The new Renault Austral is a refined and attractive SUV

If you have seen the revolutionary new inside design of the all-new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, you will instantly feel comfortable in the new Austral. The cockpit is organized around the big OpenR screen, which combines the 12.3-inch instrument display on the dashboard with a 12-inch vertical multimedia display. Furthermore, the addition of a Head-Up Display, projected via the windshield, increases the number of digital displays on board.

The OpenR display is the interior's crown gem and is fully equipped with the technology to support improvements in the forthcoming OpenR Link. Through FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) technology, the cloud-connected system receives automatic upgrades. The OpenR Link multimedia system incorporates the most excellent Google services and apps, including Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for hands-free assistance, and Google Play for application downloads. OpenR Link is simple to use and configure like a smartphone.

As with the new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, the cabin has leather, wood, and other premium materials. However, along with Arkami's sound system, the new Renault Austral has a first-class audio experience. Specifically, with a comprehensive audio system created in conjunction with Harman Kardon, a company that has been a market leader in automotive audio for more than 60 years.

Speaking about luxury experiences, this also extends to the rear seat, which features 27.4 cm of knee room and 35 liters of storage capacity. Most models include a split-folding back seat that can be adjusted separately through 16-cm-long rails at the car's bottom. There is space for 500 liters of baggage, extending to 1,525 liters when the seats are folded down.

Security is also a priority, with up to 32 ADAS systems classified into three categories. Transportation, parking, and security. Among Renault Austral's safety features is a brand-new generation of 9.3-inch Head-Up Display, Active Driver Assist, and level 2 autonomy, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with 'Stop & Go,' Lane Centering, GPS data, and mapping to allow the car to adapt the route as necessary. In addition, there includes a 360-degree 3D camera, automated parking assist, blind-spot lane departure warnings, cross-traffic warnings, Matrix LED Vision intelligent lighting, and a passenger-safe exit.

Austral's motors include the latest E-Tech Hybrid motors, which have a 400V hybrid system with a maximum output of 200 hp. Additionally, two petrol engines are on board: a 130 hp 48 volts mild advanced hybrid engine and a 140 hp / 160 hp 12 volt mild hybrid advanced engine.

The new Renault Austral has a brand-new E-Tech complete hybrid system. It combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.7-kWh lithium-ion 400V battery. Its total output is up to 146 kW or 200 horsepower.

As was the case with the previous generation of E-Tech hybrid engines, the car always starts in full electric mode and achieves excellent fuel efficiency.

The Renault Mild Hybrid Advanced engine makes its Austral premiere and is a natural diesel alternative. It is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. It features a 130-horsepower engine and a manual transmission. It consumes 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers and emits 123 grams of CO2 per kilometer, 20% less than a comparable non-hybrid internal combustion engine.

There is a mild hybrid 1.3-liter engine with four cylinders along with the other two engines. The motor was co-developed with Daimler and is powered by a 12V lithium-ion battery. This engine is available with a 140 or 160 horsepower turbocharged engine with an X-TRONIC automatic transmission or a 140 hp manual transmission. Additionally, the fuel efficiency is respectable at 160 horsepower. The 12V mild-hybrid engine produces 270 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm and has a combined fuel consumption of 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers.

Although the Renault Austral is unique, it will be available for the first time on a Renault in an exclusive and sporty Esprit Alpine variant - naturally inspired by Renault Group's flagship brand, Alpine. You will find matte body colors, custom 20-inch rims, and black roof rails here, among other things. In addition, there is blue stitching, carbon fiber, aluminum pedals, and Alpine-branded door frames on the inside.

Renault Austral will be introduced at the end of 2022, and it will be available in early 2023. However, prices and equipment configurations are not yet official.