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Renault Austral 2024 review

SUV Hybrid

Renault Austral 2024 — front three-quarter view

Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Renault Austral arrived in the UK in 2023 as the replacement for the long-running Kadjar, and the 2024 model continues as a key pillar of Renault's British line-up. It sits between the smaller Captur and the flagship Rafale coupe-SUV in Renault's UK range, targeting the heart of the family SUV segment where the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are the benchmarks. Every UK-bound Austral is powered by the same 200hp E-Tech full hybrid drivetrain, so the choice comes down to three well-equipped trims: techno, techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine, with prices ranging from £34,695 to £39,495 on the road.

The headline numbers are strong. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol works with twin electric motors and a 400V battery to deliver 200hp, a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds, and a claimed combined economy of up to 60.1mpg with CO2 as low as 105g/km. Renault says up to 80 per cent of urban driving can be completed in full-electric mode, and the theoretical range is a remarkable 683 miles from the 55-litre tank. It is a self-charging hybrid, so there is no need to plug in.

Inside, the Austral is one of the smartest cabins Renault has ever built. The wraparound dashboard carries a 12-inch portrait OpenR touchscreen with Google built-in, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and, on higher trims, a superb 9.3-inch head-up display. Space is plentiful for five adults, and the sliding rear bench helps liberate up to 555 litres of boot space. The range-topping iconic esprit Alpine adds Renault's third-generation 4Control four-wheel steering, which shrinks the turning circle to just 10.1 metres, alongside a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Austral is not perfect. What Car? found the ride fidgety on British roads, and its reliability record has been flagged as a concern. But as a generously equipped, efficient and stylish family SUV with a distinctive French flavour, it deserves a place on any UK buyer's shortlist.

UK price from: £34,695

Related buying guides:
Best hybrid cars UK
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Specifications

Engine	1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol + twin electric motors (E-Tech full hybrid)
Power	200hp (197bhp)
Torque	205Nm
0-62 mph	8.4 seconds
Top speed	111mph
Transmission	6-speed clutchless multimodal automatic
Drive	Front-wheel drive
Fuel economy (WLTP)	Up to 60.1mpg
CO2 emissions	From 105g/km
Driving range	Up to 683 miles
Boot space	Up to 555 litres
Turning circle	10.1m (with 4Control four-wheel steering)
Insurance group	23E (techno trim)
Warranty	3 years / 60,000 miles

Features

1.2-litre E-Tech full hybrid drivetrain with 200hp and 60.1mpg combined WLTP
12-inch OpenR portrait touchscreen with Google built-in, plus 12.3-inch digital instruments
9.3-inch head-up display available on higher trims
4Control Advanced four-wheel steering on iconic esprit Alpine, cutting turning circle to 10.1m
Up to 30 advanced driver-assistance systems with MULTI-SENSE drive modes
12-speaker Harman Kardon high-fidelity sound on the range-topper
Sliding rear bench and up to 555 litres of boot space
5-star Euro NCAP safety rating (2022)

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£45	Genuine Renault part; fitting typically adds £60-£90 at a UK garage
Engine oil filter	£12	Replace every service, typically every 12 months or 18,000 miles
Cabin (pollen) filter	£22	Straightforward DIY replacement behind the glovebox
Front wiper blade set	£30	Genuine aero blades; generic equivalents from around £15
12V auxiliary battery	£120	The hybrid system also uses a conventional 12V battery; check warranty terms before replacing
Replacement tyre	£150	Typical UK price for a mid-range tyre in Austral sizes; premium brands cost more

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Class-leading efficiency: up to 60.1mpg and CO2 from 105g/km
Generous standard kit across all three trims, including Google built-in infotainment
4Control four-wheel steering gives supermini-like manoeuvrability
Spacious five-seat cabin with sliding rear bench and 555-litre boot
Strong safety credentials: 5-star Euro NCAP and up to 30 ADAS features

Cons

The ride is restless on poorer UK road surfaces, with constant suspension fidget
Premium pricing: £34,695 starting price undercuts nothing and is notably above some rivals
No plug-in hybrid option for company-car drivers chasing lower BIK tax
What Car? has flagged reliability as a concern on this model

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Renault Austral cost in the UK?

The 2024 Austral range starts at £34,695 on the road for the techno trim. Stepping up to techno esprit Alpine costs £36,695, while the range-topping iconic esprit Alpine is £39,495.

What engine does the 2024 Renault Austral have?

Every UK Austral uses the same E-Tech full hybrid powertrain: a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with twin electric motors and a 400V battery, producing a combined 200hp. It is a self-charging hybrid, so there is no need to plug it in.

What is the fuel economy and range of the Austral?

The Austral claims up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle with CO2 emissions from 105g/km, giving a theoretical range of up to 683 miles. Renault says up to 80 per cent of urban driving can be done in full-electric mode, though real-world economy will vary with driving style and conditions.

How big is the boot on the Renault Austral?

The boot offers up to 555 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place. A sliding rear bench lets you prioritise either rear legroom or boot capacity, making it a practical choice for family use.

What is Renault 4Control steering?

4Control is Renault's third-generation four-wheel steering system, standard on the iconic esprit Alpine trim. At low speeds the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, cutting the turning circle to just 10.1 metres, while at higher speeds they turn in the same direction for added stability.

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