2023 Renault Austral – everything we know

UPDATE, February 23, 2022: The new 2023 Renault Austral will make its global debut on March 8, the French brand has confirmed today.

The story to here

UPDATE, March 8, 2022: The 2023 Renault Austral has finally been unveiled – although at this stage it is only confirmed for Europe, with the Australian arm of the carmaker unable to say whether the small SUV will come here.

Features of the European model were revealed tonight in a global debut, telling us the Kadjar replacement will come with a choice of three hybrid powertrains and a new top-spec Esprit Alpine variant inspired by its, you guessed it, Alpine sub brand.

Read the full details in our reveal story by clicking the link below.

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The story to here

February 4, 2022: The 2023 Renault Austral has been captured in Europe, providing yet another look at the Kadjar-replacing crossover.

The spy photo was published on Spanish website Cochespias, revealing the small SUV’s headlight and alloy wheel designs in greater detail.

Just like the Megane E-Tech Electric, the Austral will adopt Renault’s latest design language.

This includes slimmer C-shaped LED headlights with a revised DRL signature, as well as the French marque’s new minimalist diamond branding.

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January 27, 2022: Renault has shown off a design sketch for the interior of its latest SUV, the Austral.

Replacing the Kadjar, the French manufacturer looks to be giving the Austral a contemporary interior from launch, with its digital instrument cluster and OpenR infotainment screen angled towards the driver.

According to Renault, the portrait-mounted screen's size of 24.3 inches is one of the largest in any car on sale, with Google Automotive Services being used as the default software, although the system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capable as well.

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Various nooks and crannies in the cabin are said to provide up to 30 litres of extra storage, with the centre console – split into two separate compartments – offering the most space.

With no transmission tunnel to worry about, leg room in the second row of seats has been increased over its predecessor, also freeing up space in the front which Renault says creates a "cocoon" effect.

"When we created all-new Renault Austral’s passenger compartment, the three recurring themes were the perception of space, edgy design and a protective feel," said Agneta Dahlgren, Renault Design Project Director.

"All-new Renault Austral’s cocoon is as comfortable as it’s brimming with technology. The passengers are at the centre of the experience, the cockpit is as reassuring as it’s streamlined, and they enjoy the feeling of sharing the space and having their individual space at the same time."

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January 6, 2022: The 2023 Renault Austral has been teased again, this time with a camouflaged prototype being shown undergoing testing.

Renault has confirmed the Austral will only be offered with electrified powertrains, though there’s no word yet on whether Australian buyers will get their hands on the new model, which is set to replace the Kadjar in overseas markets when it launches later this year.

The French carmaker has named both 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre mild-hybrid engines for the new SUV, but has suggested there will be more engines on offer, producing as little as 105g of CO2 per kilometre, and putting out as much as 149kW.

Under the camouflage wrap, the Austral appears to borrow its styling cues from the recently-unveiled Renault Megane E-Tech electric SUV, with C-shaped headlights and a rising shoulder line at the C-pillar.

Expect the 2023 Renault Austral to be unveiled in the second quarter, with the vehicle’s launch likely in the second half of 2022.

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December 7, 2021: The 2023 Renault Austral has been previewed as the latest SUV to join the French carmaker’s range.

Renault announced the Austral name overnight, confirming the model will replace the Kadjar when it arrives in 2022.

The Austral is expected to share its underpinnings with the new Nissan Qashqai, using the CMF-C platform as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This means greater interior space for occupants, thanks to the Qashqai’s 4510mm length – 61mm longer than the Kadjar.

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The 2023 Renault Austral spied in testing.

Buyers can expect to be offered a range of petrol and hybrid engines. Overseas, a 1.3-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 116kW can be expected, paired with a mild-hybrid system for improved emissions and fuel economy. Traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are also rumoured.

Named after the Latin word ‘australis’, meaning ‘of the south’, the new Austral is part of the company’s plan to “reconquer” the C-segment of the European market, as outlined at the Renaulution event in January.

“[The name] Austral conjures up the vibrancy and heat of the south, the tranquil pleasure of nature, as well as wide open spaces, evoking limitless opportunities,” the company explained at the model’s announcement.

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The interior of the 2023 Renault Austral spied.

While a spokesperson for Renault Australia told Wheels it was considering all future products available to our market, the company didn’t have anything to add at this stage.

However, in explaining the Austral name, the company’s head office said “an international name is a perfect choice for a vehicle that will be sold across Europe and further afield,” suggesting the model could eventually join the Arkana, sitting below the Koleos in the local line-up.

The 2023 Renault Austral will be fully unveiled in the second quarter of next year.