It was in 2022 that the new Austral joined the Renault line. Faced with the aging Kadjar and fierce competition with Peugeot with the success of the 3008, this new SUV was more than welcome. It was the first model to receive the new Renault logo sexier, more technological, technically bolder Also. Visually, its appearance is more muscular and sporty than the curved and restrained silhouette of its predecessor. The signature C at the front, the long light bar at the back, the lowered roof, the two-tone body: the stylistic leap compared to the Kadjar is obvious! Also on board, Renault created a completely new architecture : a large digital panel shared by the dashboard and the infotainment system, a more ergonomic steering wheel, nicer materials.
A universal model that conquered the French
under the hood Austral also introduced new self-charging hybrid devices : the famous E-Tech Hybrid from 160 and 200 horsepower. In thermal terms, Renault chose mild hybridization: a Gasoline 1.3 liters with a capacity of 140 or 160 horsepowerand 1.2l gasoline 130 horsepower. Three levels of processing are offered: Evolution at the elementary levelTechno in the middle of the range and Iconic at the top of the range. Note that a “sporty” package called Esprit Alpine is available as an option on the Techno and Iconic trims.
They complement the basic versions black and blue exterior design package, mixed carbon/alcantara upholstery with blue stitching on board, as well as some additional comfort equipment. Available from €35,000, Austral quickly found its place and its success. In the first eleven months of the year, it found 27,629 customers in Franceon the 14thd place in the general classification.
Bring it closer to the Rafale
Despite his young age and this very good result, Renault is actually already preparing its restyling. Because the brand wasted no time in offering its Austral in several body shapes and variants. The Espace, a lengthened Austral with seven seats, arrived this year, and The Rafale, a coupe derivative, will go on sale next year. The latter was fully developed by Renault’s new head of design, Gilles Vidal (ex-Peugeot).
This does not apply to Austral and Espace, which were already in stores when they arrived in Losange in 2020. Therefore, Gilles Vidal is already preparing a restyling of Austral, to make it adhere to the group’s new stylistic language and bring it closer, in particular, to the Rafale, a very typical Peugeot from the front, it’s true. Several sources are reporting a facelifted 2025 Austral, which will also have technology upgrades and should get Rafale’s upcoming 300bhp battery hybrid…
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.