Renault Austral SUV unveiled

    The third-gen CMF-CD platform-based Austral SUV comes with the choice of two full-hybrid and two mild-hybrid powertrains.

    Published On Mar 11, 2022 08:00:00 AM

    57,624 Views

    Listen to this Article

    Renault has unveiled the all-new Austral SUV that replaces the Kadjar SUV overseas. The Renault Austral brings in bold styling, a drastically enhanced kit list and all-electrified powertrains.  

    • First Renault to use third-generation CMF-CD platform
    • Sold abroad with two full-hybrid and two mild-hybrid options
    • Top spec variants come with multi-link set-up at the rear

    Renault Austral SUV: What's new?

    Positioned as a rival to the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4 overseas, it's the first Renault to use the new third-generation CMF-CD platform, co-developed with Alliance partners Mitsubishi and Nissan, which can accommodate a range of electrified drivetrains. The Austral will be sold overseas with a choice of two full-hybrid systems, pairing a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for combined outputs of 157hp and 196hp.

    There's also a mild-hybrid petrol option that Renault says is a "genuine alternative to diesel". It pairs the same engine with a 48V battery and a belt-integrated starter-generator for an electric boost under load, and thus reduced petrol consumption. Opening the line-up is a pair of 12V mild-hybrid petrols, which use a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine to produce 138hp and 157hp.  

    The Austral is equipped with torsion-beam rear suspension as standard, but top-rung cars with four-wheel steering get a multi-link set-up at the rear. These cars also get a 13:1 steering ratio (down from 14.7:1 as standard) for more precise handling and a turning circle of just 10.1 metres. The structural reinvention for Renault's midsize SUV comes alongside a wide-reaching design overhaul aimed at bringing it into line with the new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and boosting aerodynamic efficiency.

    Renault has also visibly pushed upmarket inside, where the Austral dramatically departs from its forebear with a focus on material quality and enhanced technology.

    The OpenR infotainment touchscreen fitted to higher-spec models is described as "one of the largest screens in the automotive market", comprising a 12.3-inch display screen and 12-inch infotainment screen in one digital panel. It's covered in Gorilla Glass to avoid scratches. 

    Renault’s plans for India

    Renault is readying an India launch for the Arkana SUV and the model has been spied testing already on our soil. Additionally, the brand could bring the Megane E-Tech to India in the future and is also working on an all-new SUV that will be a replacement to the now discontinued Duster.

    Also see:

    Renault Triber Limited Edition launched at Rs 7.24 lakh

    Renault Cars

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    Buying an electric car but renting its battery: is it a good idea?

    Yes, it lets me pay only as per my usage

     

    34.49%

    No, I prefer to buy the whole car

     

    55.40%

    No, I prefer to lease the whole car

     

    10.11%

    Total Votes : 1296
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe