Motors with Tony Conlon: Wish upon an Austral

It’s plain to be seen that Renault are throwing everything at electric and hybrid power. Following the Megane E Tech, a car I recently reviewed and was smitten by, I went down the Goff’s in Kildare to drive their new Austral E-Tech hybrid, a car like the Megane E-Tech that shows Renault in a new light.

There is no sign of Renault taken their foot of the pedal any time soon. I was only back home from the Austral event when they announced that they will launch their new Arkana E-Tech SUV Coupe here in September. This will be followed by the European launch (Munich) of the new Scenic E-Tech all electric in the same month. Other interesting things to come is the R5 all electric and to see what transpires following Renault group and Geely signed joint venture to develop next-generation hybrid and highly efficient powertrain solutions.

The nicely-styled Austral SUV hybrid comes in three trim levels, techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine. While I drove the top iconic esprit Alpine model, a look into the other trim versions showed them to be also generously equipped from comfort, convenience and connectivity perspectives.

Offering up to 35 apps the new Austral has the ability to plot a route and even operate home devices with voice control. Technological highlights of the sporty SUV include the availability of up to 30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), four MULTI-SENSE settings that offer a variety of driving styles, plus Renault’s third-generation four-wheel steering system, 4Control Advanced.

Equipment that is shared across the range includes a frameless automatic rear-view mirror, sliding centre console armrest, sliding rear bench seat, and automatic dual-zone air conditioning with air purifier. A truly spacious SUV that features a contoured cockpit, there’s 35 litres of easily accessible and modular internal storage space and up to 555 litres of boot capacity.

The cars digital experience is delivered via a 12-inch OpenR multimedia screen, 12.3-inch driver information display, 9.3-inch head-up display, and a range of Google services built-in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to Google Play. It comes fitted with two front and two rear USB ports and an 8-speaker Arkamys audio system.

While I agree with Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Group Ireland that the Austral has an eye-catching design, I’d also add that the car, over the initial drive, displayed a most beautiful, refined and comfortable drive quality.

The cars electrified petrol 1.2 litre turbo powered engine provides a claimed 1100km of range and CO2 emissions as low as 105 g/km. The 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain has a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery which aids both power and fuel efficiency.

It is also claimed that 80% of driving time on urban roads is possible in full-electric mode. Capable of covering 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, Renault quote a combined WLTP cycle, from 4.7l/100km (59mpg).

The range begins with the techno. Its features include 19-inch Komah alloy wheels, matrix LED vision headlights, mirage-effect rear LED lights, flush roof bars, shark fin antenna, surround parking sensors with rear-view camera, and hands-free key card with keyless entry. The techno is priced at €45,295.

The techno esprit Alpine model adds 20-inch Daytona alloy wheels, esprit Alpine detailing and black esprit Alpine carbon fabric and alcantara upholstery with blue stitching. Its standard equipment is further enhanced with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electric power tailgate, electric driver and front passenger seats with massage function for driver, traffic & speed sign recognition with overspeed prevention, and adaptive cruise control with lane centring. This mid-range version is available for €47,795.

Top-of-the-range is the iconic esprit Alpine. Priced at €52,295, it stands out with its 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering (enabling a city car-like 10.1m turning circle), 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 360 degree around view 3D camera, panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging station.

Renaults 31 dealerships can also offer PCP finance from € 379 per month. I look forward to driving this beautifully built car over a longer period.