2026 Renault Austral Esprit Alpine Satin Schist Grey

• The 2026 Renault Austral receives a refreshed design with updated front-end styling and new lighting elements.

• It continues to offer the E-Tech full hybrid powertrain, delivering 200 hp with improved efficiency.

• Interior enhancements include updated infotainment features and increased comfort options.

Styling Tweaks Without Overthinking It

Renault didn’t reinvent the wheel here. The 2026 Renault Austral keeps the familiar shape but gives it a little polish. The front grille’s been tightened up, the LED lights have a more modern cut, and the bumper design adds a bit of edge without going overboard.

There are new alloy wheel designs, and a few additional color options help freshen the palette. From some angles, it feels a bit closer now to what Renault’s doing with the Rafale and Scenic E-Tech — cohesive, but still very Austral.

E-Tech Hybrid: Still the Core

No change under the skin — and that’s not a bad thing. The E-Tech full hybrid setup stays put: a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine working with electric motors to put out 200 hp.

It’s a powertrain that’s already proven itself in real-world use. Smooth enough in urban crawling, efficient on longer runs, and it doesn’t demand a charging routine thanks to its self-charging hybrid system. For buyers not quite ready to jump to full electric, it’s a solid middle ground.

Inside: Familiar Layout, Better Tech

Inside, Renault’s kept the cabin layout mostly intact but added a few meaningful touches. The infotainment system’s been updated, with a more responsive interface and improved connectivity. Expect the usual suspects here — Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Google integration where supported.

Materials get a bump in quality, especially on higher trims. There’s more padding in the right places, and Renault says it’s added some acoustic tweaks to keep cabin noise in check. Minor stuff, but it adds up.

Still in the Mix for Compact SUV Buyers

The 2026 Austral isn’t aiming to leap ahead of the competition, but it’s doing just enough to stay current. It’s still in the mix with cars like the Toyota C-HR, Peugeot 3008, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid — though its slightly more European flavor and efficient E-Tech setup make it stand out a bit for the right crowd.

For buyers who want a practical compact SUV that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly delivers smart value and decent driving manners, the updated Austral ticks most of the right boxes.

No drama here. Just good evolution. Renault-style.

Technical Specification

Performance:

• Maximum Power: 200 hp (146 kW)

• Maximum Torque: 205 Nm

• Top Speed: 108 mph

• Acceleration (0-62 mph): 8.4 seconds

Body Measurements:

• Overall Length: 4,510 mm (177.6 inches)

• Overall Width (with mirrors folded): 2,083 mm (82.0 inches)

• Overall Height: 1,621 mm (63.8 inches)

• Wheelbase: 2,667 mm (105.0 inches)

• Ground Clearance: 226 mm (8.9 inches)

Powertrain:

• Engine Type: 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine

• Hybrid System: Full hybrid E-Tech 200

• Transmission: Clutchless multi-mode automatic gearbox

• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Capacities:

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 liters (12.1 gallons)

• Boot Capacity: 487 liters (17.2 cubic feet)

• Maximum Boot Capacity: 555 liters (19.6 cubic feet)

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

Price:

• Starting Price: £34,695 (MRRP excluding metallic paint)

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