Renault Austral shapes up
Renault’s Kadjar-replacing SUV is undergoing final testing ahead of launch in coming monthsFresh images of the all-new 2022 Renault Austral have been released as the Renault Kadjar replacement enters the final stages of its development ahead of its world debut.
Posting new shots of the Austral wearing nifty Renault logo-inspired camouflage, the French car-maker confirmed that the car pictured is just one of 100 prototypes undergoing real-world testing that will see it cover 1.2 million kilometres.
As part of its development, 900 drivers will drive 600,000km in France, Spain, Germany and Romania, plus a further 1,400,000km on track before the Austral is signed off for production.
As well as durability, engineers will test the sound-proofing and suspension comfort, as well as evaluate the range of updated powertrains.
Set to be unveiled in the first half of this year, the Austral is claimed to conjure the "vibrancy and heat of the southern hemisphere" and actually borrows its name from the word 'australis', the Latin word for Australia.
Drawing styling cues from the latest Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, the Austral will miss out on pure-electric powertrains and will instead share much with the latest 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.
The powertrain line-up at launch is likely to 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 bringing a pure-electric range of 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 this year or early in 2023.
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