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This puts the Renault Austral at a strategic crossroads in the model range. It fills the space between the compact Captur and the larger Espace and Rafale, combining elements of both worlds: the agility and efficiency of one, with the comfort and technology of the other. In that respect, the Renault Austral is perhaps the brand’s most representative SUV – and that makes this updated version all the more important.

Exterior: recognizable modern Renault DNA

What immediately stands out about the redesigned Renault Austral is the sharpened exterior design. The front end has been completely redesigned with a new hood, tighter bumper and wider grille that visually matches Renault’s modern design language. The new daytime running lights in half-diamond shape and slender headlights with adaptive LED technology give the SUV a high-tech look also seen in models such as the Renault Rafale.

As with that bigger brother – which we drove earlier for AutoRAI.co.uk – the lines are sharp and contemporary, with a recognizable signature. New body colors such as Bleu Naxos and Blanc Nacré Satin, exclusive to the Esprit Alpine, reinforce the modern look. In that version, the roof is also finished in Noir Étoilé, a black metallic shade that, together with the black trim and 20-inch alloy wheels, provides a sporty look without excess.

More efficiency and traction for Renault Austral

Renault offers the updated Austral with two different powertrains. The main one is the E-Tech Full Hybrid 200, which consists of a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a main electric motor with 51 kW (70 hp) of power and a second electric motor that serves as a starter generator and transmission controller. This powertrain delivers a system output of 147 kW (200 hp), continuously charging the 2 kWh battery while driving, braking or coasting. So you never have to plug it in.

The transmission software has been improved for smoother and faster gear changes. This Full Hybrid variant is optimized for low CO₂ emissions and average consumption of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers, with a maximum towing weight of 1,500 kilograms. On the contrary, those seeking maximum towing weight can opt for the mild hybrid 160 X-Tronic. This version has a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 118 kW (160 hp). So slightly less power, but a higher permissible towing weight of 1,800 kilograms.

Interior: tranquility, space and recognition

Inside, it is also immediately noticeable that the Austral has been tightened up a bit. New ergonomic front seats offer more side and shoulder support, with sporty Alcantara trim and Alpine-blue stitching in the esprit Alpine trim. Clever details such as a higher placement of the transmission lever and an improved seating position provide added ease of operation.

On the technology front, the introduction of driver recognition via face detection is a notable addition. The camera in the A-pillar recognizes who is getting in and automatically adjusts seat settings, mirrors, favorite apps and media. The OpenR Link infotainment system with Google integration has been further refined with new apps and a smoother interface. The combination of a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, central touchscreen and optional head-up display offers nearly a thousand square inches of display area – comparable to three tablets.

Practical features: spacious and smart

With its sliding rear seats and adjustable backrest, the Renault Austral remains a smart family car. Luggage space ranges from 527 to 1,736 liters, depending on the position of the rear seats. Thanks to an electric tailgate, a flat loading floor and a 12V socket in the luggage compartment, you can already take it any way you want. Up front, there are wireless charging options and multiple USB-C ports, as well as in the rear. That’s also a great place for passengers, by the way. Knee room is 27 centimeters on paper and proves adequate in practice. Point of note is law that headroom is somewhat limited, especially if you are nearly two meters tall.

Handling: quieter, smoother and sharper

The Renault Austral E-Tech 200 offers a remarkably balanced driving experience. Thanks to a series of adjustments to the chassis and powertrain, the SUV now feels more like a mature travel companion than ever. We just wrote about the modifications to the hybrid powertrain and transmission. These translate to smoother shifting. This is especially noticeable during accelerations between 40 and 80 kilometers per hour.

The suspension was also revised. New shock absorbers and stop rubbers, together with larger wheels, provide better filtering of bumps, more steering precision and greater driving comfort. The car feels stable at higher speeds and manages to neutralize short bumps well. Considerable strides have also been made in the field of acoustics. Thanks to improved engine mounts, insulation materials and wind noise reduction, the Renault Austral has improved in comfort.

In terms of steering, the optional 4Control advanced all-wheel steering system stands out. The rear axle rotates up to five degrees for extra maneuverability in the city. This results in a turning circle of 10.1 meters, quite handy when parking or reversing. At speeds above 50 kilometers per hour, the rear wheels subtly steer in the same direction as the front wheels, providing extra stability when cornering.

Safety and assistance: at a high level

The updated Renault Austral is equipped with 32 driving assistance systems. On one hand this shows the rich equipment, on the other hand this is also a lot of beeps and warnings. Fortunately, there is the “My Safety Switch,” which allows you to activate your favorite driving assistance systems with one button. We like that. Through the central screen, you can also adjust warning levels and sound alerts. For the rest, systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, traffic sign recognition, a blind spot sensor and a trailer assistant are on hand.

Conclusion: a mature SUV that now delivers on its promise

The updated Renault Austral is not a completely new car, but it does feel like a big step forward. With its sleeker design, quieter powertrain, improved driving comfort and comprehensive equipment, it is now truly ready to compete in the top SUV segment. The E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 offers a nice balance between performance and fuel economy. With the OpenR Link infotainment system with Google integration, the car also feels more contemporary than ever. It may not be the powerhouse of the family – that role belongs to the Rafale – but as a quiet force, it knows exactly what it does best.