The new Renault Austral has also arrived in Romania. Does it have what it takes to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5?
The Renault Austral is the latest SUV in the French manufacturer’s range, sharing the platform with the new Nissan Qashqai. Austral replaces the old Kadjar in the Renault range. We can compare it with other compact SUVs, such as the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage or Volkswagen Tiguan.
The car we tested is a mild-hybrid version, with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine with 160 hp and a CVT automatic gearbox. The test specimen came in the Techno Esprit Alpine trim, so a well-accessorized configuration.
At the front, the car comes equipped with LED headlights and the bumper has an aggressive design similar to that of the Megane Electric. There are several wheel sizes on the Austral, but this one came with 20-inch ones as part of the Esprit Alpine package. The rear keeps the theme of the front, with optical blocks that have a light signature in the shape of the letter C. The tailgate is electrically operated and reveals a trunk with a volume of 500 liters. Also, the rear seats can be folded with the help of levers, directly from the trunk.
Renault Austral impresses with its design
If we move inside, we will find enough space for all the passengers. The upholstery is mixed, the seats being covered in leather, microfiber and fabric, and the stitching is blue.
The front seats have electric and heated adjustments. The steering wheel is similar to the one found on the Renault Megane Electric, and behind it is the fully digital dashboard. In its continuation, as in the new Megane Electric, is placed a central infotainment screen, arranged vertically, which uses Android Automotive. Even though the car has a large screen, Renault kept the air conditioning controls in a physical format, being easy to use. The interior of the car has various storage spaces, as well as a wireless charger for mobile phones.
Renault Austral it has a base price of 27,000 eurosand a Techno Esprit Alpine version starts at 34,000 euros.
Video: Luci Popa
Text: Ionuț Vîlciu
