Driving the refreshed Renault Austral put hybrids back on my family car shopping list
Renault's Austral is now better than ever with more hybrid power, better handling, cool new looks and great levels of comfort on the inside. It's way better than the original.
Pros Really comfortable nicely finished interior
Cosmetic tweaks have tightened up the design
Infotainment is respectable and Google-based
Cons Tyre choice seems a bit at odds with the car
Can be a little revvy if the powertrain is pushed
Suspension is a bit lumpy on less great surfaces
Introduction
Renault is clearly on a roll at the moment, with the Renault 5 and Renault 4 EVs looking like they're going to be in big demand. Elsewhere, the French car makers has quite a lot of models that seemingly look quite similar, like the Rafale, the very good Scenic, the low-key Symbioz and less popular Arkana. The latter car looks like its days are numbered, whereas the Austral has been given a whole new lease of life.
Some three years later after I first drove one, the facelifted Austral has kept the same name but has plenty to differentiate it from the original. The C-segment SUV was given a striking cosmetic makeover, a revised interior (with some of the best seats in the business) and a new hybrid powertrain. There are better shock absorbers and larger tyres too, with the latter being very easy to get squealing without much in the way of effort. Sound surprising? The Renault Austral is packed with surprises…
How we test cars
Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products.
Find out more about how we test and rate products.
The styling
When I tried the original Renault Austral back in 2022, I thought it was an okay kind of car… but that the looks could have been a little more inspiring. Renault's designers have taken heed and this new model has received some neat cosmetic tweaks. The most dramatic change has been to the front end, with a much more impressive grille array and a chunky-but-flat Renault logo, all sandwiched by rather excellent LED headlights.
The stance is upright and pert, which means the Austral is quite tall. That's obviously good news for larger folks getting in and out of the front and back. There's respectable ground clearance too, which makes the Austral good at getting over speed bumps and other everyday obstacles such as raised kerbs or large potholes. Along the bottom of the SUV there's a lot of black plastic, but it contrasts nicely with the body colour and works without looking cheap.
Out back, I'm quite keen on the revised angular taillights that cut from the wing into the tailgate. The rear end curves inwards though, which looks like it might make the tailgate and boot opening too small. Somehow Renault has made it work, and the entry point is more than adequate. It's quite high too, which makes loading shopping and the like a fuss-free exercise. There's a choice of alloys, from 19s on the lowlier models and 20s on the high-specification cars. Either option look quite tasty to me.
The drive
The Renault Austral's hybrid petrol engine gets the job done. It feels like it's got enough power, with the only real downside being a less smooth delivery. There's a dinky three cylinder, turbocharged 1.2-litre lump under the hood, supplemented by an electric motor driving the front wheels. The original car's neat rear wheel steering system is retained on cars destined for Europe, but not on ones heading to the UK. We'll have to make do with a fairly no-frills handling setup instead.
This car's engine and transmission won't thank you for giving it the beans. There's also quite a lot of noise if you're parked up with the engine ticking over. Nevertheless, setting off with the full EV power kicking in turns the car into an altogether different experience, which is only spoilt when the petrol power takes over. Considering this is a hybrid, I was chuffed with the way the Austral pottered around town using electric-only propulsion.
I was a bit surprised to find just how easy it was to get the Michelin's on my test car to howl if anything enthusiastic was tried through a corner or two, though. Considering how upright the Renault Austral is, the car still gets through turns nicely and feels very good when it's being driven sensibly. It's not fast, but it's not that kind of car. Anyone who fancies the odd audible thrill though, will find those Michelin's granting that wish without too much in the way of effort.
The technology
Renault has been solid enough recently with its infotainment setups. In the case of the Austral, it's certainly an improvement over the pre-facelift model. The 12.3in touchscreen is portrait-oriented and easy on the eyes, with very legible graphics and a straightforward to use interface that's refreshing. Physical controls are a key cockpit feature too.
This is augmented by a 12in digital cluster in front of the wheel. Elsewhere there are all the tech trimmings most of us need including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lots of driver assist options, wireless charging and a respectable reversing camera.
Anyone craving more in the tech department will need to splash out on the higher-spec models though. Do so and you're rewarded with a head-up display, 360-degree surround view camera (handy, considering the less brilliant view out the back) and an excellent Harmon Kardon audio system. Even the lowlier cars get those adaptive LED headlights that make life that little bit easier.
Renault Austral verdict
There's a lot of competition among mid-sized SUV right now, so the Renault Austral has its work cut out to get attention. I think there's plenty here to deserve your attention alongside the big-selling Nissan Qashqai, the Kia Sportage, and Peugeot 3008.
While it's an improvement over what came before, this new car has its quirks; the ride is a little less refined than some rivals and, perhaps, the biggest downer overall. Driven sedately though, it isn't bad at all and feels even better when EV-only power is being delivered. I thought it was pretty comfortable too. Give it a whirl and see if you can get those tyres singing.
Stuff Says…
Score: 4/5
Renault's Austral is now better than ever with more hybrid power, better handling, cool new looks and great levels of comfort on the inside. It's way better than the original.
Pros
Really comfortable nicely finished interior
Cosmetic tweaks have tightened up the design
Infotainment is respectable and Google-based
Cons
Tyre choice seems a bit at odds with the car
Can be a little revvy if the powertrain is pushed
Suspension is a bit lumpy on less great surfaces
Renault Austral technical specifications
Powertrain 1.2-litre petrol engine + permanent magnet electric motor Battery 2kW Power 200bhp Torque 151lb ft 0-60mph 8.4sec Top speed 108mph Range 683 miles (combined) Charge rate N/A Cargo volume 527 litres
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Stuff.tv
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Stuff.tv
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- Stuff.tv
Driving the refreshed Renault Austral put hybrids back on my family car shopping list
Stuff Verdict Renault's Austral is now better than ever with more hybrid power, better handling, cool new looks and great levels of comfort on the inside. It's way better than the original. Pros Really comfortable nicely finished interior Cosmetic tweaks have tightened up the design Infotainment is respectable and Google-based Cons Tyre choice seems a bit at odds with the car Can be a little revvy if the powertrain is pushed Suspension is a bit lumpy on less great surfaces Introduction Renault is clearly on a roll at the moment, with the Renault 5 and Renault 4 EVs looking like they're going to be in big demand. Elsewhere, the French car makers has quite a lot of models that seemingly look quite similar, like the Rafale, the very good Scenic, the low-key Symbioz and less popular Arkana. The latter car looks like its days are numbered, whereas the Austral has been given a whole new lease of life. 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Anyone who fancies the odd audible thrill though, will find those Michelin's granting that wish without too much in the way of effort. The technology Renault has been solid enough recently with its infotainment setups. In the case of the Austral, it's certainly an improvement over the pre-facelift model. The 12.3in touchscreen is portrait-oriented and easy on the eyes, with very legible graphics and a straightforward to use interface that's refreshing. Physical controls are a key cockpit feature too. This is augmented by a 12in digital cluster in front of the wheel. Elsewhere there are all the tech trimmings most of us need including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lots of driver assist options, wireless charging and a respectable reversing camera. Anyone craving more in the tech department will need to splash out on the higher-spec models though. Do so and you're rewarded with a head-up display, 360-degree surround view camera (handy, considering the less brilliant view out the back) and an excellent Harmon Kardon audio system. Even the lowlier cars get those adaptive LED headlights that make life that little bit easier. Renault Austral verdict There's a lot of competition among mid-sized SUV right now, so the Renault Austral has its work cut out to get attention. I think there's plenty here to deserve your attention alongside the big-selling Nissan Qashqai, the Kia Sportage, and Peugeot 3008. While it's an improvement over what came before, this new car has its quirks; the ride is a little less refined than some rivals and, perhaps, the biggest downer overall. Driven sedately though, it isn't bad at all and feels even better when EV-only power is being delivered. I thought it was pretty comfortable too. Give it a whirl and see if you can get those tyres singing. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 Renault's Austral is now better than ever with more hybrid power, better handling, cool new looks and great levels of comfort on the inside. It's way better than the original. Pros Really comfortable nicely finished interior Cosmetic tweaks have tightened up the design Infotainment is respectable and Google-based Cons Tyre choice seems a bit at odds with the car Can be a little revvy if the powertrain is pushed Suspension is a bit lumpy on less great surfaces Renault Austral technical specifications Powertrain 1.2-litre petrol engine + permanent magnet electric motor Battery 2kW Power 200bhp Torque 151lb ft 0-60mph 8.4sec Top speed 108mph Range 683 miles (combined) Charge rate N/A Cargo volume 527 litres
Stuff.tv
18-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
After driving the Hyundai Inster I'm convinced it's another small EV success story
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Refreshingly, the Hyundai Inster is a more reduced proposition, which falls nicely between the A and B segment and directly into the compact arena. I'd call it a city car as that's what it's perfectly suited to, with a small footprint making it easy to get around town. Equally though, the Hyundai Inster is something of a driver's car, with oodles of fun potential on tap once it's taken out into the sticks and thrown around a bit. Considering its diminutive stature, the Hyundai Inster is a five-door hatchback that's way bigger on the inside than I'd expected. I'm impressed with the power options here too, with a long range 49kWh battery pack being the one to go for unless a smaller battery is going to be fine for hops to the shops. There's a single electric motor, well over two hundred miles of range and three trim options to choose from. Pick from, er, the 01, the 02 or a rugged-looking top-of-the-tree model in the shape of the Cross. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling Back in its native Korea, the Hyundai Inster started life as the Caspar, which also comes as a petrol edition. For Europe, the Inster has been tweaked a bit, and the overall look is definitely fun and funky. Lower trim levels lack the extra design pizazz of the Cross edition but all levels of this little car work, although I think it needs a bright, zingy colour like the delicious Sienna Orange to bring out the best of those angular lines. Hyundai offers it in matt finishes too, which add an industrial edge to the car, but I don't think they really do justice to the shape. Nevertheless, no matter which direction the Inster is viewed from, there is something interesting to be found. The front end, with its trademark Hyundai pixel headlights and cutesy round LED daytime running lights give the car a distinctive entry point. There's a handy charging port in the nose as well. I like the boxy arches with their plastic liners too for the sides, while around at the back there is a continuation of the pixel-lighting theme with a brake bar that runs across the tailgate. Head for the Cross model if you want to max out the funkiness, as that packs skid plates for good measure, along with some cool trim flourishes for the interior. However, the interior on any of the trim options is rock solid. I think this is one of the most distinctive cockpits currently on offer, with a heady blend of practicality mixed with eye-catching details. There's the neat design of the driver's seat, for example, and great little storage spaces all over the place. The biggest surprise, though, is that space levels are excellent in the front and not bad in the back either, topped off with generous headroom. The boot space isn't the biggest, but Hyundai has come up with a compromise because the rear seats can be moved to suit your needs. It's all very cleverly thought out. The drive I wasn't expecting the Hyundai Inster to be quite as zippy as it is. This is quite an upright car, so I thought it might be a little all over the place in the bends, but it's surprisingly stable and well planted. There's enough power too, with 113bhp a good amount of torque on tap. Around town, that makes the Inster's front-wheel drive setup work perfectly. However, out on the back roads it felt like it was suspiciously easy to spin the little Hyundai's wheels and that was in the dry. Nevertheless, during my time behind the wheel this car is typically Korean, in that the efficiency seems very decent with up to – and occasionally over – 5 miles per kWh possible. The 220-plus mile range seems perfectly achievable and, because the battery pack isn't huge, it's relatively quick to recharge via 80kW DC. Not the fastest, but fine for this sort of car. Overnight charges at home, too, should be the perfect way to go with running this car on a regular basis. The performance stats aren't exactly blistering, with 0-60mph arriving in 10.4 seconds, and a top speed of 93mph. I tried the Hyundai Inster on a section of dual carriageway though, and once it got going it moved along very nicely. The best moments, however, were had when I was trundling around country lanes and also working it through crowded streets. Parking the Inster into tight spots was a breeze too. Best bit, as is often the case with EVs, has to be the one-pedal driving option. The technology Hyundai's Inster comes with a drive layout that will be very familiar to anyone who's driven other models in the range. There's the chunky drive selector down by the steering wheel, which is also laid out with functionality in mind. In front of the wheel, there's a very neat little pod that displays driving and efficiency information. This can be customised and some of the graphics are great, like the way one view shows animated cubes that emulate flames when Sport mode is engaged. Standard dials can be viewed if preferred, mind. Across the top of the central part of the dash is where Hyundai has squeezed a 10.25in touchscreen, which is high enough to work with and not be too distracted from the road. Hyundai has the touchscreen arrangement well-honed by now and I liked the way it worked here. Down below the screen and central vents, there's an array of physical controls plus buttons that matter. Back over on the steering wheel, drive modes can be controlled by a circular button, again like that seen in other cars from the range. Hyundai Inster verdict The Hyundai Inster is a hit for me, even though there are several other temptations when it comes to buying a compact EV right now. Of the three model variants, the 02 with the larger battery pack for £26,745 is the one to go for; it's got some great trimmings, including 17in alloys and roof rails for additional head-turning appeal. Some might find the kooky interior design a little too much for their tastes, but I love the sense of fun that oozes from every millimetre of this car. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 We love a small electric car with a personality and the Hyundai Inster is just that. It's not the cheapest but there's practicality, decent range and drive appeal too. So, what's not to like? Pros Compact but clever small car design Reassuringly efficient and quite zesty too Lots of personality and a fun vibe going on Cons Expensive against some very good rivals Quirky styling touches might not work for all Smallish boot but movable seats deals with it Hyundai Inster technical specifications Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 49kWh Power 113bhp Torque 109lb-ft 0-0mph 10.4sec Top Speed 93mph Range 223 miles Maximum charge rate 80kW Cargo volume 238 litres
