Renault Austral
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that combines efficiency with modern style? The Renault Austral might be exactly what you need. This mid-size crossover sits in the heart of the competitive family SUV market, offering Renault’s innovative E-Tech hybrid technology in a sleek and practical package. It’s designed for families who want the elevated driving position and space of an SUV without compromising on fuel economy.

From the outside, the Austral makes a confident statement with its bold front grille and sharp LED headlights. The interior feels genuinely premium, with soft-touch materials and an impressive 12-inch infotainment screen taking centre stage. What really sets it apart from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage is the sophisticated E-Tech hybrid system. This clever setup combines a petrol engine with electric motors to deliver smooth power and excellent fuel economy.

The Austral excels as a practical family car that feels more refined than many competitors. The hybrid system works seamlessly, switching between petrol and electric power without you noticing. It offers generous passenger space, a decent boot, and the kind of build quality you expect from a modern Renault. While the price sits at the premium end of the segment, you’re getting cutting-edge hybrid technology and a genuinely comfortable family car that makes every journey feel effortless.

How Does the Renault Austral Drive?

The Renault Austral centres around its innovative E-Tech full hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors. The system produces 200PS of combined power, providing smooth and refined acceleration that feels perfectly adequate for family duties. The 0-60mph time sits around 8.8 seconds, which is competitive for the class. What impresses most is how seamlessly the system switches between petrol and electric power, often running on electricity alone at low speeds around town.

Where the Austral truly shines is in its driving refinement. The steering feels precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence on winding country roads while remaining light for parking manoeuvres. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It soaks up road imperfections effectively, keeping passengers comfortable, while providing enough firmness to prevent excessive body roll through corners. This makes it an easy and relaxing SUV to drive in all conditions, whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on the motorway.

Inside the Renault Austral: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Austral and you’re greeted by one of the most impressive cabins in its class. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by a large 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment screen that controls most functions. The materials used throughout feel genuinely premium, with soft-touch plastics on key surfaces and attractive trim finishes. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of adjustment to find your ideal driving position. Build quality feels solid throughout, with switchgear that operates with satisfying precision.

The cabin is remarkably quiet, with excellent insulation from road and wind noise. This creates a serene environment that enhances the premium feel. Rear seat passengers get generous legroom and headroom, making it genuinely comfortable for adults on longer journeys. Standard equipment is comprehensive, including wireless smartphone connectivity, climate control, and a good quality sound system. Higher trim levels add luxuries like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium Harman Kardon audio that further enhance the upmarket ambience.

The Renault Austral succeeds in delivering a refined and efficient family SUV that feels genuinely premium. The E-Tech hybrid system is the standout feature, providing excellent fuel economy without requiring any charging infrastructure. The interior quality and technology are impressive, creating a genuinely upmarket feel that rivals more expensive alternatives. On the road, it’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive, making it an excellent choice for families. The main trade-offs are the higher purchase price and slightly smaller boot compared to some competitors. The hybrid system also means less luggage space than a conventional petrol equivalent. However, if you prioritise fuel efficiency, refinement, and modern technology, the Austral delivers on all counts. It’s perfectly suited to families who want a sophisticated SUV that doesn’t compromise on running costs. The advanced hybrid technology and premium feel make it a compelling choice in the competitive family SUV market.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Renault Austral?

The Austral’s E-Tech hybrid system is the star when it comes to running costs. Real-world fuel economy regularly exceeds 50mpg in mixed driving, with even better figures possible in stop-start traffic where the electric motors do most of the work. This translates to genuinely low fuel bills for a family SUV. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling in the mid-range bands. The hybrid system requires no plug-in charging, as the battery recharges automatically through regenerative braking and the petrol engine.

Purchase prices sit at the premium end of the family SUV market, reflecting the sophisticated hybrid technology and high equipment levels. However, the excellent fuel economy and strong predicted residual values help offset the higher initial outlay. Servicing costs are competitive, and Renault’s warranty coverage provides peace of mind. With car finance options available, the monthly costs can be managed effectively. The combination of low fuel consumption and predicted strong resale values makes the Austral a sensible long-term ownership proposition.

Is the Renault Austral Practical for Everyday Use?

The Austral offers solid practicality for a family SUV, though it’s not the most spacious in its class. The 430-litre boot is a decent size for weekly shopping or holiday luggage, and the rear seats fold to create a larger load area when needed. Inside the cabin, you’ll find useful storage spaces including a wireless phone charging pad, bottle holders, and decent-sized door bins. The rear seats are genuinely comfortable for adults, with good legroom and headroom that makes longer journeys pleasant for all passengers.

Where the Austral excels is in its ease of use for families. The higher driving position gives excellent visibility, making it confidence-inspiring in traffic. The wide opening doors and reasonable step-in height make it easy for children and older passengers to access. While competitors like the Kia Sportage offer larger boot space, the Austral provides enough room for most family needs while delivering superior fuel economy. Its compact dimensions compared to other used Renault cars make it surprisingly manageable in tight parking spaces and narrow streets.

The Renault Austral stands out in the crowded family SUV market by offering genuine innovation through its E-Tech hybrid technology. It successfully combines excellent fuel economy with the space and practicality families need, all wrapped up in an attractive and well-built package. The sophisticated hybrid system, premium interior quality, and advanced technology make every journey comfortable and efficient.

You choose the Austral because you want a family SUV that doesn’t compromise on efficiency or sophistication. Its impressive fuel economy, refined driving experience, and generous equipment levels make it ideal for families who cover high mileages. While it sits at the premium end of the segment, the combination of low running costs and high-tech features justify the investment, especially when considering cars under £10,000 for those seeking value in the used market.