The Renault Austral gets a facelift and cuts its engine range down to just two hybrid powertrains

In 2022, Renault kicked off its strategic plan Renaulution, aiming to conquer the C and D segments with a hybrid range. The first model in this range was the Austral, followed by the Rafale and the Espace. Since going on sale, the Renault Austral has been a sales hit for the French brand, and now, after a little over two years since its debut, Renault is introducing updates to the Austral.

Recently we saw the Renault Espace adopt the brand’s new design language, with a look similar to the Rafale but with certain differences. The Austral now follows the same path, with an image closer to its sister models. This translates into a completely new front end featuring a redesigned bumper with a larger lower air intake and a new grille design, which will be fitted in different colours as a contrast depending on the trim chosen. Flanking this grille are new LED Adaptive Vision headlights as standard, along with rhombus-shaped DRL daytime running lights.

The aesthetic changes don’t stop there: alongside this new front end, the Austral gets a bonnet with straighter, more elegant lines that reinforces the updated front image. From the side, the wheel arches and sill cladding are finished in black, along with discreet protective strips against stone chips. At the rear, we find a new tailgate design, especially in its upper and central area, affecting the rear light cluster, now more streamlined, with new interior lighting. To finish the exterior, Renault has added the new Naxos Blue and Satin Pearl White colours for the Austral, the latter reserved for the esprit Alpine trim.

Moving inside, the Renault Austral’s interior design remains unchanged, but occupants will find it more comfortable than the outgoing model, as acoustic insulation has been substantially improved. The new upholstery also contributes to a greater sense of quality. In addition, the new Austral will be equipped with a new driver recognition system, which allows profiles to be created so that personalised settings are activated for each driver.

Speaking of equipment, the new Renault Austral will be available in three trims already familiar from other models in the range. The first is called Evolution and features items such as openR link, height-adjustable passenger seat, gloss black inserts on the door panels and a centre console trimmed in TEP. The second trim, called Techno, adds chrome roof rails, blind-spot detection, emergency braking in reverse, rear cross-traffic alert and satin chrome inserts on the door panels. Finally, the sporty third trim, esprit Alpine, includes black roof rails, black window surrounds and new 20-inch wheels.

The new Renault Austral’s engine range is reduced to two powertrains already known from the outgoing model. The entry-level engine is the 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit producing 160 CV with mild-hybrid technology; for more power and efficiency, the hybrid option combines a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 130 CV and 205 Nm with a main 50 kW electric motor and a secondary 20 CV electric motor, for a combined output of 200 CV.

The new Renault Austral will continue to be built at the brand’s modern factory in Palencia, Spain. For now, we will have to wait a little longer to learn its new prices.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverRenault Austral12 versions · from 33,620 €