Overview

The Renault Austral is a fresh entrant to the family SUV class. It’s the all-new replacement for the Kadjar SUV that aims to distance itself from the tsunami of Nissan Qashqai-sized SUVs through a combination of budget luxury, affordable running costs and clever technology.

But does the Renault Austral make enough of a splash to drag buyers away from the established range of hybrid SUVs? There are loads of talented competitors vying for your attention, such as the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga.

We’ve tested several examples of the current Austral since launch, including a six-month long-term test conducted by Parkers car tester Adam Binnie. You can read more about how we test cars via our dedicated explainer page. 

British Australs get a head start on the competition, though, because Renault has decided to only offer the car with a high level of standard equipment in the UK. Even the most basic Techno specification comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch portrait infotainment system powered by Google.

Step up to the flagship Iconic Esprit Alpine variant and you’ll unlock some tech normally reserved for premium marques. Extras include a thumping Harman Kardon stereo system and a clever rear-wheel steering system that can cut the Austral’s turning circle down to less than that of a Clio. Don’t be fooled into thinking the Alpine specification makes the car faster or better to drive, though. Apart from the tech, the changes are entirely cosmetic.

From launch, you’ll only be able to spec the Austral with one engine. It’s a 200hp 1.2-litre full hybrid unit which Renault says can return up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP cycle. Its CO2 emissions are also as low as 105g/km, which is less than most new diesel-powered SUVs produce.

But it’s no longer good enough to just be efficient. The Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga hybrids are both very frugal, but the former comes with an industry leading 10-year warranty and the latter is great fun to thrash down a wiggly B-road. The Kia Sportage also has an impressive technology suite.

Over the next few pages we’ll explore each aspect of the Renault Austral, considering its practicality, comfort, interior layout, technology, driving experience and running costs before offering our final verdict on the car. Click through our review to learn whether the Austral is worth spending your money on or whether you should opt for one of its rivals.