Introduction
A highly connected and innovative SUV for the modern, electrified world, the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid will play a key role in helping Renault to achieve its ambitions of re-conquering the C-segment, as part of Renault’s ‘cars for living’ trajectory, enhancing its already strong focus on electrified cars, as outlined in the bold ‘Renaulution’ strategy. This is the ‘nouvelle vague’ that aims to turn the brand into an industry benchmark for technology, electrification, and connected services.
All new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is the first Renault vehicle to be designed on the third generation CMF-CD platform [co-developed within the Alliance], and is coupled with the latest, more powerful, and more efficient version of the E-Tech full hybrid powertrain. It marries its new, efficient drivetrain with an innovative, user-focused cockpit and a range of advanced technologies – from cutting-edge Google connectivity to an array of driver, safety and parking systems as standard – all packaged in a new, sporty SUV design that follows Gilles Vidal’s (Renault Director of Design) new vision.
Available in three trims (techno, techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine) the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid wears the esprit Alpine branding for the first time on a Renault. All models are powered by a new 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery. An electric-only mode offers quiet and zero emissions city driving, while the battery recharges when decelerating and braking to offer a truly electric experience with no need to plug in. On the combined WLTP cycle, the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid achieves up to 60.1mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars in the Renault line-up, keeping emissions as low as 105g/km of CO2. The impressive figures highlight its status as an exceptionally efficient hybrid electric vehicle.
Regarded as the pinnacle of modernity, all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid comes with up to 30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and MULTI-SENSE settings, which provide four different driving styles suitable for a range of journeys and terrains. These are complemented by Renault’s third-generation four-wheel steering system, 4CONTROL Advanced, giving all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid a city car-like 10.1m turning circle, which makes parking a breeze when used in conjunction with the car’s front, rear and side parking sensors and 360° Around View 3D camera. Each useful, proactive, and intelligent technological feature is there to improve passenger comfort, pleasure, and act as part of Renault’s leading Human First safety initiative. In fact, the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid has also achieved the highest NCAP score, receiving five stars.
Designed for living, its generous interior features a wireless smartphone charging station, while 35 litres of modular storage throughout the cabin ensure optimum use of the available space. The rear seats can be slid back by 16cm for a stretched-out and relaxed experience, while the boot space offers a capacity of up to 555 litres, conveniently accessed via an electric tailgate.
A highly customisable digital experience awaits, accessed through the twin 12-inch OpenR screens and 9.3-inch head-up display, all powered by Google services, which includes Google Play, Google Maps and Google Assistant. A range of up to 35 apps with exclusive content are available. From selecting music to planning a route, finding a parking space or controlling home devices, all can be activated with the ease of voice control. In total, with the 9.3” head-up display and Google-built in is standard on all UK versions, providing a total screen space of nearly 1000 cm2 for an intuitive, immersive, and connected driving experience.
Its name evokes images of the wide-open spaces of the southern hemisphere, a promise of endless possibilities, a hallmark of Renault’s DNA. Manufactured in the ultra-modern Palencia factory in Spain, all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is subject to several rigorous checks during every stage of production to ensure the upmost quality. From choosing materials to checking each functionality, from assembly to painting, nothing is left to chance. As quality and durability are the guiding principles of the design brief, nearly 1,000 criteria are assessed throughout the design phase by both in house experts and an external panel of consumers.
With quality as a core pillar of the Renaulution strategy, all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid travelled nearly 2 million miles [or 75 times around the world] on all road types, as part of a stringent pre-launch quality testing programme. A global team of 100 experts put the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid to the test, resulting in more than 350 improvements made before launch. This programme was bolstered with a specific UK testing period, where a team of 20 product experts tested the product in specific UK-based scenarios.
Orders for the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid opened in May 2023 in the UK, with first customer deliveries due from July 2023.
“Featuring one of the best infotainment systems on the market and the world’s most efficient hybrid powertrain, the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is renewing Renault’s range in the C segment with a product that befits its ambitions and targets our core [European inc. UK] market”.
Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault
