Renault: First drive with the new Austral 🎥
SUSTAINABLE Diesel was yesterday, the new economy champion from France comes as a hybrid. With the Austral, Renault has dispensed with a diesel engine and is entering the Swiss market with hybridized drives.
In addition to the so-called mild hybridization with 158 hp, in which a 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder is allied with a belt starter generator and a lithium-ion battery, the top version of the Austral rolls into dealerships as the E-Tech Full Hybrid 200. A 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder with 131 hp replaces the 1.6-liter four-cylinder previously used.
The three-cylinder engine is supported by two electric drives, which together deliver 68 hp and are powered by a lithium-ion high-voltage battery of 1.7 kWh. This results in a system output of 200 hp. This mix proves to be a good choice after the first few kilometers.
From zero to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds
Power transmission is handled by a multi-mode gearbox with a total of 15 gear combinations. The time between zero and 100 km/h is 8.4 seconds, and the top speed is limited at 174 km/h, as in all variants.
After 120 km/h, however, the forward momentum is rather inhibited if the Sport driving setting is not selected. To improve efficiency, the Renault developers gave the Austral four very effective recuperation stages that can be controlled via shift paddles on the steering wheel.
12-inch screens and 9.3-inch head-up display
In the spacious interior, the Group's creative team adopted many elements from the electrically powered Megane. The centerpiece is the OpenR screen, which displays the instrument panel as well as the navigation and multimedia systems, but also integrates Google services and applications. The two large 12-inch screens and the 9.3-inch head-up display add up to a monitor and presentation area of almost 1000 cm2, enabling a comprehensive and connected driving experience.
The 4.51-meter Renault cuts a good figure in terms of space economy. Thanks to the rear seat segments that can be shifted lengthwise by 16 centimeters, there is also room for people over 1.85 meters in the back. In the basic configuration, the trunk holds 430 liters. If the backrests of the rear seat are folded down, a step is created, the load floor rises slightly and the volume increases to 1455 liters.
A total of 32 assistance systems are available
French cars are synonymous with the comfortable way of driving, and the Austral is no exception. The suspension is clearly tuned toward comfort, and it stays that way even when the Sport setting is selected. Eco and Comfort are also available.
Even on rough surfaces, the Austral remains calm and - thanks to the optional all-wheel steering - stays on track. With this steering, the Austral is one of the few representatives of its kind and, with a turning circle of 10.1 meters, even undercuts the corresponding value of the small Clio.
A total of 32 assistance systems are available to the person behind the wheel, with emergency brake assist with pedestrian detection, safety distance warning, drowsiness and traffic sign recognition, and emergency lane departure warning all standard.
Prices start at 37 600 francs (Mild Hybrid 160 car) the E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 costs from 41 100 francs.
