Renault Austral Review: A Sophisticated Successor to the Kadjar

The Renault Austral, a dynamic replacement for the Kadjar, represents a leap forward for the French carmaker. With a base price starting at £34,695, it enters the highly competitive midsize SUV segment armed with cutting-edge hybrid technology and a distinctive design. The Austral is positioned to compete with established rivals like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and even the hybrid version of its platform sibling, the Nissan Qashqai.

A New Chapter for Renault

Renault’s Austral arrives at a pivotal time for the company. Following the arrest of former CEO Carlos Ghosn in 2018, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance underwent significant restructuring. This led to a renewed focus on leveraging each brand’s strengths within specific markets and vehicle segments. Despite a transitional period marked by loose collaboration, the alliance reaffirmed its shared goals earlier this year. The Austral is one of the first products to emerge from this new strategy.

While it shares the CMF-CD platform with the Nissan Qashqai, the Austral takes a markedly different approach in design, interior configuration, and powertrain technology. This divergence contrasts sharply with the more obvious component sharing seen in other automotive alliances, such as the Volkswagen Group.

Distinctive Design and Enhanced Dimensions

The Austral departs from the design language of its predecessor, the Kadjar, with a sharper and more modern aesthetic. It features the signature Renault family look, characterized by crisp lines, striking C-shaped LED headlights, and larger wheels. Compared to the Kadjar, the Austral is 52mm longer and 7mm wider, providing a more substantial road presence.

Innovative Hybrid Powertrain

Under the hood, the Austral houses Renault’s latest iteration of its E-Tech hybrid system, a unique design that sets it apart in the hybrid SUV market. The system has been refined for this model, building on its earlier use in vehicles like the Clio, Captur, and Arkana.

The new hybrid setup incorporates a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 129bhp, paired with a more powerful electric motor. A larger, air-conditioning-cooled battery enhances electric-only driving capabilities and supports sustained acceleration. Additionally, an extra gear ratio has been introduced between second and third gear, reducing engine revs during demanding scenarios, such as motorway climbs.

The E-Tech hybrid system operates on a complex yet efficient principle. It combines five ratios for the petrol engine and two for the electric motor, with one ratio shared between the two. This results in 15 gear combinations, managed by Renault’s innovative “multi-mode” gearbox. The transmission uses dog clutches and avoids a conventional synchronizer setup, allowing for smoother and more efficient gear shifts.

Driving Dynamics and Interior Comfort

The Austral’s driving experience is a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Its hybrid system delivers effortless and economical performance, while the Google-based infotainment system provides seamless connectivity. Active safety features are effective yet unobtrusive.

However, the ride quality can feel stiff, partly due to the vehicle’s quick steering and unpredictable four-wheel steering. The front seats also lack sufficient support, which may impact comfort on longer journeys.

Looking Ahead

Although the full-hybrid E-Tech is the only variant available in the UK, other global markets will offer mild-hybrid versions with three- and four-cylinder engines. Renault may also introduce a plug-in hybrid model in the future, broadening the Austral’s appeal.

The Renault Austral is a bold entry into the crowded midsize SUV market. With its innovative hybrid system, modern design, and emphasis on individuality, it challenges its competitors while setting the stage for Renault’s next chapter in automotive engineering.