Launched in 2022, the Renault Austral has quickly established itself as a unique and versatile SUV in the compact C-segment. For 2026, Renault has given the Austral a significant contemporary makeover, positioning it alongside the Renault Rafale as a key pillar in the brand’s hybrid offensive within the C- and D-segments, as outlined in the Renaulution Strategic Plan. This latest iteration of the Austral features a fully transformed front end and refined exterior styling that harmonizes with Renault’s new design language. Beyond its refreshed aesthetics, the interior ambience has been enhanced with new seating and upholstery, while also gaining advanced technology, including new applications accessible through the OpenR Link system with Google built-in, rivaling offerings in higher market segments.
Stylish and Elegant Exterior Design: The exterior design of the New Renault Austral has undergone major changes, with a strong focus on character and sophistication. The new bonnet, bumper, and grille have gained a more assertive presence, echoing the design cues seen on the Rafale. The bumper notably features small embossed 3D diamonds scattered around the central logo, reflecting the brand’s contemporary design language. The precision of these details is matched by the high-tech design of the new front and rear lights, contributing to a modern and distinctive look. The styling update extends to many other body features, with the upper and central sections of the tailgate gaining more elegant lines. New High Gloss Black strips are integrated with the lower side body protection, shielding the rear wings from gravel chips while also enhancing the vehicle’s sporty appeal. The wheel arches and lower body protection are also finished in High Gloss Black, further emphasizing its dynamic stance.
An All-New Light Signature: The 2026 Renault Austral features a unique and highly recognizable light signature, both by day and night. This is achieved through newly designed front and rear lights, incorporating distinctive half-diamond daytime running lights (DRL) integrated into the bumper. The headlights come standard with Adaptive LED Vision technology, ensuring optimal illumination. For enhanced visibility and driver comfort, especially without impacting oncoming traffic, Matrix Vision technology is available on esprit Alpine versions. This advanced system controls a higher number of LED beam segments, allowing the driver to utilize high beam continuously for maximum coverage. The rear lights are equally striking, taking the shape of a square cut into seven pieces, inspired by Chinese tangram puzzles, when illuminated. When off, they resemble “floating ice cubes,” providing a contemporary and distinctive look.
Interior with Enhanced Onboard Comfort: The interior of the New Renault Austral has been meticulously refined to offer enhanced onboard comfort and a sophisticated ambience that mirrors the exterior styling. The new front seats not only boast flattering aesthetics but also provide improved lateral and shoulder support, ensuring comfort on long journeys. The seats also feature new upholstery options, including the environmentally conscious 98% recycled “Egée” fabric available with the techno trim. Acoustic insulation has been significantly improved through new door seals and a redesigned rear-view mirror base to reduce wind noise. Furthermore, esprit Alpine finishes benefit from laminated glass for the front doors, contributing to a quieter ride. Under the bonnet, more effective soundproofing and new powertrain mounts have been fitted, further enhancing the cabin’s tranquility.
Spacious and Modular C-Segment Interior: The New Renault Austral stands out in the C-segment for its exceptional spaciousness and modularity. It features a highly versatile 60:40 split/fold bench in the second row, which can slide over 16 cm and recline in three positions (25°/27°/29°). This innovative design allows rear passengers to enjoy generous knee room of up to 27.4 cm and head room exceeding 90 cm, ensuring a comfortable seating position even on extended trips. A power tailgate provides convenient access to the boot, which offers a substantial load capacity ranging from 527 to 1,736 liters with the full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain. For added convenience, a 12V socket is available in the boot.
Advanced Onboard Connectivity: The New Renault Austral integrates advanced connectivity features through its OpenR twin screen system, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12-inch multimedia screen. On esprit Alpine versions, a 9.3-inch head-up display further expands the total display area to an impressive 1,000 cm², equivalent to three touch-screen tablets. Beyond enhanced Bluetooth, Carplay, and Android Auto connectivity, the multimedia system boasts new graphics and a unique welcome tune developed in collaboration with Jean-Michel Jarre. The central console is thoughtfully designed with an induction charger, two USB-C ports, and a 12V socket. Rear passengers also have access to two USB-C ports and a 12V socket on the back of the central armrest. The OpenR link multimedia system with Google built-in offers a comprehensive suite of Google services and apps, including Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control, and Google Play with over 50 applications. Regular over-the-air updates ensure the system remains current.
Powertrain and Performance Details: The New Renault Austral delivers an exceptional driving experience, powered by its full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain. This advanced system is mated to an intelligent, clutchless multi-mode automatic dogbox, now featuring new software for enhanced responsiveness and the elimination of flat-spots during kick-down or acceleration. The full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain comprises a 3-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine developing 130 hp (96 kW) with 205 Nm of torque. It is complemented by two electric motors: a main electric motor with a capacity of 50 kW (70 hp and 205 Nm), powered by a 2 kWh/400V lithium-ion battery for electric driving, and a secondary electric motor or high-voltage starter generator (HSG) that develops 25 hp for 50 Nm of torque, responsible for starting the internal combustion engine and managing gear changes. Already compliant with the future Euro 6 E bis emissions standard, this powertrain achieves a standard WLTP combined-cycle fuel consumption of 4.7 liters/100 km (106g of CO² per km). The intelligent automatic gearbox automatically selects the optimal operating mode from options like all-electric, dynamic hybrid, e-drive, combustion, and energy recovery. With fast gear shifting and intelligent management, the automatic gearbox enables a convincing take-off (0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds) and excellent acceleration (50-74 mph in 5.6 seconds). Gear shifting is optimized for high performance without compromising comfort.
Multi-Sense and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): The Multi-Sense function allows users to personalize their driving preferences, adjusting steering effort, engine response, chassis agility, interior lighting color, and dashboard display across four modes: Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Perso. The New Renault Austral prioritizes safety with up to 30 new-generation ADAS. Notably, Active Driver Assist provides Level 2 autonomous driving, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering assist and geolocation data. Other ADAS include Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Occupant Safe Exit Alert (OSE), all contributing to a high level of onboard safety. A “My Safety Switch” button allows drivers to activate their preferred settings for five ADAS simultaneously, enhancing convenience.
Personalized Accessories and Maintenance: The exterior of the New Austral can be customized with various color packs for the front end, rear skid plates, and door mirror housings, available in “Carbon effect” and “light grey.” For increased load capacity, Renault’s aero cargo box™ can be fitted to the towbar, adding 310 liters without compromising aerodynamics or range. Metal side steps and roof rails are also available for an enhanced SUV look. Inside, accessories include a central console organizer and mat, a headrest-mounted iPad holder for rear passengers, illuminated door sills, and a boot tray. The OpenR Link with Google built-in is cloud-enabled and features FOTA (firmware over the air) technology for automatic operating system updates and predictive maintenance. Renault also offers connected maintenance services, providing personalized notifications for vehicle attention, allowing customers to prepare maintenance operations and easily book appointments via the My Renault app, along with functions to predict part wear.
Summary:
- 2026 Renault Austral is a C-segment SUV with a contemporary makeover.
- Features a transformed front end and exterior design consistent with Renault’s new language.
- Interior boasts new front seats, upholstery, and advanced technology via OpenR Link with Google built-in.
- Powered by a full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain with a clutchless multi-mode automatic gearbox.
- Achieves 0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds and 50-74 mph in 5.6 seconds.
- Offers Multi-Sense driving modes (Eco, Sport, Comfort, Perso) and up to 30 new-generation ADAS.
- Unique spacious and modular interior with a sliding and reclining 60:40 split/fold rear bench.
- Boot capacity of 527 to 1,736 liters with power tailgate.
- New light signature with Adaptive LED Vision and Matrix LED Vision headlights.
- Available in techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine trim levels.
- Built at the Palencia plant (Spain), available in the UK in second half of 2025.
Disclaimer: Information presented is based on press release details and general specifications. Actual vehicle features, performance, and availability may vary. Consult official Renault sources for the most current and accurate information.
Source: Renault
AI Assistance: Gemini
