In 2015, Renault came for the second time with a slightly larger cross-over. The Kadjar had to make the first Koleos forget. The new attempt was developed based on the Nissan Qashqai and, like his Japanese counterpart, was successful. His successor goes through life as Austral and is much more own, but does that also do it well? Owners and users give the answer.
Despite efforts from the design department, you still recognized quite a lot of Nissan in the Kadjar, also inside. At the Austral that is completely different. Not only the appearance fits perfectly within the range, but also technically the car is on a top Renault. In this model, in addition to current mild-hybrid petrol engines, you will also find the technically ingenious hybrid powertrain with 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine and you can opt for 4-check four-wheel control, unique in this segment.
How does the Austral drive?
We start with the owner of an Austral Hybrid 200 Iconic Esprit Alpine, the top model of the series, with 4 controls. “It is a very comfortable travel car,” he concludes, “on the highway he is brilliant, stable (4 control), quiet, always sufficient power.” The car also performs as desired in the city. “Superwind, slightly guiding but not vague, always sufficient power and quickly accelerated by the EV support.” An Austral Mild Hybrid driver is brief about it: “Car drives fine, good road holding and you don’t realize that it’s a big car.”
The owner of an Austral Hybrid in Techno-Trim is also enthusiastic about the handling of his Renault. “The driving comfort is beyond expectations and silent. Actually, I am very positive on all points. Even the 19″ wheels are not annoying with thresholds. ” The owner of a similar Austral is less pleased with the comfort.
A positive assessment on smoother asphalt is in return. “The driving behavior on speed (German Autobahn) is fine. There is no transition from gasoline to electric above 130 km/h. That will benefit the peace on board. The driving behavior itself is also fine on straight pieces and faster curves.” These and a few other riders do make comments about the wind noise at higher speeds.
Opinion Driven
The Esprit Alpine 4Control driver who is predominantly good about his car has one important point of criticism. “The 3-cylinder that performs wonderfully on the highway is a annoying Brompot. At cold start, he makes a bowl of noise as if I am on the road with the John Deere of the neighbor. At 50 km/h cruising, he often and for a long time at high speed charging the battery, he does that at an annoying speed.” His conclusion: nice powertrain, as long as you stay out of the city.
Another Hybrid 200 driver keeps the leaf further away. “Teamwork between petrol engine and electric motor is simply bad,” he writes. “The transitions are felt, the acceleration is jerky (whatever mode you choose) and the final driving experience is restless.” An Esprit Alpine driver describes this as follows: “Sometimes delay when the Renault does not know if the Renault does not know if he should cut gas, or give strength when it gives full gas.”
The next driver also notices this interplay with his Hybrid 200 Techno, but finds it anything but problematic. “The automatic drive and circuit is sometimes noticeable at work, but to be honest, I can only enjoy it. It is striking that in traffic jams and in the built -up area, the car very emphatically chooses to drive as many meters as possible and then regularly run the petrol engine for a short time to charge the battery.”
The Austral Hybrid 200 compensates for part of this criticism with an actual favorable fuel consumption. “Meanwhile, the 10,000 kilometers passed by car. The consumption kept track of the consumption during this period and in the meantime the car drives about 1: 18.5. That is when I drive a highway and inland roads,” said the owner who is not pleased with the interplay within the powertrain. “The consumption in 1 year is exactly 1 in 20 (or 5 liters per 100 km),” says another rider.
Space offering and seating comfort
When it comes to comfort and space, the Austral scores with its users. “Seat space is more than sufficient,” says the owner of an Austral Hybrid 200 Techno. “You sit a little higher and upright, have better visibility (ahead) and in the back the children (in terms of headroom) are better than in the Skoda Superb.” The owner of a mild hybrid Austral is also pleased with the space offer. “In the back with the sliding rear seat, three adults can sit, luggage space is then on the smallest position/space but still spacious enough for a few bags and jackets.” A few owners do notice that the floor in the back is rising towards the front seats. “Feels very pleasant for the ladies with pumps.”
Almost all owners are positive about the seating comfort in the front. “As usual, seats are good in a Renault. Good adjustment options both up/down and front/rear,” said the mild hybrid driver. “I love the seat and the seats,” writes another. “Not a penny to drive 850 km in a day.”
Yet there are also criticisms. “Pleasant seating position found in the electric driver’s seat,” the owner of an Austral designed as a techno. “I do have the impression that the position of the lumbar support is not stored in the user profile. The three drivers in the family each have their own profile in the system, which is actually a must.” The adjustability falls short for another techno driver. “The chair can be adjusted in many ways, only the tilt of the seat is not adjustable. I experience relatively little support in the back of the chair and a lot of (a bit clamping) feeling under the legs.”
Austral scores with infotainment
Renault has been working on Android Automotive -based infotainment for some time. This is doing well with users who are almost unanimously enthusiastic. A director who satisfactorily argues several Renaults writes about it: “Software that does not respond slowly in a Renault-own way but is simply gone through the Google Integration quickly and responds well.” That also experiences another driver: “Google navigation is really great, great to call and go. No more typing, but simply:” Hey Google, Naviger home. ” Nevertheless, users also report small irritations. For example, the set driving mode is not remembered after expanding the car.
This seems like a small frustration, but the driving mode also determines how the car reacts in some situations. The next owner, for example, finds the adaptive cruise control the finest work in Eco mode. “As soon as the eco-fashion is on, it works a lot quieter and is very comfortable while driving. Even if I take the slower acceleration for what it is. You get used to that.”
Maintenance, malfunctions and irritations
Speaking of that cruise control, the owner of an Austral Techno from 2023 is not happy with it. “The adaptive cruise control does not work consistently,” he experiences. “It regularly intervenes this unexpectedly while there is nothing wrong and then the car is in full braking and/or the cruise control switches off. Runnutly dangerous and annoying for traffic behind me.”
Another annoyance concerns the over-the-air updates that have to deal with the next rider. “Had an update of the multimedia last week and things have changed right away. Traffic information suddenly pops out of the radio while it was out and the radio goes harder or softer. I have had to restore thirteen settings to my taste, find that very much but also annoying.”
Two owners were confronted with more serious software issues. “At the end of the exit off the highway, suddenly a large red compartment on the screen:” Electric motorcycle torp! “And” Stop “. I was able to roll out some more to put it on the side; he no longer gave Sjoege anymore.” In an update, he writes: “Problems seem to be on the side of software. There was a whole list of malfunctions in the system; they all canceled them and then the car started again. Then the actions that were carried out with the two – apparently two – recall actions.” The other bad luck writes, after his car spent two weeks at the dealer: “New spark plugs, software update and everything worked again.” Since then we have not been reading reports of stranded owners, so it seems that these problems are now a thing of the past.
Other annoyances should also be history from now on, because Renault recently introduced the renewed Austral. In addition to a number of external changes and new features, things like sound insulation and front seats have also been lifted to a higher level. We are curious about experiences with this version, so will you receive one soon? Then write your own review and help other motorists on their way to their next car.
In 2015, Renault Launched a Slightly Larger Crossover for the Second Time. The Kadjar had to make people forget the first koleos. The New Attempt was developed on the nissan qashqai and, like its Japanese counterpart, was successful. Its Successor is called austral and is much more distinctive, but does that suit it well? Owners and Users Provide the Answer.
Despite Efforts from the Design Department, You Could Still Recognize A Lot of Nissan in the Kadjar, Even Inside. With the austral, it’s completely different. Not only Does the Exterior Fit Perfectly Within The Range, But The Car is also Technically Top-Notch Renault. For example, in this model, in Addition to Common Mild-hybrid Gasoline Engines, You’ll also find the technicalally ingenious hybrid powertrain with a 1.2-liter Three-Cylinder Turbo Engine, and you can opt for 4 controls Steering, Unique in This Segment.
How does the austral drive?
We start with the ownner of an Austral Hybrid 200 Iconic Esprit Alpine, the top model in the series, Equipped with 4Control. “It is a very comfortable touring car,” he concludes, “On the highway it is Brilliant, Stable (4Control), Quiet, Always Sufficient Power.” The car also performs as desired in the city. “Super Maneuverable, Light Steering But Not Vague, Always Sufficient Power and Quick Acceleration Due to the EV Support.” An Austral Mild Hybrid Driver is letter about it: “Car drives nicely, good road holding and you don’t realize it’s a big car.”
The Owner of An Austral Hybrid in Techno Trim is also Enthusiastic about the Handling of his Renault. “The Driving Comfort is Above Expectations and Silent. Actually, I am very Positively Enthusiastic about all points. Even the 19” Wheels are not a nuisance on speed bumps. “The ownner of a similarly equipped austral and leson’s. Car is Adjusted Too Harshly for My Taste. “
This is offset by a Positive review on Smaother Asphalt. “The Handling at Speed (German Autobahn) is Excellent. Above 130 km/h there is no transition from Gasoline to Electric. That benefits The Peace on Board. The Handling itself is also excellent on straight sections and faster corners.” However, this and some other drivers make comments about the wind noise at highher speeds.
Opinions on Powertrain Divided
The Esprit Alpine 4Control Driver, WHO is generally pleased with his car, has one major point of criticism. “The 3-cylinder that performs wonderful on the highway is an annoying drone. At a cold start, it makes a lot of noise as if I’m out and about with the neighbor’s john deere. When cruizing at 50 km/h, it often and for a lung tea tuttery spetery spetery spetery spetery spetery spetery spetery spetery spot His Conclusion: Fine Powertrain, As Long As You Stay Out of the City.
Another Hybrid 200 Driver Keeps His Opinion closer to his chest. “Interaction between Gasoline Engine and electric motor is simply bath,” he’s writes. “The transitions are clearly noticeable, The Acceleration is Jerky (Whicever Mode You Choose) and the Ultimate Driving Experience is Restless.” An Esprit Alpine Driver Describes This As Follows: “Delay Sometimes When Accelerating, This Is When The Renault Does Not Know Whether It Should Save Gasoline, OR Wants To Add Power When Fully Accelerating.”
The next driver also notices this interaction with his hybrid 200 techno, but finds it anything but problematic. “The automatic drive and shift is sometimes noticeably at work, but I can honestly only enjoy it. It is striking that in traffic jams and in built-up areas, the car very emphatically chooses to drive as many meters as possible fully electric and therefore regularly lets the gasoline engine run briefly to Charge the Battery. “
Part of this criticism compensates The Austral Hybrid 200 with a Genuinely Favorable Fuel Consumption. “Meanwhile, passed the 10,000 kilometers with the car. Duration this period, Kept track of consumption and meanwhile the car drives approachage 1: 18.5. That is when I drive alternating highway and local witra -the owner where is note where is note where is not the pottery where is noterpeasy where is noterpeasy Who. “The consumption over 1 year is Exactly 1 in 20 (OR 5 liters per 100 km),” Another Driver Reports.
Space and Seating Comfort
When it comes to comfort and space, the austral scores with its users. “Seating Space is more than adequate,” Says the ownner of an Austral Hybrid 200 Techno. “You sit a bit higher and upright, have a better view (Forward) and in the back the children sit (in Terms of Headroom) Better than in the Skoda Superb.” The Owner of a Mild Hybrid Austral is also pleased with the space. “In the back with the sliding rear seat, three adults can sit, luggage space is then in the smallest position/space but still spacious enough for a few bags and jackets.” However, a few owners note that the floor in the back rises Towards The Front Seats. “Does not feel very pleasant for the ladies with pumps when getting out.”
Almost all owners are positive about the seat comfort in the front. “Seats are as usual good in a renault. Good adjustment possibilities both up/down and front/back,” Says the mild hybrid driver. “I think the seat and the seats are great,” Writes Another. “No Problem Driving 850 km in A Day.”
Yet there are also points of criticism. “Found A Pleasant Seating Position in the Electric Driver’s Seat,” Begins The Owner of An Austral Equipped as Techno. “I have the impression that the position of the lumbar support is not stored in the user profile. The three drivers in the family each have their own profile in the System, which is Actually a must.” For Another Techno Driver, The Adjustability Falls Short. “The Seat Can Be Adjusted in Many Ways, Only the Tilt of the Seat is not adjustable. I experience relatively little support in the back of the seat and a lot of (slightly pinching) Feeling under the legs.”
Austral Scores with Infotainment
For some time, Renault Has Been Working with Android Automotive-based Infotainment. This does well with users, who are almost unanimously Enthusiastic. A Driver who has been worn out several renaults to satisfaction writes about it: “Software that does not react slowly in Renault’s own way, but simply reacts quickly and well due to the google integration.” Another Driver also experiences this: “Google Navigation is really very nice, great to call your address and go. No more typing, but just:” Hey Google, Navigate to Home. “” Nevertheless, users also report minor irritations. For Example, the Set Driving Mode is not remembered after switching off the car.
This seems like a minor frustration, but the driving fashion also determines how the car reacts in some situations. The Next Owner, For Example, Finds The Adaptive Cruise Control to Work Best in Eco Mode. “As soon as the eco-mod is on, it works a lot quieter and is then very comfortable while driving. Althegh I take the slower acceleration for what it is. You get used to that.”
Maintenance, Malfunctions and Irritations
Speaking of That Cruise Control, The Owner of An Austral Techno From 2023 is not happy with it. “The adaptive cruise control does not work consistently,” he experiences. “Regularly it intervenes unexpectedly While there is Nothing Wrong and then the car fully brakes and/or switches off the cruise control. Downright Dangerous and Annoying for Traffic Behind Me.”
Another Annoyance Concerns The Over-the-Air Updates That the Following Driver has to deal with. “Last week, an update of the multimedia and things have changed right away. Suddenly traffic information pops out of the radio While it was off and the radio goes louder or softer by itself. I had to reset thirteen settings to my liking.
Two Owners had to deal with more serious software issues. “At the end of the exit from the highway, Suddenly a Large Red Box on the Screen:” Electric Motor Failure! “And” Stop “. I Could Still Roll out to Put It On The Side; Furthermore It Gave No Signal Anymore.” In an update he writes: “Problems seem to be on the side of the software. There was a whole list of malfunctions in the system; they have all leg deregistered and then the car started again. Then the actions performed that belonged to the two – equipmently there were two.” Recalls. ” The Other Unlucky Person Writes, After His Car Spent Two Week at The Dealer: “New Spark Plugs, Software Update and Everything Worked Again.” Since then we have not read any reports of beached owners, so it seems that thesis problems are now a thing of the past.
Other Annoyances should also be history from now on, because Renault recently introduced the Renewed Austral. In Addition to a Number of Exterior Changes and New Features, Things Like Sound Insulation and Front Seats Have also Tasks to a Higher Level. We are curious about experiences with this version, so will you Receive One Soon? Then Write Your Own Review and Help Other Motorists On Their Way To Their Next Car.