Renault has been absent from the US market since 1992 but globally it still maintains a solid presence, partially thanks to its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi. Like many of its other European peers, there is a concerted effort by the brand to expand on its electrified offerings. So far, it has already introduced its fully electric Megane E-Tech set to battle the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the upcoming Renault 5 remaster.
The next step in its technological evolution is the all-new Renault Austral SUV which is being offered as a hybrid-only model. The partially electrified crossover maintains a conventional exterior design but features some futuristic tones such as advanced micro-optic LED head- and taillights with diamond-shaped patterns. We're not complaining.
The Renault Austral has been developed on the Alliance's CMF-CD platform as found on the current Mitsubishi Outlander. Using this, it supports two rear axle options depending on which steering system you select. If it uses the standardized front-wheel steering, the EV will sit on a rear torsion beam. Getting the most of the 4Control rear-wheel steering feature is a multi-link rear axle. The latter offers an impressive 33-foot turning circle with the promise of enhanced handling capabilities and maneuverability in compact urban environments.
Prospective owners of the Renault Austral will have access to a multitude of powertrains. The star of the show is its E-Tech hybrid system that uses a 1.7-kilowatt-hour 400-volt battery together with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine to produce a power output of 197 horsepower.
Three mild-hybrid powertrain options are also available. Two of these use a 12V system with either a 138-hp or a 158-hp output rating while the larger 48V unit offers 128 hp. All of these battery packs are fitted to a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine partially developed by Mercedes-Benz. The 48V variant feeds power to the wheels via a manual gearbox while the 12V employs an X-Tronic automatic transmission.
Being an advanced hybrid offering with a focus on digitalization and comfort, the cabin of the Renault Austral has been designed with the use of multiple screens and several lofty trimmings. Creating a technical cockpit is the combination of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch vertical multimedia screen and a new 9.3-inch head-up display. Where cabin materials are concerned, everything from genuine timber, leather, Alcantara, padded textiles and other form-fitted materials will be available to select.