Launched in 2015, the Renault Kadjar has just ended production at the Palencia plant in Spain. A total of just under 700,000 copies will have been sold during his career. Marketed for a year less, the Peugeot 3008 has already exceeded the million mark last year. In short, the first real family SUV of the diamond brand has not achieved the success of its main rival, which is among the benchmarks in the category in Europe. A (relative) failure that intends to erase the diamond mark with the replacement of Kadjar, the Austral.
But one wonders if the chosen approach is not a little too chilly to hope to upset the established order in the category. The Austral indeed displays very classic lines. Inspired by the recent Mégane E-Tech, the front end shines with its elegance. And the interior ergonomics make a giant leap compared to the Kadjar, with a dashboard also similar to that of the new electric compact in the range (integrating a very efficient Google OpenR interface). But the general proportions and the look of the Austral seem less demonstrative to us than those of the Peugeot 3008. Admittedly, the Volkswagen Tiguan still dominates the European market with a design at least as versatile as that of the Renault SUV…
Based on an advanced version of the CMF-C platform (Nissan Qashqai 2, Renault Kadjar, Mégane 4, Espace 5, Koleos 2) similar to that of the recent third-generation Nissan Qashqai, the Austral features engines of the same type as those of his Japanese cousin. It too ditches the diesel and uses a 1.3-liter four-cylinder micro-hybrid gasoline unit in 140 and 160 horsepower versions. Its entry-level will be equipped with a new 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol block (micro-hybrid too) of 130 horsepower mated to a manual gearbox. As for the top of the range, it will be able to count on “E-Tech” hybrid gasoline blocks of 160 and 200 horsepower with a technology similar to that of the Arkana and Captur. And the plug-in hybrid? Maybe a little later.
The Austral will also offer an “Alpine Spirit” pack available on the two high finishes, displaying a sporty look with matte paintwork, specific 20-inch rims and some nice details. But as in the good old days of the so much criticized Gordini finishes in the 2000s, this Esprit Alpine pack does not bring any mechanical improvement or increase in power. He is only interested in style, therefore. Marketing of the Renault Austral will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Caradisiac, partner of the Paris Motor Show
As in 2018, Caradisiac is once again a partner in 2022 of the Mondial de l’Auto which will take place in Paris from October 17 to 23. The Caradisiac editorial team will thus be relocated to its own stand for the duration of the show to analyze, dissect, photograph and film all the new models. And this will of course also be an opportunity for you to come, as you are used to, to meet our journalists. Which new or used car to buy? They will answer all your questions. Until then, we will give you on Caradisiac all the information that we could have obtained from the manufacturers on their new models.
Useful information
Where: Paris Exhibition Center, Porte de Versailles
When ? From Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 October (day reserved for the press on Monday 17)
What hours? From Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22: from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day; Sunday, October 23: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New products will be tested at the show from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
How many ? Two differentiated rates between the week and the weekend for adults (16 € and 20 €); for children aged 7 to 17: €8 and €10 (i.e. 50% reduction).
Free entry for children under 7 years old
How ? By taking tickets following this linkor by connecting to https://mondial.paris/billetterie. Purchase also possible at the reception desks in Pavilion 5.1 (depending on the number of places remaining)
