Renault’s Austral E-Tech full hybrid SUV is now available to order, priced from £34,695.

The Austral E-Tech full hybrid SUV is a linchpin in Renault’s plans to “re-conquer the C-segment”

It’s the replacement to the Kadjar and a linchpin in the carmaker’s plans to “re-conquer the C-segment” and enhance its focus on electrified cars, as per the ‘Renaulution’ strategy. It joins the fully electric Megane E-Tech and the hybrid Arkana E-Tech, providing a trio of electrified C-segment models in the Renault range.

Three trims are available – Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine. Standard equipment across all include infotainment system with a 12-inch OpenR multimedia screen and a range of Google services built-in, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to Google Play. It also features an 8-speaker Arkamys audio system, two front and two rear USB ports, 12.3-inch driver information display and  9.3-inch head-up display.

Other equipment seen across the range includes frameless automatic rear-view mirror, sliding centre console armrest, sliding rear bench seat, and automatic dual-zone air conditioning with air purifier. The Austral also delivers 35 litres of onboard storage space and up to 555 litres of boot capacity.

The entry-level Techno comes with 19-inch alloys, matrix LED vision headlights, mirage-effect rear LED lights, flush roof bars, shark fin antenna, surround parking sensors with rear-view camera, and hands-free key card with keyless entry.

Next up is the Techno Esprit Alpine, priced at £36,695 and with added styling features such as 20-inch Daytona alloy wheels, Esprit Alpine detailing and black Esprit Alpine carbon fabric and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching. It also adds in heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electric power tailgate, electric driver and front passenger seats with massage function for driver, traffic & speed sign recognition with overspeed prevention, and adaptive cruise control with lane centring.

Sitting at the top of the range is the Iconic Esprit Alpine. Available at £39,495, it gains 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 360° Around View 3D camera, panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging station.

All variants are powered by a new 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, which achieves up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, giving it a driving range of 683 miles and with CO2 emissions from 105g/km.

It’s able to spend 80% of driving time on urban roads in full-electric mode, said to cut fuel consumption on urban cycle driving by 40% than a regular combustion motor.

Latest SMMT new car figures show demand for hybrids continues to run strong; registrations were up 7.7% year on year in April to 15,026 units and holding a 11.3% market share. And for the year to date, they’re up 30.3% to 80,887 units and with a 12.9% share.

Guillaume Sicard, country head UK & managing director Renault Brand UK, said: “The all-new Renault Austral E-Tech full hybrid launch in the UK is a key milestone within our Renaulution strategy, which aims to conquer the mid-sized family SUV market and offer our customers a vehicle that combines technology, eye-catching design plus a great electrified driving experience.

“With its electrified engine providing 683 miles of range and CO2 emissions as low as 105 g/km, the Austral E-Tech full hybrid is a benchmark powertrain that self-recharges and feels electric.”