It was in 2022. Renault decided to start from scratch to compensate for the lag in the C segment of crossovers. Trying to get people to forget the mixed results of their Koleos and Kadjar models. For this, the French manufacturer made a good choice new platform and new name Austral. An evocative term of adventure that should evoke endless possibilities! The newcomer’s design was inspired by the new electric Mégane E-Tech, with elongated headlights and a double C-shaped light signature at the rear, as well as dynamic fenders, side ribs and marked wheel arches. The cabin was also very tidy, with quality materials and plenty of space.. Lots of storage space and good ergonomics. In addition, like its younger sister Mégane, it was equipped with an elegant and original square steering wheel.

Two models in one segment

But a few years before that, Renault used another crossover: Arkana. In 2019, the brand really surprised everyone by presenting a model at a crossroads. It first launched in Russia that year before arriving in Europe in 2021. Crossover coupe or relief sedan? Arkana is both at the same time! Until then, only high-end manufacturers such as Mercedes with its GLC Coupé or BMW with its X4 ventured into this vehicle category. Diamant took a risk, thinking that such a model could be of interest to a wide audience. A risk that pays off as competing models have proliferated among generalists. 408 in Peugeot, C4 X in Citroën, to name only the French. But also ID 5 in Volkswagen, Enyaq Coupé iV in Skoda, Mustang Mach-E in Ford and soon Tavascan in CUPRA.

Southern advantage

The sacred “leader” that allowed Renault to stand in this highly competitive category, before the arrival of the already known Austral. But then, which of them got the best result? Let’s analyze their respective sales figures for January 2022 (Arkana) and January 2023 (Austral). This is traditionally a competitive month, and here the marketing year follows them. Mid 2021 for Arkana, late 2022 for Austral. Of course, there is an imbalance in favor of Austral, which has been in the catalog for less time. Oddly enough, it was he who made the best sales start, better than Arkana. Crossover coupe is registered 2,267 units in France in January 2022 vs. 3,958 Austral in January 2023.. The hypothesis was also more favorable at the beginning of 2023 than in the previous year, but the difference is still obvious, and in favor of Austral. It is far from just an intermediate time, waiting for his older brother, Arkana continues to perform well. In January 2023, it recorded 3,523 registrations, or 400 less than Austral. Two models with very different philosophies, but which fight skillfully in this C segment!