Renault Austral facelift: visually sharpened, drive unchanged

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After three years on the market, the Renault Austral is getting a facelift. The SUV in the C-segment with a length of 4.5 m, which is available as a mild hybrid and hybrid model, remains true to itself in terms of drive technology, but has been given some functional updates. New features include driver recognition, additional apps and functions in the multimedia system. Renault makes the revised model recognizable with a few visual touch-ups.

Since its market launch in 2022, the equipment with a sliding rear seat has been appreciated. All-wheel steering remains an option in the range, making the car feel more compact, more stable or more agile when driving, depending on the situation. The matrix light for blanking out road users and targeted lighting, which is also available at extra cost, is designed to have a higher resolution with a higher number of LED light segments.

With driver recognition

Driver recognition is a new feature. A camera in the left A-pillar enables the system to scan the face of the person entering the vehicle. This enables the activation of personalized settings such as the home menu and preferred radio and media stations in the infotainment, the position of the driver's seat and exterior mirrors as well as the settings for the Google apps in the OpenR link system. Renault emphasizes that no data leaves the vehicle.

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Renault Austral Modellpflege (6 Bilder)

In addition to the digitally displayed instruments, there is a nine- or 12.3-inch display for the multimedia system, depending on the model. If the optional head-up display on a 9.3-inch plexiglass screen is included, the total display area is almost one square meter.

Driving assistance at SAE 2 autonomy level is promised by linking the adaptive cruise control with the lane departure warning system. Lane guidance is supported by navigation data for an anticipatory driving style and traffic sign recognition.

Greater noise comfort

Modified door seals, a more aerodynamically favorable exterior mirror attachment and the use of laminated glass for the front doors in the Esprit Alpine equipment line are intended to help reduce wind noise in the front area. Renault also uses improved sound insulation for the engine compartment and an adapted elastokinematic suspension for the engine and gearbox to reduce not only wind noise but also noise from the drivetrain. Modified shock absorbers should also contribute to the impression of comfort.

Two drive options

As a full hybrid, the Austral has a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 96 kW and a system output of 147 kW and a battery with a capacity of 2 kWh. An automated multi-mode transmission enables 15 gear ratios with two gears for the electric drive and four for the combustion engine. As a mild hybrid, the Austral is powered by a 116 kW 1.3-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, starter-generator and continuously variable transmission.

The visual bodywork changes concern the design of the hood, bumpers and radiator grille in the style of the current Renault Rafale and Espace models. The revised Austral will be built at the Palencia plant (Spain) and launched in the summer. Renault has not yet announced a precise timetable or prices.

(fpi)