Renault Austral in-depth review | Road Test

Meaning ‘Southern winds’, the new Renault Austral is huge step for Renault into the hybrid SUV market and a breath of fresh air with its sleek lines and updated looks. And while some may be sad that the Austral is the official replacement for the Kadjar, there’s no doubt that it is set to become another iconic feature on the UK roads.

With a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 400V 1.7 kWh battery, Renault claim an amazing WLTP combined range of 683 miles – but that is just the tip of the iceberg that this cutting-edge hybrid has to offer.

With fierce competition in the electric SUV market, including the powerhouse that is the BMW X3, can the Austral make enough of an impression to come out on top in the shifting automotive marketplace.

Find out for yourself with Duncan Vincent in this episode of Road Test.

🚗 Featured car: Renault Austral Iconic Esprit Alpine

📹 Presenter: Duncan Vincent

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[stalbansbiker]

I test drove one and loved it
The ride is brilliant on the version I drove with the 4 steer and have now bought one
What a fantastic car

[ThomasGoss-hvto]

Had mine for 2 months now and love the car it’s a driver’s car with lots of features and very economical to run

[andrewmcfadyen]

Having owned one for the last month I can't help feeling that the so called motoring experts have unfairly criticised the suspension and drive comfort of the Austral. Having also recently owned an Arkana, the Austral is streets ahead in performance comfort and practicality. I'm delighted with mine although the technology takes a bit of getting used to.

[RogerMorello-du]

Thanks for the informative review. One hears so many contradictive comments from some reviewers that I end up more confused than when I started researching the car. I spoke to a friend that has recently purchased one and he let me have a go in it. What an absolutely gorgeous place to be sat in. And the HK sound system is amazing - even that got slated by a particular reviewer!!! That's when I lost trust in anything else he said about the car. Thanks again...oh and subscribed.

[scotinnl]

My Iconic Esprit Austral arrives in 3 weeks, can't wait to get behind the wheel and have some fun!

[BaaeTu]

The issue is the majority or reviews are carried out on the super multi link suspension, 4 wheel steer model. This top spec Iconic Espirit alpine option which is being tested here has this, when compared to the base spec and mid spec conventional torsion bar systems that do not. These are the Techno and Techno Espirit alpine models for clarity.
Basically, if in the Uk you see a reviewers Austral with a sunroof and the Harmon sound system, it is the top spec version. The other models will have a more conventional harder feel on bumps etc especially when fitted with 20 inch wheels that have lower profile tyre sidewalls. It stands to reason that the multi link suspension on the top spec model is helping to smooth this out. Many reviewers over recent years comment on a hard ride and increased tyre noise when using wheels with bigger diameters. This is because generally they offset the overall diameter with the shallower sidewall thickness.
The thinner the sidewall the closer it is to the ground with less cushioning effect and often more tyre noise. On the plus side lower profile tyres can offer a firmer/solid feel on smooth faster surfaces which some drivers prefer.
Best advice sure you try before you buy.

[cmd]

I was getting my renault austral coincidentally today and was worried i made the wrong choice especially considering the plenty of false reviews out there but this video gave me reassurance as i saw it in my recommended today.

I can say without a doubt, this review is a 100% accurate depiction, suspension is lovely and the ride is nice and smooth contrary to all the opinionsof critics of car. Its truly a luxury feel and the battery is very impressive aswell, i was able to go electric at very high speeds just like you guys said in the video. Its a huge upgrade from the previous car I had which is a toyota prius plus and I am in love with it, i got the middle verson, i believe it is called the techno espirit alpine version. Anyways, thanks for this needed accurate depiction of this car because a lot of the reviews from others lacked the quality and depth this video had.

EDIT: A few days later, i have practically fallen in love with this car. Two annoyances is just passenger seat in middle can be uncomfortable aswell as the seat belt alarm, if you dont wear seatbelt in passenger seats then it will ring and be annoying for 2 mins then stop whereas in other cars you have to put seat belt on first in passenger seat then unfasten for it to start beeping. Other then that, this car is amazing

[Hobbitoftheshires]

I really enjoyed the drive of this car, off the mark it’s a little hesitant if you try and give it full berries but it’s an suv not a sports car. I took the plunge and ordered the Iconic as that 4 wheel steering is so good as is the sound system. Reviews are very subjective, best way to decide if it’s for you is just go out and drive it.

[sues]

Thankyou for a good review. I am considering this car through Motability. I have had a test drive on it and loved it. It would be the Techno Espirit Alpine version.

[jamesdrewett]

Most informative review I’ve seen thank you

[WEZ]

It’s the first time I’ve come across your channel and really enjoyed the review, great common sense information with deliberate highlighting of both good and bad points. I’d have liked to have heard the overall MPG for your journey that day too. The only slight negative comment I’d add is about the turning comparison, in the Austral you started with full lock already on before moving the car but, in the Clio you started moving then applied full lock giving an uneven comparison between the two.

[AbarasqueLimited]

I test drove this car and was also surprised how good the suspension was after reading poor reviews. Why are other reviews bad? Are they deliberately trying to put buyers off?

[dianeroberts]

I think that is one of the best reviews Ive seen on the Austral. Think I will be ordering one for March 24...

[nigelgeorge]

Absolutely brilliant commentary, going down to Arnold Clark Renault in Huddersfield to view this lovely car ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[ShauneinKent]

Will be picking my one up in two weeks can’t wait and thanks for the video 👍

[rputtnam]

I test drove one and thought it was great. I didn't notice anything wrong with the suspension, it felt better than my Captur Hybrid. Ordered one straight away.

According to the Renault e-guide YouTube videos, the boot will open in handsfree mode, you have to do a sort of kicking motion under the rear bumper, in the middle.

[GPigTV]

Looked at one to rule it out and instead fell in love with this car. Renault has massively upped its game with quality and ride with the Austral. Shame the 4control steering has been removed from UK market as of April24, so our top spec iconic doesn’t have it, but we test drove base spec car and found the ride to be just as smooth if not slightly better than competitors, even without the trick multi-link rear suspension. And also don’t believe the reviews that this car can be hesitant when pushed, they are based on early release cars and this has since been addressed, we found lots of immediate torque and power on the test drive. Can’t wait to collect our Austral.

[andicampbell]

Excellent review 👍 This is now on my shortlist.

[shaunrowley]

An excellent review 👍🏻 and what's more seriously considering a purchase

[ullh]

I love how I'm able to tell where you're driving at all times just from living in Glasgow for 4 years! I imagine the start-stop system comes in handy at the extremely long traffic lights! Terrific & engaging review, I've just ordered mine for a May delivery, hope I haven't been too mad with going for the flame red colour. Would anyone recommend adding the ceramic coating option for the paint? Does it add more shine/richness/gloss to the overall colour?