Forget the Renault Kadjar! For the diamond brand, the future of the family SUV goes through the Austral. New name, increased perceived quality, high-tech equipment, hybrid engines… Renault is getting up to speed and making a clean sweep of the past. But the competition is also not lacking in strengths.
After a single generation, the Renault Kadjar SUV is bowing out. His replacement changes everything, starting with his name: Austral. Taking the example of the best-selling vehicle in the category, the Peugeot 3008, it adopts a sharper look, offers customization possibilities, and can rely on its new hybrid technology as well as a range of driving aids.
A hell of a leap forward compared to its predecessor. However, the competition has also raised its level of play and the Renault Austral will find people on its way.
TO READ. Renault Austral (2022). On board the Peugeot 3008 rival
On board the Renault Austral, the 100% digital atmosphere is similar to that of the electric Renault Mégane E-Tech with an “L” layout combining the instrumentation and the touch screen. It has its effect.
Five engines for the Austral
The Renault Austral relies on a range of gasoline-only engines. An unprecedented 1.2 Turbo 130 hp acts as entry level with 48V micro-hybrid technology. Two hybrid proposals adding a 68 hp electric motor, totaling 160 or 200 hp are also in the game. Finally the 1.3 TCe engine with also a micro hybridization but in 12 V leaves the choice between versions of 140 or 160 hp. Renault will have a 280 hp plug-in hybrid in 2024 with all-wheel drive. For customers who would like more sportiness, at least in cosmetic terms, an Alpine Spirit finish is on the program.
TO READ. Renault Austral (2022). Esprit Alpine, the new chic and sporty pack
Facing the Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008 is the main target and it has also served as a master standard for the design of the Renault SUV. However, they will not have to face each other for very long since at the end of 2023, the lion’s leisure vehicle will hand over to a third version internally known as P64. In the meantime, the 3008, born in 2016, still holds the line very well with an in-depth restyled version in 2020 which brings a lot of modernity. 130 hp petrol engine, 225 and 300 hp plug-in hybrid and 130 hp diesel make up its range.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.45 x 1.84 x 1.62
Wheelbase (m): 2.68m
Trunk (l): 520 / 1,482
TO READ. New Peugeot 3008 (2023). The secrets of the 3rd generation P64
Facing the Citroën C5 Aircross
The common point between the Citroën SUV and the new Austral is the family character. Three independent sliding seats for the first, a bench whose seat slides independently in 2/3-1/3 over an amplitude of 16 cm for the second. The C5 Aircross has just gone through the restyling box in order to force the line a little and bring it character in a segment where this is essential. Under the hood, it benefits from a 130 hp petrol engine, a plug-in hybrid variant with 225 hp and a 130 hp diesel unit.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.50 x 1.97 x 1.69
Wheelbase (m): 2.73m
Trunk (l): 460 / 1,510
Facing the Opel Grandland
Technical cousin of the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross, the Opel Grandland remains somewhat in the shadows. Arrived at mid-life, in the summer of 2021, it has since sported a muzzle with a Vizor, the famous grille of the new Opel. While on board, a double digital panel greatly modernizes the atmosphere. The range of engines is identical to that of the Peugeot 3008.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.48 x 1.91 x 1.61
Wheelbase (m): 2.68m
Trunk (l): 390 / 1,528
Facing the Nissan Qashqai
In 2007, the Nissan Qashqai clearly invents an automobile genre with commercial success that creates a real tidal wave. But over time, the enthusiasm for the model eventually waned. At the beginning of 2021, a third generation returns with a more marked style, a more generous format and a digital dashboard. While under the hood, the diesel is no longer in the game. Technically speaking, the Japanese has a common base with the Renault Austral. Under the hood, we thus find the 1.3 TCe block with a light hybridization 48V, offered in 140 hp and 160 hp. Question simple hybridization, the modalities are different. The Japanese opts for a 190 hp e-Power hybrid architecture which caps the offer.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.43 x 2.08 x 1.63
Wheelbase (m): 2.67m
Trunk (l): 504 / 1,525
Facing the Kia Sportage
The Korean best-seller, puts forward a very strong style, some will judge a little too much, with this fifth generation which corresponds to a change of identity for the brand. The Kia Sportage does not close the door to any energy, gasoline (150 hp), diesel (136 hp), hybrid (230 hp) and plug-in hybrid (265 hp) are offered, like all-wheel drive compatible with all versions with the exception of petrol combustion.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.52 x 1.87 x 1.65
Wheelbase (m): 2.68
Trunk (l): 526 / 1,715
Facing the Volkswagen Tiguan
With its positioning on the edge of premium brands and its high prices, the Volkswagen Tiguan stands above the fray of tricolor models. What testifies a sporty Tiguan R version with a 320 hp petrol engine, a 200 hp diesel and a 245 hp plug-in hybrid variant that slips between that of the 225 and 300 hp Stellantis models. But the Tiguan is at the end of its life, it will be replaced by a third generation in 2023.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.51 x 1.84 x 1.68
Wheelbase (m): 2.68
Trunk (l): 977 / 1,746
Facing the Ford Kuga
In these times of crisis, where prices at the pump continue to break records, E85 bioethanol engine of the Ford Kuga is timely. The oval SUV does not only have this advantage in its pocket, it has a well-targeted hybrid and rechargeable hybrid offer. The restyling of the Kuga is imminent with substantial changes both cosmetically at the front and on board using a new interface. The Kuga can also count on its King Size format for the segment to be very welcoming.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.63 x 2.00 x 1.68
Wheelbase (m): nc
Trunk (l): 645 / 1,481
Facing the Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 was not particularly studied for Europe, this which explains its more generous format (4.60m). In fact, the Japanese is rather halfway between the 5-seater compact SUV like the Peugeot 3008 and the 7-seater (5008), or more precisely in the comparison that concerns us today between the “standard” Renault Austral 4.51 m long and its 7-seater version which will reach 4.70 m in 2023. In France, the Toyota RAV4 is only available in a strong hybrid version of 218 hp in 4×2 version and 222 hp in 4×4 plus a plug-in hybrid variant with 306 hp and necessarily available in 4×4.
Dimensions (m) L x W x H: 4.60 x 1.86 x 1.69
Wheelbase (m): 2.69
Trunk (l): 520 / 1,690
