The Renault Austral hybrid SUV has been given a midlife revamp, sharpening design and adding new digital tech and comfort-focused features.

 

 

 

 

The family SUV, launched in 2022 as the successor to the Kadjar, adopts the brand’s new design language, giving a bolder, more assertive look.

The completely redesigned front- and rear-ends, along with new lighting and half-diamond daytime running lights (DRL) in the bumper, bring it in line with Renault’s Rafale flagship SUV-coupé and boost its appeal in a crowded and highly competitive segment.

The new look carries over into the interior, with new front seats and upholstery. There’s tech updates too – with new apps available via the OpenR Link system with Google built-in along with a new digital rear-view camera and the introduction of adaptive cruise control.

The focus on increased comfort and refinement continues with new, more ergonomic front seats, new upholstery and improved soundproofing. The new front seats also provide improved lateral and shoulder support while acoustic insulation has been improved with new door seals, a new design for the rear-view mirror base to reduce wind noise and laminated glass for the front doors on the top-rung model. There’s also more effective soundproofing and new powertrain mounts for a quieter ride.

As before, the folding, reclining rear bench seat slides over 16cm, allowing the driver to adapt load capacity as required (from 527 litres to 1,736 litres).

There’s no change to the engine line-up and the sole powertrain on offer remains the full hybrid E-Tech 200hp powertrain , equipped with a clutchless multi-mode automatic gearbox and said to offer a performance/efficiency ratio on a par with the best.

The revised Renault Austral will be available in three trim levels: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine. UK sales open in the second half of the year, with prices and full specification details to be revealed in the run-up.