Renault Debuts Austral SUV With Level-2 Autonomy Replaces Kadjar
Austral is the latest member of Renault's CMF platform, which includes previously introduced Megan E-Tech & Arkana.
A compact crossover SUV built on Renault's alliance CMF-CD platform. Austral comes with Level-2 autonomy, 4-wheel steering and second-generation E-Tech full-hybrid system, which produces up to 200hp. Its artificial intelligence and ADAS use cloud-based map data to predict road conditions. Google automotive services integrated into the vehicle. Renault also debuted their new trim-level 'Esprit Alpine' with Austral.
Renault claims that Austral embodies a generation of connected, smart, adaptive and flexible vehicles.
Design
Ausrtral presents Renault's new generation design architecture which began with Megan in an SUV manner. Two-tone exterior with a lifted bonnet, taller ride height and shorter windows. Wide grill with a checkout pattern, wide-body panels with shiny black and dark chrome finishes, C-shaped matrix LED headlights, the fully blacked-out roof and pillars give the mysterious appearance of a luxury SUV. Austral also comes with Renault's new logo which blends into the design. From the side, very contrasted lines above the wheel arches give many appearances to the car.
Renault's iconic wide shoulders like rear-end symbolize its heredity giving it a universal identity as a Renault vehicle.
Wide tail tights remind the Megane. These lights use micro-optics technology which creates a 3D holographic effect, taking inspiration from Renault's Trezor concept.
Interior
Renault's new generation interior design architecture is inspired by sharp & wide panels. Air vents & controls blended into the design. Depending on the variants, the interior incorporates actual timber, leather, Alcantara, padded textiles and other form-fitted materials that are soft to the touch and combined with lacquered highlights in Deep Glossy Black and Satin Chrome.
The new generation screens are one of the largest screens in the market. L shaped screen combines centre console display and instrument cluster and the driver air vents into one single section.
The new generation steering wheel is a double flat three-spoke steering wheel with glossy finishes. All controls on the centre console are relocated around the steering wheel as switches and buttons. This new configuration gives the driver a personalized, easy to access environment.
Esprit Alpine
'Esprit Alpine' is the highest spec version of the Austral. it's got Alpine inspirations in its design. It has a specific body colour called 'Grishist Mat', a 20-inch wheel with diamond shades, an alpine engraving, interiors with Alcantara with Nappa leather and twill fabric resembling carbon fibre, stitched leather and an embroidered alpine logo on the seat along with aluminium pedals and door sills featuring the Alpine logo. There's also a specific welcome sequence called, 'Evocate of Alpine' as you get on board.
Engines
Austral comes with second-generation E-Tech Hybrid and Mild-Hybrid systems with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. There's no diesel version like the previous Kadjar. Renault claims that these new e-tech hybrid systems can provide better performance than diesel ones. Each of the three engines features regenerative braking. For the E-TECH Hybrid, the driver can select modes using a toggle located behind the steering wheel.
Also, a Mild-Hybrid turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual gearbox equipped with a 48V lithium-ion battery and starter motor which produces 130hp giving a fuel consumption is as low as 5.3 litres / 100 km and CO2 emissions of 123 g/km.
Also, another Mild-Hybrid co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, which has a four-cylinder 1.3-litre engine with a six-speed manual or X-Tronic automatic transmission combined with a 12V lithium-ion battery, a starter motor.
This engine has a three-pedal configuration.
The manual powertrain produces 140hp while the automatic transmission does 160hp and 270 Nm of torque.
Dimensions
The Austral is 4.51 meters long, 1.83 meters wide, and 1.62 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.67 meters. The cargo space varies from 430 to 575 litres depending on whether to have a fixed or sliding rear bench or a full hybrid or mild hybrid version.
Technology
Austral comes with Renault's 3rd generation 4-control adaptive all-wheel steering system, which can turn rear wheels by up to 5 degrees. This system gives the vehicle a 10.1m turning radius. Above 50kmph, this system turns rear wheels parallel to the front wheels.
MULTI-SENSE Advanced technology features three pre-set driving modes: 'Eco', 'Comfort' and 'Sport'. A fourth mode (Perso) gives the driver free rein over every setting. The Extended Grip Pack includes two additional modes: 'Snow' and 'All roads' Drivers can switch between modes either manually or via the voice command Google Assistant. The All-New Austral also features a brand-new proactive function to help reduce fuel use in that it automatically suggests switching to Eco mode.
Austral also features Harman Kardon sound systems integrating hi-fidelity sound into the vehicle.
The Austral offers 32 driving assistance systems, including a 360-degree camera. The active driver-assist system is powered by Renault's latest level 2 autonomous driving system. It adapts to speed limits and road conditions. Actively informs the driver and takes control if necessary.
Open-R
Open-R link is the masterpiece of the cockpit. It's a combination of the 12.3" dashboard instrument cluster, the 9.3" Head-Up display and the 12" vertical multimedia screen. It can get the driver's commands through touch and voice which comes with google automotive services including, integrated Google Maps, Google Play and Google Assistant. Renault claims that Open-R makes the vehicle intuitive as a smartphone.
The cloud-connected system receives automatic updates via Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) technology.
Austral will be introduced to markets from the last quarter of 2022.
News Source: media.renault.com
Gallery
Comments
Post a Comment