Latest news with #RenaultAustral
Auto Express
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
No Renault Austral PHEV: updated SUV to stick with familiar power
The Renault Austral has just undergone a major facelift, with the mid-sized SUV receiving a sharper look, new technology and revised suspension set-up which, among other changes, is meant to improve the ride comfort. We'd assumed the French firm would also take this opportunity to finally add a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but we've been informed there are no such plans. Advertisement - Article continues below Not having a PHEV version of the Renault Austral seems odd to us because numerous other mid-sized SUVs – including our current class favourite, the Hyundai Tucson – are now available with plug-in hybrid power. In fact, the next-generation Toyota RAV4 revealed recently will only be offered as a plug-in hybrid in the UK. It's not like Renault doesn't have this technology either, because the Rafale – the brand's flagship SUV – is based on the same platform as the Austral, and features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 296bhp. But more importantly, it also provides up to 65 miles of pure-electric driving range and emits as little as 12g/km of CO2 for a very low company car tax rate. So why isn't the new Renault Austral getting a plug-in hybrid option? Christophe Pejout, product manager for the car, told us: 'It's not in our plan. We don't want to push plug-in hybrid to each customer because I think it's not reasonable. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'It is really to be pushed to customers who can plug in every day. So we think it can address a certain percentage of customers' needs, but not all of them. This is why we've proposed plug-in hybrid on a limited number of models.' Advertisement - Article continues below Pejout says Renault wants to really focus on providing full-hybrids for the majority of its customers, not plug-in hybrids. But, of course, for those customers who can charge a car every day, the brand also offers several pure-electric models, including the new Scenic family SUV, which is a similar size to the Austral. A lot of the updates made to the Renault Austral are designed to improve ride comfort as well as boosting refinement. For instance, the family SUV now has additional soundproofing under the bonnet, redesigned side mirrors and even new engine mounts. However, the Austral's full-hybrid 'E-Tech' powertrain is the same as before and still features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. This is another decision that perplexed us, because the smaller Renault Captur and Symbioz hybrid SUVs are both getting new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, which should be naturally smoother. Eric Blanchard, chief engineer for Renault's larger SUVs, explained why the team stuck with the smaller motor. 'In order to have a very efficient hybrid system, we need a very efficient ICE power, and this 1.2-litre turbo engine is the answer we came up with for this hybrid system,' Blanchard said. 'The engine we have in the Symbioz is naturally aspirated, and yes it's bigger, but power and torque are much lower.' Plus, on paper, the Austral emits less CO2 and boasts higher average fuel efficiency than rivals such as the Tucson. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data There are now very few manual cars available to buy, a trend that's been exacerbated by the rise of EVs Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Renault Austral gets sharper look and refinement boost
New front end comprises diamond-shaped grille, thinner headlights and tooth-like running lights The Renault Austral has been updated three years after its launch to bring it into line with its newer stablemates. Chief among the changes is a sharp new look inspired by the new Rafale coupé-SUV, with trapezoidal headlights, a larger, diamond-patterned front grille and new tooth-like daytime running lights. At the rear end, the 'E' badging after the Austral name on the bootlid has been removed and the Renault logo no longer protrudes from the surface of the car. Inside, it gets thicker bolstering on the front seats, which in entry-level Techno trim are upholstered in fabric made from 98% recycled materials. It retains the existing car's digital dashboard set-up, comprising a 12.3in instrument panel and a 12in infotainment touchscreen. As before, the latter has Google Play functionality built in, offering more than 50 downloadable apps, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The new Austral has also been fitted with revised engine mounts, more soundproofing under its bonnet and reworked door seals, which are said to improve refinement. Meanwhile, the dampers have been upgraded to provide a flatter ride around bends. The updated Austral will be offered with a sole powertrain in the UK: a 197bhp hybrid system comprising a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, a clutchless five-speed automatic gearbox and two electric motors. This allows the 1612kg mid-sized SUV to complete the 0-62mph dash in 8.4sec and officially yields 60.1mpg. A range of ADAS mandated by the European Union's GSR2 safety regulations have been added, but there's a My Safety button on the dashboard that allows them to be set to the driver's preference conveniently. Prices start at £34,695. ]]>
