Renault Austral: more advanced, more hybrid, more desirable

becoming a true cornerstone in the French brand's return to the C and D segments. Today, with over 200,000 units sold, Renault's compact SUV returns to the scene with a profound technical and aesthetic update, ready to relaunch itself on the European market.

The new Renault Austral hasn't just changed its appearance: it's evolved in every way, from its sculpted design to its acoustic comfort, from the smoother full hybrid drive to the advanced ADAS package, and even the super-connected interior featuring the OpenR Link system with integrated Google. It's an SUV that's both urban and familiar, dynamic and refined, with three clearly differentiated trim levels—Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine—designed to satisfy different target audiences with a single promise: to offer efficient, technological, and human mobility.

The 200 hp Full Hybrid E-Tech version, which accounts for 80% of sales, remains the core of the offering. It's no coincidence that a full 44% of customers choose the top-of-the-line Esprit Alpine trim, a testament to how important style and performance are in today's purchasing decisions.

Produced at the Palencia plant in Spain, the new Austral is already ready to hit the roads of Europe. And judging by its features, it seems poised to make its mark.

Design: renewed lines and luminous signature

The new 2025 Renault Austral features a revamped design that embraces the French manufacturer's new stylistic language, echoing the taut, elegant lines seen on the Rafale and Espace. The front end has gained character, thanks to a sculpted grille with 3D diamond inserts and full-LED headlights with a semi-diamond signature, while the rear features new tangram-inspired lights that appear to float when the vehicle is turned off. The color options are expanded with Ultramarine Blue and satin Nacré White, alongside the popular two-tone combination with a Étoilé Black roof, now available from the Techno trim level. Careful details such as the gloss black blades on the sides and the specific grille and wheel arch finishes accentuate the SUV's personality, giving it a sportier, more modern, and distinctive road presence.

Driving pleasure: quieter, more agile, more efficient

Behind the wheel, the new Austral offers a refined experience. The adoption of the 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering system combined with the Multi-Link chassis allows for more agile maneuvers in the city (a turning circle of just 10.1 meters) and reassuring grip at high speeds. The chassis has been optimized with new shock absorbers and bump stops derived from the Rafale. During acceleration and pick-up, the 200 hp E-Tech Full Hybrid engine – which currently accounts for 80% of sales – benefits from a new software calibration that makes gear changes more responsive and eliminates drag, ensuring smoothness and responsiveness. Acoustic comfort, improved with interventions on seals, rearview mirrors, and soundproofing, makes every journey even more enjoyable, with a reduction of up to 8 decibels in perceived noise while driving.

ADAS: 32 systems for active and proactive safety

With 32 available driver assistance systems, the 2025 Renault Austral is among the leaders in its segment. The new My Safety Switch button allows you to activate your five preferred systems with a single touch, avoiding having to dig into menus each time. Active Driver Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping, is now predictive thanks to geolocation data, while traffic sign recognition with speeding warning helps you travel safely even on unfamiliar routes. The Safety Score and Safety Coach systems also received awards, offering personalized advice after each trip to improve your driving style. Blind spot sensors, front and rear automatic braking, parking assistance, safe occupant egress, and trailer stability control round out the package.

Interior: more technology, more space, more personality

The cabin of the new Austral is designed to combine aesthetics and functionality. The OpenR system with Google Integrated includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a central screen up to 12.3 inches and a 9.3-inch head-up display, offering a viewing area of over 1,000 cm². Superb connectivity is guaranteed by Google services (Maps, Assistant, Play Store), OTA updates and exclusive apps such as “Take a Break!”, which detects signs of fatigue and suggests breaks. The redesigned seats offer greater support and comfort. In the rear, the 16 cm-sliding, tilting and folding bench seat guarantees best-in-class flexibility, with knee room of up to 27.4 cm. Boot capacity reaches 1,761 litres in the mild hybrid version, confirming the Austral as one of the most versatile SUVs in the C-segment.

Engines: 200 hp full hybrid and 160 hp mild hybrid

The beating heart of the new Renault Austral is the 200 hp E-Tech Full Hybrid engine, consisting of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, two electric motors (one of which delivers 70 hp), and a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery. The multi-mode automatic transmission also allows for 100% electric travel and, thanks to efficient electronic management, ensures low WLTP fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km and just 106 g/km of CO₂. Depending on the market, a 160 hp Mild Hybrid engine with a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a 12V system is also available. In both cases, performance, smoothness, and fuel economy are guaranteed, with brilliant acceleration (0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds) and rapid acceleration (0-120 km/h in 5.6 seconds).

Range and trim levels: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine

Three trim levels are available for the Italian market: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine. The first comes standard with 18" wheels, the OpenR system with Google, new interior trim, and a comprehensive safety package. The Techno adds chrome accents, roof bars, adjustable seats, and the Safety Pack with advanced ADAS. At the top of the range, the Esprit Alpine adds its signature sporty features, 20" wheels, an Alcantara interior, and blue stitching in homage to the Alpine world. In every configuration, the new Austral confirms itself as a practical and refined proposition, designed for those seeking an SUV capable of combining emotion, technology, and pragmatism.