Renault’s New SUV Could Change Your Mind About Hybrid Vehicles
Renault has recently released its new SUV, the Austral, and it might just be the vehicle to change your perspective on hybrid cars. With claims that the Austral can be driven 80% of the time on battery power alone in urban driving conditions, resulting in a potential fuel consumption reduction of up to 40%, it’s certainly an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers.
During a week-long test drive, I decided to go against the norm and put the Austral to the test on long national road drives rather than in urban settings. This was an interesting experiment because many people are considering hybrid cars as an interim step between diesel and fully electric vehicles. However, there is a fear that hybrids are not as fuel-efficient on longer journeys or commutes as they are made out to be.
To my surprise, I managed to cover a remarkable 900km before needing to refuel, which is quite impressive considering this was not the typical driving scenario for a hybrid vehicle. While Renault claims the Austral has a range of 1,100km, I tend to take such figures with a pinch of salt. Nevertheless, I still had around 100km left in the tank before needing to refuel from empty. In theory, I could have traveled a total of 1,000km before running dangerously low on fuel, but I prefer not to push the limits.
Although I believe a new diesel engine would have performed even better in terms of fuel efficiency on longer journeys, the Austral still fared exceptionally well, especially considering the frequently challenging weather and road conditions I encountered. The Austral’s petrol hybrid E-Tech drivetrain boasts an impressive 200ps and emits between 105g/km to 109g/km of CO2 depending on the model. Road tax for this vehicle is €180, and it offers an official fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km.
While the power output of the Austral was impressive and provided plenty of pep on better stretches of road, I noticed that the engine (a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine) kicked in quite often, sometimes even as I slowed down. This was a bit disconcerting, as I expected a smoother transition between electronic and combustion power. However, this was my only major gripe about the Austral when it came to longer journeys.
Inside, the Austral felt more spacious than I had anticipated, with plenty of room for front seat occupants and adjustable space for rear passengers. The sliding central console was a convenient feature, providing additional storage options throughout the cabin. The interior of the model I had on test was of exceptional quality, with a well-designed dash centered around the infotainment screen and driver info display. The car also came equipped with numerous Google-powered in-car digitalization graphics, offering up to 35 apps.
In terms of handling, the Austral incorporates 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering, which is particularly useful for tight parking and maneuvering. While I didn’t need to utilize this feature extensively, it came in handy on challenging twists and turns on Connemara roads. However, even with the advanced steering system, the suspension was stretched at times to maintain stability.
If I were in the market for a family SUV that combines stylish design, ample space, impressive specifications, and excellent fuel consumption, the Renault Austral would definitely be on my shortlist. The range of features includes occupant safe exit, distance warning alerts, multiple driver modes (eco, comfort, sport, normal), a rearview camera, and Google built-in maps.
In conclusion, Renault’s new Austral SUV showcases the brand’s commitment to producing hybrids that deliver on both power and fuel efficiency. While the engine’s behavior during long drives may require some adjustment, the overall performance, fuel consumption, and spacious interior make the Austral a strong contender in the competitive mid-sized compact SUV market.
