Renault has updated its Austral to bring the C-segment hybrid SUV more into line with recent releases from the French brand, principally adding extra refinement.
Introduced three years after the Austral first went on sale, the improvements include modifications to the engine mounts and better soundproofing to provide a quieter ride, while in the cabin the front seats have been replaced by more ergonomic items and the upholstery updated.
The layout includes a rear bench seat that slides over a distance of 16cm and reclines, allowing the load capacity of the car to be adjusted between 527 and 1736 litres.
New equipment fitted includes a digital rear-view camera and an updated cruise control, while up to 30 ADAS driver assistance features are now available for the car.
The exterior has been updated with the latest Renault design language inspired by the larger Rafaele SUV, the front and rear ends redesigned to provide a sharper-looking presence, along with a new light signature and Renault’s latest badge designs. The car also now has a gloss black finish to lower body areas including the wheel trims.
The exterior refinement aids extend to new door seals and other measures to reduce wind noise.
Just one powertrain will be available for the Austral, pairing a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 200hp and an 8.2-second 0-62mph time – fuel consumption is quoted at 60mpg with CO2 emissions of 106g/km.
The revised Austral will be available in three trim levels – Renault is yet to announce prices though they are predicted to increase slightly over the current model’s £34,695.
