Test drove this car today, and despite some less than complimentary reviews I found the car to drive superbly and it really is a match or better than some of its natural competitors that I have recently driven. The austral is smooth and responsive and will fully meet the needs of most people seeking a car in this segment and require a non plug in hybrid. The interior is lovely and the layout easy to get used to. I was so impressed that I have also ordered one this afternoon, and please don't be afraid to haggle, I have managed to secure a discount in excess of 10% list price with delivery for end on the month. I will add a further review a few weeks after taking delivery.
Hello! David. Mícheál here from Ireland man. Thank God, you like me, love the Renault Austral. I'm wondering which is better, Hyundai Tucson? Kia Spotage? Or Toyota Rave 4? What would you go for? I'm conflicted.
@TheFrag72 No, I have taken no delivery. Beautiful drive though, the Austral. Can't believe how hi tech it is, it's premium level. The worry I have is, it's new, the Austral is unproven. I do London distance driving every weekend. Will this car last me the 5 years. Will I get 200,000 km out of it? I'm test driving the Hyundai Tucson Phev and the Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid. What are your thoughts? What would you go for?
I test drove the top spec version and was instantly sold, the rear wheel steering gave it handling I hadn't experienced from a car this size at this price point before.
My top spec Austral is on order. I test drove this against the Audi Q3, Kia Nero and Sportage, Ford Kuga, and the Seat Ateca. This was the best car I drove along with the Sportage. However oddly enough, for cabin space leg room, the Sportage has LESS space than the Nero. There was no way anyone could sit behind me in my driving position (I have quite long legs and my seat is almost all the way back). The cars I eliminated for this reason include the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Kodiaq, Audi Q3, Vauxhall Grandland, Peugeot 3008, and Hyundai Tuscon (just try putting the seats all the way back and you will see. Big problem in my family with a 6ft 4inch son who will start driving soon). Turned down the BMW X1 on the basis that BMW have put all the controls in the touchscreen (such a dumb thing to do). Ultimately overall this was the car I felt was best for me. Loved the drive, just wish it had climate seats (heat up AND cool down). Make sure to shop around if you get one. I also managed to get a hefty discount of just over 9% on my Austral with 2 years 0% finance. Great review this. Really well balanced and told us what we needed to know without any fuss.
As a Frenchman, that has lived in Miami for over 15 years, I remain green with envy that I don't have access to the likes of Renault to add to my "next vehicle" list. I also have to admit that, as a die hard sedan buyer, with this level of sharp design I could be persuaded to consider a CUV, especially given that flooding here is a regular occurrence (CUV/SUV ground clearance vs. sedan). On a personal note, your presentation prowess continues to increase in its polish and shine. Crisp and relaxed. Thank you for the content.
All the French brands seem to be really elevating all of their offerings, that being said the bar overall has gone up amongst car makers. Thank you, I really appreciate your support 🫶🏼
@@AutoSocialUK I think that my auto mfg countrymen got tired of all of the "sh##" they have gotten, for so many years, vis a vis the quality of their offerings. They have always maintained a quirkiness in their design ethos and have to applaud them for maintaining that "Frenchness" while upping their game on the quality. No thanks needed. It is always a pleasure to see one of your videos pop into my feed. Until the next, "drive it like you stole it". =)
Is there an equivalent Nissan ? Being linked Renault and Nissan share a lot of parts like engines (some of which apparently make their way into Mercedes vehicles as well). Of course from reviews it seems that most Americans would be questioning the lack of a V6 yet be happy with 25MPG.
@@MrDuncl There might be and, you are right about the V6. I am not sure how much cross pollination is happening between Nissan and Renault these days, after the Ghosn debacle. After all he was a "gift" from Renault. I can't imagine that the relationship is even cordial. Regardless, their respective design ethos are quite different. Nissan, while not boring, is far more conservative.
I've had a mk4 Kia Sportage GT Line S for the last 6 years and was 99% sure that I would be getting the new mk5 Sportage HEV (non-plug in). I drove the Austral and then Sportage back to back last week and was really surprised how good the Austral was. I wasn't disappointed with the Sportage but it felt like the drive train was not as refined as the Austral. I've never driven a hybrid before although I have driven a lot of miles in full electric cars. The Austral just felt like the gearbox and motor had been developed together from the outset to be a hybrid and drove more like an electric car whereas the Sportage has a standard 6 speed auto that you get in the non hybrid cars. It wasn't that the Sportage was a bad drive, it is really smooth and is a great car I just felt the Austral was more refined, quieter and also felt a bit more premium inside (I did drive the top spec one). I still have not made my mind up yet, although I am leaning more towards the Renault.
I’ve also test driven this car today, and it’s blown its competition to bits. I have to change my XC40 Inscription Pro in July and I’ve already ordered the Austral as its replacement. Sorry Volvo, but this car leaves you standing. Exceptionally roomy, comfortable and fast enough for me. The Austral has so many options as standard. Everything that is an extra option on the XC40 comes as standard on the Austral, plus the fast that the very silly 24 miles total range on the hybrid Volvo isn’t applicable to the Austral. Get to 45mph in the Volvo and the engine kicks in. I had 65 in the Austral and it was still driving on electric. No more plugging the cable in…I can’t wait for the delivery.
I have a Kadjar since 2019 and I will change it for the Austral top range by the end of this year (2024) or by 2025. I love my Kadjar so cheap to run and looking forward to go beyond.
I’ve ordered one for the end of July. I think it’s a fantastic non plug in option offering diesel esq mileage. Loads of equipment band the infotainment system is superb
I'm the same, but chose the Qashqai e-Power. Drives beautifully in constant EV power, 30-60 in 3 secs, but there's a lot to learn with Regen braking. After 2 weeks I'm a natural.
I would love to know which Renaults you are on apout Tish because Renault have always had great interiors from the mid 90s on. Ok some might not be as swuush(SOFT) as a VW Golf or Passsts dash but they have been more hard wearing. The Mègane MK 1 had a soft touch dash long before any VW. All the Lagunas were lovely places to bs for tgere times abd thd same with thf Clios and Mèganes.
Good review. I’ve not found your channel before but have sub’d now. This looks good but the new Honda CRV hybrid should be in the UK soon (very late). May be a competitor
Nice review Tish. Interesting car, seems a lot better than the Kadjar (that was awful 😂) I think you hit the nail on the head with personal taste on this one 👍
Really enjoyable and informative review. I am torn between the E Tech Austral and the Tucson. The latter has a 4 Cylinder 1.6 engine and slightly more BHP but its the infotainment system of the Renault that has me hooked to be honest, and also the fact that it does not seem to lack power for effective road use. However, I would like to know why Renault did not marry the existing 1.3 engine that they fitted to the Techno to the hybrid system of the E tech. I really think they missed a trick there as it would have afforded a few more bhp and smoother operation of the motor. Thanks for the review. Oh lovely eyes by the way lol.
Comfort is big in family cars… and a firm ride and noisy is a big put off for me. Shame, as it was definitely on the list up until those flaws. Good review again Tosh. Thanks.
Thanks for the review. The Austral looks very good but there is something that nags me about buying a Renault. Call it badge snobbery or whatever.. I'm considering the Kia Sportage or the Hyundai Tucson and have to say that the 7 year warranty that Kia offer is a huge bonus. I will test drive an Austral to be fair and see what it's like.
I had a Renault Scenic diesel auto & after 9 years no probs, but year 10 parts started to naturally need replacing. Boy, the cost in 100s, if you could get one. My wiper motors failed & could only get used ones. Bear that in mind. Brexit the culprit!
Lovely looking car but top spec sportage wins it for me would have liked more info on technology available such as labe keep assist smart cruise control etc there wasn't much detail on the technology for the top spec but great view
Thanks for the nice review :) one comment about the boot, your information are wrong I'm afraid. For the full hybrid 200ch version, it's 430L (not 487L), and the "box" underneath is the battery of the hybrid system, not the subwoofer, so you will always have it even if you don't buy the Harman Kardon sound system.
I saw that as wel. To a sidenote. Pulling the rear seats to the front gives it a 70 liter extra space. So you get 500L. Still not a lot to be honest, but it's doable. What I think is verry stange is that in a few reviews there let you see that there is almost no leg space if you pull the rear to the fron t and this one does. So it all hangs on how far the front seat is to the back.
Excellent review Tish, I'm very interested in this car, I found out about your channel when you appeared on Nobby on Cars so it's given me something else to watch on RU-vid and as I'm thinking about a new car in the next year or two I'm between the non plug-in hybrid Tuscon and the Renault in your video as I presently have a 1.6 diesel Kadjar which I love and it'll take a lot for me to change it which is why I'm being cautious about my next car. One question I have is, what insurance groups will the Austral be starting from? I ask because my current car is group 18 and I know the Tuscon is 19/20 and I don't want to be going much beyond that plus I need a car that like my Kadjar will be good for family life and also transporting my bicycle when I need to which I usually do inside my Kadjar wth the seats folded down.
The “new” Renaults badge is anything but new. Amazing non of the m y testers have that knowledge. From the 1970’s onwards the same design was on all their cars and the door keys generally had the diamond as the head of the key. Also you all moan bout big wheels, they are excellent. Try driving an original mini class that ran in 10inch wheels. Even the “big” cars like Cortina and Granada only used 13 inch wheels. So I suggest driving some of those also without power steering to really see what wheels that are skittish, the current trendy adjective. Bigger wheels mean less rotation for distance covered. Renault have had audio controls where they are for longer than you have lived. Renaults right side, Peugeot left side. Why you want to see the volume button beats me, just press it with your finger. As for engine noise I can only tell when the engine was running when the EV sign wasn’t lit. I have driven Renaults from 1980 onwards plus other makes. Never known a poorly designed one. More knowledge you don’t have, Renaults 14 was the first car to have central locking! Renaults Fuego was the first remote central locking car, both back in the 1980’s. Again before you were born. My advice to you is, don’t just red the promo pack you get but do some real research on Renault before spouting about new things that just aren’t new. Also the Austral competes with the Qashqai as that shares the same platform but has way less of everything. What is a “strong hybrid”? It’s a full hybrid! Take yourself to Derbyshire to the drive your dads car centre and drive some old cars without power steering or any modern features. It will help you appreciate modern cars for what they are.
Qashqai e-Power is the one. Just got one. Small engine charges bty that powers the electric motor that drives the wheels. Simples. You use the regen braking to charge bty as well.
I noticed that the space in the middle compartment that has a double close bit lacks space! How big is the glove department? It is massive in the clio!!
I would love to know why car manufacturers don't their wireless phone charge pads in the glove box, so there is no temptation to handle the phone while driving. With carplay/android auto there should be no need to use your handset
I have 2 Koleos cars currently, one here in Australia (2.5l petrol) and in the UK I have top spec diesel model. Whilst the Koleos continues here (and about half uk price) it is no longer an option in the UK. I'm heading back to UK in Feb and will have a look at the Austral - how does it compare with the Koleos in space/size? My wife and I have owned several Renault cars and have never had any issues.
Back in March 2023, Renault unveiled the new generation Espace which is a stretched Austral (available in 5 and 7-seater versions). Yep, it’s gone from a minivan to an SUV. It’s set to rival similar 3-row SUVs like the Škoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. It won’t be sold in the UK, and I think it’s a good thing it won’t. The Espace nameplate was discontinued in the UK since 2012. The new Espace comes with the strong hybrid setup.
The Espace was never a minivan. It was an MPV. Its stupid and disrespectful now how they are using that name for such a brilliant innovative and game changing car for just another stupid dull SUV. Renault should have kept the Kadjar name for the this instead of calling g it the Austral and used the Austral name for the 7 seater version of it. That would have made more sense and not confused people either.
@@sharonec5419 Minivan and MPV are the same thing. Anyway, I find it disappointing that many manufacturers are exploiting iconic names for SUVs just to sell things.
Bought mine today after having driven a Captur for 11 years without the slightest problem. Renault is snobbed for German cars which are, in my view, too expensive, unreliable and pretty bland. Neat video btw.
I would not go electric or plug in anything when it comes to my vehicle. But I am torn between the internal combustion normal cars and petrol electric self charging motors that don't need to be plugged in. I find they are more economical and have more horsepower. What is your opinion, Please advise me I would be most grateful. To make matters worse I am stuck to the list of available vehicles on the Motability scheme. I often think that that is just an excuse for me to sell my current Seat Leon 1.6TDI 2010 which is better than some modern trims. Then the government could scrap that scheme and I would have no car at all? . I need something to tow my 750kg unbraked camping trailer and carry my daughters car seat. Please reply
I just have got the Qashqai e-Power. Small engine charges bty that powers the electric motor that drives the wheels. Regeneration braking charges the bty as well. Go for a test drive & see. I love it. EV acceleration is amazing, not that I'm a racer. The e-Power X-Trail would be better for towing. The Qash is a SUV.
It's crazy because all diesels from over 10 to 15 years ago all got over 60mpg some in the 70's. I winder why new petrol and diesel cars don't do that now? Perhaps to make electric cars look good?
They also put out lots of NOx and other nasties. Even before Dieselgate I was put off Diesels by the clouds of black smoke I would see coming out of three year old Diesels when accelerating and bought a 50MPG petrol Golf instead. U.K. Government Officials have since admitted they were wrong not looking beyond the CO2 figures and encouraging people people into Diesel stinkboxes.
Design wise Kia Sportage has Renault beat, but everything else Renault tops the Sportage. Mainly because Renault isn't catching on fire like the Sportage does.
While the new old 2d Renault logo is ok I still think the Old Diamond Logo was far nicer and if I ever buy a Renault brand new I will be looking for the Diamond logo on it even if I have to do it myself. They had the best designed logo in the car industry and go and replace it with something more boring. Makes no sense. Are Renault doing what Peugeot are with there horrible new old logo and putting the rader and other electronics behind it? KIA are the only brand I can think of that have actually improved there logo in recent years.
One of the reasons for the old logo being replaced is an initiative to reduce the use of Chrome. Chroming uses some quite harsh chemical techniques. So keep a lookout on ways that Renault is deploying to maintain or improve interior and exterior quality while reducing chrome and leather trim.
Oh Trish this is the second video you have done on the Austral and still failing to mention 4 wheel steering on top model, failing to correctly explain what the middle sliding console is for and as you cover EV’s as well, it’s not the size of the battery pack that determines the BHP from the electric motor but the electric motor itself and the Austral has two. Just wish reviewers took more care and attention on presenting facts in the reviews. Third time lucky as I am sure you are involved in more RU-vid presentations.
hmm.. So, what is the middle sliding console for? And please don't say "an arm rest for operating the screen". I've had an Austral for 1.5 month now and just came back from a 6,000km roadtrip across Europe and haven't used it for that even once. Not to say I dislike it. It feels nice and I sometime rest my arm on it, but the idea that it's somehow useful for typing or something like that is quite ridiculous. Unless you are trying to write a novel on your car's screen - then maybe. 😅
We still use MPH on speed limits. Bizarrely petrol is sold in litres yet all the official figures quoting fuel consumption are in MPG. I reckon that is so people don't realise how expensive petrol has become (as a child I recall it being less than 50p a gallon). Had Boris stayed as P.M. he would have probably wanted to change MPG to Furlongs per Gill because else uses that 🙂
If you could find a model or models, which would be perfect in terms of: short size to max. 4400 mm length, very quiet interior during the driving, very less fuel-efficient, soft + easy + light to drive, beautiful interior, nice and small steering wheel, driving fast and agile, in a few seconds acceleration. Can be a hybrid. 🚙🚙🚙 What would you recommend? Which one will be a lovely perfect woman`s car?
The Arkana's gearbox is absolutely horrendous. I had a test drive in one as I was going to buy one but I changed my decision. Thank god I did and I have now bought an austral. Just waiting for the delivery in September. Bought the top spec after having a test drive in one and I can tell you, the transmission is definitely nowhere near as bad as the Arkana.
Drive both. See what works best. Kia warranty is better. Have had a couple of flaky Renaults in the past but they’ve improved. Have a Tucson HEV currently.
Useless because that model is probably about 80k and not many people will get that spec even hire purchase or motability... which only a crap 1.2 petrol... so another I won't be adding to my list..
