Renault Austral (2022). Esprit Alpine, the new chic and sporty pack

Renault is launching a new label called “Alpine Spirit”.

The launch of the Austral, replacing the Kadjar, is accompanied by the arrival of a new finish: “Alpine Spirit”. With this label, Renault wants to play the card of both nostalgia and sportsmanship. Finally, nothing new under the hood. The specifics are mainly cosmetic.

Manufacturers almost all have a sports label in their range: M Sport at BMW, GT at Peugeot or ST Line at Ford. Names that are not necessarily synonymous with increased performance. In short, there is the bottle but neither the intoxication nor the ecological penalty of a powerful engine. Alterations, generally cosmetic, are intended to reinforce the temperament of the model… And it sells! For more than 10 years, sporting claws have existed at Renault. Following on from the Gordini, GT Line and even RS Line, which have now disappeared from the catalogue, Renault is launching the “Alpine Spirit” pack. First model to benefit from it: the Austral, replacing the Kadjar.

Alpine spirit, are you there?

As with the use of the Gordini name, that of Alpine is already causing a lot of ink to flow among enthusiasts. What’s more when this name is affixed to an SUV! Moreover, and contrary to what one might have imagined, with this badge the manufacturer plays the card of sobriety and elegance rather than real sportiness. This new label can be recognized by its subtle aesthetic changes.

Renault Austral matt gray alpine spirit — One of the special features of this Esprit Alpine pack is this matte shade. A first for a mass-produced model from the manufacturer.

The Austral Esprit Alpine inherits in particular a specific paint. For the first time, Renault is dressing a mass-produced vehicle in a satin/matte finish. We find the Schist Gray of the dress at the level of the sport blade of the shield as well as in the horizontal strip running through the grille.

Renault Austral Esprit Alpine grille — The grille features the new Renault logo. On both sides, there is a horizontal band of gray color.

The latter is dressed in black, as are the roof (optional on Techno), the upper part of the side windows and the roof bars. Note that all the logos (front, rear and center of the wheels) benefit from a darker treatment. Even the Austral name on the tailgate and the lights are affected. On the sides of the SUV, Esprit Alpine badges are affixed. The pack, only available with the two most chic Techno and Iconic finishes, is completed with 20” black diamond-cut aluminum rims which also bear the Alpine name.

Renault Austral 20'' Alpine Spirit rims — The diamond rims here measure 20”.

A more sporty treatment on board?

Inside, Renault continues to play the card of refinement. The atmosphere is decidedly not sporty. The manufacturer has only played on a few details. Alcantara is everywhere. It is found at the level of the seats, the dashboard and the lower part of the steering wheel. Covering it entirely with skin was not part of the specifications. On the other hand, it receives preferential treatment with blue, white and red stitching.

renault austral flying spirit alpine — The steering wheel is partly covered with Alcantara. The stitching is in the colors of the tricolor flag.

renault austral alpine spirit headrest — The seats, partly covered in Alcantara, feature a blue embroidered logo.

All the other elements of the furniture are only enhanced with blue stitching. This color is also found on the seat belts and headrests where an Alpine logo has been embroidered. An aluminum pedal set and door sills – in the name of the Renault Group’s sports division – complete the range. On the equipment side, there are digital counters and the central touchscreen tablet managed by Google, as on all Australs. The only difference is that when it starts, the screen displays a specific welcome sequence evocative of the A Fléché brand.

Renault Austral Esprit Alpine interior — Inside, the atmosphere is chic. Not particularly sporty.

The Iconic Esprit Alpine, which tops the SUV range, receives as standard a heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable heated front seats (forward/backward adjustments, height and angle of inclination of the backrest) and a driver’s chair with lumbar massage function. Intelligent and proactive adaptive cruise control as well as the level 2 semi-autonomous driving system are also on the menu. Finally, to optimize dynamism and maneuverability, the 4-wheel steering chassis (4Control) is also part of the standard equipment.