• Only one hybrid powertrain
• Balances power and efficiency
• Renault worked to improve Austral’s drive for 2025 update

Renault Austral hybrid engines

UK buyers only get one engine – and it’s Renault’s range-topping E-Tech self-charging hybrid system. It comprises a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, a large electric motor and a 2kWh battery pack mounted under the front seats (which means you don’t sacrifice any boot space as you do in the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson hybrids).

The system has a combined output of 200hp, which Renault says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 108mph. More importantly, the system has a combined torque (pulling power) output of 410Nm, which means there’s plenty of power in reserve to help with overtaking. The two power sources send drive to the front wheels through an unusual clutchless ‘dog’ gearbox.

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It’s a significant evolution of the system fitted to existing Renault hybrid models (such as the Captur), switching between power sources with much less obtrusion. It’s not quite as polished as Toyota’s self-charging hybrid system, but it’s noticeably less clunky than a Kia Sportage, though Renault worked to improve it as part of the 2025 update with new software for the gearbox.

It is an improvement, but still has some hesitancy when you put your foot down in anything other than sport mode, and rarely feels as quick as the 200hp figure suggests.

What’s it like to drive?

• Numb steering
• Very quiet and refined at speed
• Firm ride and rigid body

The Austral isn’t a car for keen drivers. Its steering system offers far too little feedback and you have limited control over the powertrain. You can’t force it run in EV mode, for example, and you can’t select your own gears. The car’s computers do all that thinking for you. There are three drive modes (called Eco, Comfort and Sport), but they do little more than adjust the sensitivity of the throttle.

Despite this, the Austral has a stiff bodyshell and its suspension is quite firmly sprung. That means it’ll corner well if you ask it to, but you sacrifice a lot of low-speed ride comfort for the privilege. Its fidgety over rough tarmac and speed bumps will buck you towards the door if you don’t straddle them. These issues were worsened by the huge 20-inch alloys fitted to our test car (of the pre-facelift car).

Renault says it has worked hard to improve the Austral’s ride with new springs and dampers, aiming to address the poor low-speed ride of the original car. While we have driven the facelifted car, all the test cars available on our Spanish test drive weren’t representative of what we’ll get in the UK.

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That’s because they featured four-wheel steering, which was previously available as an option on Austral, but is now no longer offered on right-hand-drive models. Cars with this fitted get a more advanced multi-link setup, which is different to the standard suspension. We await to try a UK-spec car to see if the changes have made any difference.

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If you’re looking for a used Austral, it could be worth finding a car with this ‘4Control’ system fitted as it allows the rear wheels to turn up to five degrees. They turn in the opposite direction to the fronts when driving slowly for increased manoeuvrability and in the same direction as the fronts on the open road for greater stability. The main advantage is a very small turning circle, which is ideal for parking or if you live somewhere with tight streets.

The four-wheel steering system hacks the Austral’s turning circle down to 10.1 metres which is less than a Renault Clio. Elsewhere, the Austral’s hybrid system offers three levels of regenerative braking, controlled with paddles on the steering wheel. You’re better using these where possible as the brake pedal feel is poor, seeming a bit vague until you get used to it.

On a brighter note, the Austral is a remarkably quiet and refined car at speed. Renault has worked further to improve this on the updated 2025 car with redesigned door mirrors, new door seals and laminated glass (on top-spec models) and the result is seriously impressive even at motorway speeds.