Renault has launched the all-new Austral SUV, which will take the place of the Kadjar SUV in international markets. The Renault Austral features dramatic aesthetics, a vastly improved equipment list, and all-electric powertrains.
- Renault is the first manufacturer to employ the third-generation CMF-CD platform.
- Two full-hybrid and two mild-hybrid models are available in the international market.
- Multi-link rear suspension is standard on top-spec models.
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What’s new with the Renault Austral SUV?
It’s the first Renault to employ the new third-generation CMF-CD platform, which was co-developed with Alliance partners Mitsubishi and Nissan and can handle a variety of electrified drivetrains and is Designed to compete with the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4. The Austral will be available in two full-hybrid systems, with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor producing 157hp and 196hp respectively.
A mild-hybrid petrol version is also available, which Renault claims as a “genuine diesel alternative.” It combines the same engine with a 48V battery and a belt-integrated starter-generator to offer an electric boost when the vehicle is under load, reducing gasoline usage. The 12V mild-hybrid petrol, which uses a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 138hp and 157hp, kicks off the lineup.
The Austral comes standard with torsion-beam rear suspension, while top-of-the-line cars with four-wheel steering get a multi-link setup. These cars also had a 13:1 steering ratio (down from 14.7:1) for more precise handling and a 10.1-meter turning radius. Renault’s midsize SUV is getting a structural makeover as well as a major design change to put it in line with the new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the Austral is noticeably more premium than its predecessor, with a focus on material quality and better technology.
The 12.3-inch display screen and 12-inch infotainment screen in the opener infotainment touchscreen fitted to higher-spec cars are billed as “one of the largest screens in the automotive market,” combining One digital panel with a 12.3-inch display screen and a 12-inch infotainment screen. Gorilla Glass is used to protect it from scratches.
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Renault’s India plans
Renault is getting ready to debut the Arkana SUV in India, and the vehicle has already been spotted testing here. In addition, the Megane E-Tech could be brought to India in the future, and the company is working on an all-new SUV to replace the now-defunct Duster “as read and reported by www.autocarindia.com”.