Renault Austral SUV Revealed
Renault has unveiled the all-new Austral SUV, which will take the place of the Kadjar SUV in international markets. The new Renault Astral features bold new styling, a significantly expanded standard equipment list, and all-electric powertrains.
It’s the first Renault to use the new third-generation CMF-CD platform, which was co-developed with Alliance partners Mitsubishi and Nissan and can accommodate a variety of electrified drivetrains and is positioned as a competitor to 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.
There’s also a mild-hybrid petrol option, which Renault touts as a “true diesel alternative.” It combines the same engine with a 48V battery and a belt-integrated starter-generator to provide an electric boost under load, lowering gasoline consumption. The 12V mild-hybrid petrol, which uses a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 138hp and 157hp, kicks off the lineup.
The Renault Austral comes standard with torsion-beam rear suspension, but top-of-the-line cars with four-wheel steering get a multi-link setup. These cars also have a 13:1 steering ratio (down from 14.7:1) for more precise handling and a 10.1-meter turning circle. Renault’s midsize SUV is getting a structural makeover as well as a major design overhaul to bring it in line with the new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the Austral is noticeably more upmarket than its predecessor, with a focus on material quality and enhanced technology.
The 12.3-inch display screen and 12-inch infotainment screen in the OpenR infotainment touchscreen fitted to higher-spec models are described as “one of the largest screens in the automotive market,” combining a 12.3-inch display screen and a 12-inch infotainment screen into one digital panel. To avoid scratches, it is protected by Gorilla Glass.
Renault is readying an India launch for the Arkana SUV and the model has been spied testing already on our soil. In addition, the Megane E-Tech could be brought to India in the future, and the company is developing an all-new SUV to replace the now-defunct Duster.
