Renault Austral. 1st generation 2022
Introduced in March 2022, the Renault Austral compact 5-seater SUV came to replace a not very successful compact model, the Renault Kadjar, well known to the Israelis. The newcomer has turned out to be slightly larger and more spacious, more high-quality and technologically advanced. In addition, it is offered in a more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient hybrid version, the E-TECH. We are happy to announce that the first generation Renault Austral is already available in Israel at a price of 174,990 shekels. Our market will offer a version with a 1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine with 140 or 160 hp, as well as the E-TECH hybrid with a capacity of 200 hp with a fuel consumption of 21.7 km per liter. The start of sales was announced by Karaso Motors, Renault importer in Israel.
The name "Austral" comes from the word "australis", which means "southern" in Latin. This name is well suited for a presumable off-roader, it is easy to pronounce and sounds international.
In our market, the new Renault Austral will compete with the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Let’s face it, Renault’s newcomer will have a hard time, as it is going to compete in the most demanded segment and with some of the most popular models in our market. How will it win our hearts? Let’s see.
Exterior
According to the manufacturer, the new Renault Austral has received an ‘elegant and technologically advanced’ design with C-shaped sections of diode running lights. The newcomer looks definitely more modern than the Kadjar. The SUV is based on the updated CMF-CD platform, specially designed for the hybrid system, it is also used by the new Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai, as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander. The new Renault is 4,510 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,644 mm high. This is a traditional compact vehicle, tending to the average size. But the wheelbase, equal to 2,667 mm, puts it higher than the Kadjar. It is clearly more spacious and features a more capacious trunk: 555-1,455 liters for a hybrid model or 575-1,525 liters for a gasoline one.
Interior and equipment
Compared with the Kadjar, the 2022/2023 Renault Austral has a much more modern interior and better finishing materials, including premium ones, such as Alcantara, leather and wood veneer inlays. The 12.3-inch digital dashboard and the large 12-inch multimedia screen are impressive. The vehicle has kept convenient physical buttons. There are USB Type C connectors for all rows of seats. The manufacturer claims that the new Austral has the most spacious rear row in its segment. The rear row can be moved by 160 mm, however, the volume of the trunk changes slightly. But if you fold the second row, you can get a decent compartment. All trim levels include autonomous braking, active lane departure control, lane keeping assist and driver monitoring systems. The ICONIC version will come with active blind spot monitoring, adaptive front lights and safe exit assist. The TECHNO top-end version will feature adaptive cruise control.
Modifications for Israel
In Israel, the 2023 Renault Austral will be offered with a 1.3-liter turbo engine paired with a 12-volt starter-generator, that is, in a mild hybrid version, as well as a full-fledged E-TECH hybrid.
- The Renault Austral 1.3 Turbo comes with a 1.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 140 or 160 hp paired with a Nissan X-TRONIC CVT. The model is front-wheel drive. The maximum speed for all versions is the same 174 km/h. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 9.7 seconds for a more powerful version or exactly 10 seconds for a less powerful one. Combined fuel consumption is 15.9-16.1 km per liter.
- The Renault Austral E-TECH is equipped with a hybrid system based on a 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine with 102 hp, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.7 kWh. In total, the system produces 200 hp (in Europe there is a 160 hp version). The model is front-wheel drive. This version needs 8.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, while the maximum speed is 175 km/h. Combined fuel consumption reaches 21.7 km per liter.
Trim levels for Israel
The 2023 Renault Austral gasoline versions are offered in several trim levels, and each modification has its own level of equipment. The Renault Austral E-TECH hybrid version is available only in the standard TECHNO version.
EQUILIBRE: for a 140 hp version. Equipment includes: 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 12-inch Android Automotive multimedia system with Hebrew support and wireless extension for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear view camera, light and rain sensors, electric handbrake, front and rear parking sensors, smart key, separate climate control, cruise control, interior lighting, LED main lighting, 17-inch wheels, etc.
ICONIC: for a 160 hp version. Equipment additionally includes: surround camera, panoramic roof, tinted rear windows, roof rails, automotive parking system, cloth and leather upholstery, dimmable center mirror, 19-inch wheels and C-shape headlights.
TECHNO: for a 160 hp and hybrid version. Equipment additionally includes: electronically-adjustable driver seat with massage function, heated front seats and steering wheel. The most expensive hybrid Renault Austral E-TECH TECHNO 2023 will cost 249,990 shekels.
