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Coming Soon: Renault Austral
Renault's new family SUV has officially been named, and the Renault Austral will launch in 2022. Here's what to expect, and what that name means.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 8 December 2021 | 0 min read
Renault have officially named their upcoming flagship SUV: the Renault Austral. Set to replace the Renault Kadjar in their current line-up, the Austral will launch late in 2022.
Renault Austral new design
Alongside a new name, the Renault Austral will feature a concept-inspired body design and swisher interiors (part of their “interior revolution” spearheaded by design boss Laurens van den Acker).
The body itself, while still under wraps, seems to sport a concave grille design and slim LED headlights, alongside a clamshell bonnet – similar to the Renault E-Tech. Details are scarce at the moment but, based on Renault’s recent releases, expect the Autral’s interiors to feature clean designs and high-quality materials – similar to the design cues that made the Renault Clio such a success. We also expect to see ambient lighting, and a large, integrated touchscreen. Alongside these design changes, Renault is set to offer a greater choice of revamped powertrains. Similar to the new Nissan Qashqai, the Renault Austral will use the updated modular CMF-C platform (built by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance). This means we can expect plenty of hybrid options when it launches.
The body itself, while still under wraps, seems to sport a concave grille design and slim LED headlights, alongside a clamshell bonnet – similar to the Renault E-Tech. Details are scarce at the moment but, based on Renault’s recent releases, expect the Autral’s interiors to feature clean designs and high-quality materials – similar to the design cues that made the Renault Clio such a success. We also expect to see ambient lighting, and a large, integrated touchscreen. Alongside these design changes, Renault is set to offer a greater choice of revamped powertrains. Similar to the new Nissan Qashqai, the Renault Austral will use the updated modular CMF-C platform (built by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance). This means we can expect plenty of hybrid options when it launches.
What does Austral mean?
Derived from the Latin word australis, Austral refers to the south (so an austral wind is a southern wind). Renault said they chose the name as it "conjures up the vibrancy and heat of the south, the tranquil pleasure of nature, as well as wide open spaces, evoking limitless opportunities".