Best in class
Whole-life cost analysis: C-segment hybrid SUVs
Renault Austral Martyn Collins
The C-segment SUV marketplace is where Renault has had previous success with the Nissan Qashqai-based Kadjar - until it was discontinued last year. The Austral is its replacement, but it’s much more than that, as it is its first model built on the third-generation CMF-CD platform, and in hybrid form, is unique to the Renault at the moment, with its aspiration to conquer the segment with this model.
Outside, although the Austral carries on styling cues first seen on the Megane EV last year, the design is more evolution than revolution. At the front, the heavily sculpted bonnet catches your eye first, followed by the large, mouthy grille with the new Renault badge in the centre and then there’s the curvy, C-shaped matrix LED headlights.
The upswept window line at the side is unusual, plus the distinctive lower cut-out (which is shown off best with the Austral’s matt paint finishes) and
almost blistered arches which are home to wheels up to 20in in size. At the back, there’s a high-set rear window, rear lights and light bar that stretch across the full width of the car and are a similar C-shape design to the headlights.
Inside, if you liked the Megane EV’s style, you’re going to feel right at home in the Austral. The dashboard is made up of screens, the biggest being a 12.3in upright OpenR one, which runs Google’s Android Automotive software. It is certainly easy
Renault Austral 1.2 E-Tech 200 Techno Esprit Alpine
P11D: £36,465 CO2 (tax): 106g/km (26%) BIK 20/40% a month: £158/£316 Fuel consumption: 60.1mpg National Insurance: £3,988 First year VED: £175 Subsequent VED: £170 Engine size/power: 1,199cc/200hp AFR: 13p
to use and supports Apple Carplay. This links with the smaller 12in screen for instruments. There’s also a busy multi- function steering wheel, plus what looks like an elbow rest where the gearchange used to be on the centre console. The Austral is available in Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine (which we’re covering here), and Iconic Esprit Alpine equipment grades. All are powered by the same E-Tech hybrid drivetrain that Renault says is ideal for a C-segment SUV. It is made up of a 1.2-litre, three- cylinder turbocharged engine, with an electric motor and a 400v lithium-ion battery and a gearbox combining two speeds in electric mode and four for the combustion engine. Together, they equal 200hp and 409Nm of torque.
All the hybrid models in this article have similar BIK figures, but the Renault finishes first with its 26%, 2% below the second-place car – the Nissan. With the Kia next and the Hyundai in last place. Hybrid models capable of almost 50 miles to a gallon, are at the top of their
Residual value: 40.63% Depreciation: £21,649 Fuel costs: £6,528 SMR: £2,563
game in our opinion. So, the fact that the Renault boasts more than 60mpg is how the Austral finishes in first position for consumption. This is more than 6mpg better than the second-place car, again the Nissan, with both the Kia and Hyundai sisters having the same 49.6mpg figure. French marques have tended to struggle against their Korean counterparts. Well that is the case with the Austral, when it comes to residuals. Renault can take some comfort that all the models had very close RV figures, but according to ours sourced from Kee Resources, its 40.63% figure is only good enough for third place, proving the fact that being the newest model here isn’t enough to secure victory. The Austral finishes in last place for depreciation, with its £21,649 figure, which is disappointing as it is the second most expensive car here with a P11D figure of £36,465. Although the Renault does have the lowest NI figure at £3,988.
51.23p Cost per mile
48 | August 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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