Renault launched a new electric SUV for the European market, the Renault Austral. The name means "southern" in Latin, reflecting the vehicle's design inspiration from Australia's landscapes and culture. The Renault Austral is based on the Renault Megane eVision concept that debuted in 2020, and it features a sleek and modern design, a spacious and versatile interior, and a range of advanced technologies.
Design and Dimensions
The Renault Austral has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other electric SUVs on the market. The front end features a large diamond-shaped logo that lights up, along with slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. The side profile has a coupe-like shape, with a sloping roofline and flush door handles. The rear end has a horizontal light strip that spans the width of the tailgate, along with a spoiler and a diffuser.
The Renault Austral measures 4.21 meters (165.4 inches) long, 1.80 meters (70.9 inches) wide, and 1.50 meters (59.1 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters (106.3 inches). It has a ground clearance of 19 centimeters (7.5 inches), which allows it to handle rough terrain. It also has a drag coefficient of 0.29, which improves its aerodynamics and efficiency.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Renault Austral is designed to be spacious, comfortable, and practical. It has a minimalist dashboard features a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console has a wireless charging pad, a rotary gear selector, and a storage compartment.
The Renault Austral can seat up to five passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear seats can slide forward or backward by up to 16 centimeters (6.3 inches), which allows for more cargo space or passenger comfort. The trunk has a capacity of 440 liters (15.6 cubic feet), which can be expanded to 1,400 liters (49.4 cubic feet) by folding down the rear seats.
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The Renault Austral also comes with a range of features that enhance its safety, convenience, and performance. Some of these features include:
- A head-up display that projects key information on the windshield
- A panoramic sunroof that lets in natural light
- A multi-sense system that allows the driver to choose from four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and My Sense
- A lane-keeping assist system that helps the vehicle stay in its lane
- A blind-spot monitoring system that warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spots
- A rear-view camera that provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings
- A park assist system that helps the vehicle park itself
- An adaptive cruise control system that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
- A traffic sign recognition system that detects speed limits and other road signs
- An emergency braking system that applies the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent
Powertrain and Performance
The Renault Austral is powered by an electric motor that produces 160 kW (215 horsepower) and 300 Nm (221 pound-feet) of torque. It is paired with a single-speed transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The electric motor is fed by a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is located under the floor.
The Renault Austral can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). It has a range of up to 450 kilometers (280 miles) on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. It can be recharged using various methods, such as:
- A standard wall outlet, which takes about 24 hours to fully charge the battery
- A home wallbox, which takes about eight hours to fully charge the battery
- A public charging station, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes
The Renault Austral also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when the vehicle decelerates and a heat pump system that optimizes the battery temperature and reduces energy consumption.
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Price and Availability
The Renault Austral is expected to go on sale in Europe in the first half of 2024, with a starting price of around €35,000 ($39,500). It will compete with other electric SUVs such as the Volkswagen ID.4, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Kia EV6. The Renault Austral is part of the French brand's ambitious plan to launch 14 new electric vehicles by 2025, including seven fully electric models and seven hybrid or plug-in hybrid models.
The Renault Austral is a promising addition to the electric SUV segment, as it offers a stylish and spacious design, a range of advanced features, and a decent performance range. It also showcases Renault's commitment to sustainability and innovation, as it uses recycled materials and renewable energy sources in its production. The Renault Austral is a vehicle that appeals to both the head and the heart, and it could be a great choice for eco-conscious drivers who want to enjoy the benefits of electric mobility.
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