camera, and hands-free key card with keyless entry.
What about the inside?
The interior exudes a modern feel from the moment you enter. Perched behind the wheel is a wide digital screen, relaying vital information to you as you drive and giving a futuristic accent to every drive.
A truly spacious SUV, its generous interior features a wireless smartphone charging station, while 35 litres of storage throughout the cabin ensure optimum use of the available space.
The rear seats can be slid back by 16cm for a stretched-out and relaxed experience, while the boot space offers a capacity of up to 555 litres, conveniently accessed via an electric tailgate.
Two front and two rear USB ports ensure connectivity with the 8-speaker Arkamys audio system.
How does it drive?
The Austral proudly showcases Renault’s innovative E-TECH hybrid technology, giving the driver more control over fuel consumption while retaining a smooth and exciting drive. The self-charging motor can produce up to 200hp, giving you immediate access to its electric acceleration, while its advanced system adjusts for city driving by making it easier to decelerate and brake smoothly.
What is a full hybrid?
Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine are powered by a new 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery.
An electric-only mode offers quiet and zero-emissions driving, while the battery recharges when decelerating and braking to offer a truly electric experience with no need to plug in.
On the combined WLTP cycle, the Austral E-Tech full hybrid achieves up to 60.1mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars in the Renault line-up, keeping emissions as low as 105g/km of CO2.
Anything else I need to know?
While the Austral has a sporty SUV design and efficient drivetrain, it also boasts an innovative interior and has a range of advanced technologies – from cutting-edge Google connectivity to an array of driver, safety and parking systems.
Renault recently confirmed its sales figures for hybrid cars and its customers’ appetite to buy electrified and fuel-efficient cars are continuing to increase.
Renault UK revealed its electrified vehicle sales are up year-on-year by 96%, with hybrid sales rising by 131%, and the all-new Austral is set to boost those figures.