New Renault Austral previewed as Kadjar sequel

Renault has begun teasing its replacement for the current Renault Kadjar and announced the all-new model will be called the Renault Austral when it launches in 2022.

Claimed to conjure the "vibrancy and heat of the southern hemisphere", Renault says the name Austral comes from the word 'australis', the Latin word for Australia.

Likely to be unveiled in the second quarter of next year, the 2022 Renault Austral is tipped to borrow its styling from the latest Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

What the Austral won't pinch from the battery-electric Megane is its powertrains.

Despite earlier rumours the Kadjar replacement would be based on the CMF-EV platform and be a sister car for the Nissan Ariya, it's now been reported the Austral will be based on the same CMF-C architecture as the new-generation 2022 Nissan QASHQAI.

Confirmed to measure 4.51m long, the new Austral is 60mm longer than the Kadjar with the move to QASHQAI underpinnings, which is set to bring big benefits for both packaging and tech over the mid-size SUV it replaces.

Under the bonnet, the Austral is expected to share engines and powertrains with the Nissan, which would mean the launch will kick off with a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo that will produce around 110kW.

This engine is likely to be paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Even more sophisticated electrified engines will also be available, with both an E-Tech Hybrid and E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid set to be offered, the latter offering a pure-electric range of around 50-60km.

Inside, the cabin design will be heavily inspired by the new Megane E-Tech and come with identical tech that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a large 12.0-inch infotainment system.

Following its European debut, it's thought the French car-maker's Mazda CX-5 rival will touch down in Australia late next year or early in 2023.