Renault previews Austral cabin

Renault has given us our first glimpse at the interior of its all-new 2022 Renault Austral ahead of its launch later this year.

A design drawing of the next-generation mid-size Renault SUV's cabin shows it will be dominated by an L-shaped infotainment and digital instrument cluster unit that stretches its total screen width to no less than 24.3 inches.

Copying a similar arrangement seen in the soon-to-be-introduced all-electric Megane E-Tech, Renault claims the new infotainment system is easy to reach, simple to use, intuitive and always connected.

Like the battery-electric Megane crossover, the infotainment system runs on the Google Automotive platform that combines Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus useful apps like Google Maps.

Renault says the system is quick and responsive to touch, with 90 per cent of all functions just two clicks away.

Differing from the discontinued Kadjar, designers claim the new Austral will present a 'cocoon effect' for occupants, with a raised transmission tunnel and door panels that are higher than the Kadjar's to provide a greater sense of safety.

Apart from a wide and sliding armrest, there's also plenty of storage that totals up to 30 litres, while the centre console is said to include two large bins and a 'nest' to cradle your smartphone.

The clever packaging continues to the rear, with a sliding and folding bench seat operated via a button in the boot. There's even more space for feet, with no rear transmission tunnel and a flat floor behind the driver and passenger.

Catering to families, the driver and passenger seat are both tapered at the top to make it easier for those up front to chat with (or berate) little terrors perched in the second row.

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.

Externally, we already know the Austral will draw styling cues from the upcoming Renault Megane E-Tech Electric. But it will miss out on pure-electric powertrains and will instead share its engines with the upcoming 2022 Nissan QASHQAI.

Confirmed to measure 4.51m long, the new Austral is 60mm longer than the Kadjar due to its move to QASHQAI underpinnings, which is also set to bring big benefits to both packaging and technology.

The powertrain line-up at launch is likely to kick off with a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that will produce around 110kW and is likely to be paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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

Stay tuned as Renault plans yet more teasers of the Austral ahead of its unveil.