Renault is gearing up to introduce the all-new Austral on March 8, but that hasn’t stopped the company from getting in some last minute testing. That’s certainly the case as spy recently spotted the crossover on the streets of Amsterdam. While this particular prototype is heavily disguised, Renault has released a barrage of teaser sketches and photos that show the Kadjar replacement will follow in the footsteps of the Megane E-Tech Electric and feature C-shaped LED lighting units as well as angular intakes. The Austral will also sport faux skid plates and a checkered grille with a prominent “Nouvel R” logo. Elsewhere, the crossover has a dynamic beltline, muscular wheel arches, and a curvaceous rear end with what appears to be a nearly full-width light bar. The model also features a hidden exhaust as well as a rear spoiler.
The interior promises to be an “elegantly
modern cocoon” that features a soft-touch dashboard, integrated light strips,
and authentic wood trim. They’ll be joined by satin chrome accents, upholstered
textiles that “subtly fade from black to light grey”, and a unique center
console with a “finely grained” hand rest that slides. On the technology front,
drivers will find a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system with
Google Automotive Services such as Maps. They’re arranged in an “L-shaped
configuration” and Renault has said they’ll provide a total display area of
24.3 inches.
The Austral will go on sale this spring
and feature a petrol hybrid-only lineup that includes a 1.3 TCe engine with a
12V mild hybrid system as well as a 1.2 TCe unit with 48V mild hybrid
technology. Renault has said these powertrains will produce up to 197 hp and deliver “record-breaking performance.”
