The new SUV does not have a diesel engine.
Three months ago, the Renault Austral was officially unveiled online. It will now make its public debut at the 2022 Sofia Motor Show. The Kadjar successor will arrive with a new design, huge tech enhancements, and an all hybrid engine range. French automaker Kadjar promises a better cabin atmosphere and a premium overall feel. However, you will need to wait at least a few months before ordering one. Sales don’t start until the third quarter.
The Austral is Renault’s latest addition to the SUV market This is only available with electrified engines. With its 130 horsepower and high torque at low rpm, the base unit is a mild-hybrid three-cylinder mild hybrid turbo engine. Manufacturer claims a combined fuel consumption rate of just 5.3 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of only 123 grams per km. Renault claims that the engine would have been 20 percent more efficient without the mild hybrid tec.
The Austral also offers a larger, 1.3-liter four-cylinder unit that was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. However, the E-Tech hybrid model is the engine of choice. The Austral’s engine is a 1.2-liter unit, but the electric support increases the power to 160 hp and 200 hp. This is the Austral’s most powerful engine option, as it doesn’t have any diesel units. The Kadjar was equipped with 1.5- and 1.6 liter dCi ignition combustion compression mills.
Although some customers might miss the diesel engine in Europe, the Austral still has all the technology an SUV needs. There are two displays inside the cabin: a 12-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12.3 inch digital cluster for the infotainment systems. The head-up display is 9.3 inches. The French family hauler comes with standard or optional LED headlights depending on its trim level. There’s also a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomy tech.
Renault has not yet started production of the Austral, and is unable to accept orders for the SUV in Europe. The order books will open in the summer, with first deliveries to customers planned for the last quarter of this year. Pricing is still unknown for the moment.