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what’s people’s thoughts on the Renault Australe ? Viewed it yesterday it’s a hybrid automatic . £3.5k for spec I was looking at . My order will be in Q4 what’s chances of drop ? Or can anyone recommend similar to view
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Skoda Karoq could be worth taking a look at. I’m guessing it’s a similar size to the Renault and the AP’s seem reasonable.
No idea if the Renault AP will be reduced in the future
We looked at the Autral a couple of weeks back. Overall we liked it and it had plenty of tech however I have my reservations with all trims bar the top spec (not on the scheme) having an rather basic torsion beam set up, rather than multi-link rear suspension. Although better than the Arkana you spoke about the other day, there is still more lag choosing what powertrain to use than rivals however that depends very much on how you drive whether you will notice it or not, albeit far more refined than the Arkana. On a personall note I found it very dark inside without a sunroof, which is limited to the top spec.
Reports say Renault modelled it on the Hyundai Tuscon as a direct competitor, so you could equally say the Kia Sportage is also a direct competitor as it is the sister car to the Tuscon, Both the Sportage and Tuscon have DCT which has less lag. The Austral uses the same platform seen in the Nissan Qashqui E-power, which offers more of an EV style driving experience.
On paper at least the Austral is the most fuel effecient but lags behind the other where 0-60 is concerned. As always you need to test drive yourself 🙂
I sat in one at a Motability event recently and I was surprised how comfortable it was. Lots of kit but as you say, a bit pricey.
Comfort wise, the only others that beat it were two EVs, the BYD Atto 3 (which was really comfortable albeit a bit out there inside) and the XC40 that apparently is “coming soon”.
Will be interesting to see if that is electric only and what the AP is.
I sat in one at a Motability event recently and I was surprised how comfortable it was. Lots of kit but as you say, a bit pricey. Comfort wise, the only others that beat it were two EVs, the BYD Atto 3 (which was really comfortable albeit a bit out there inside) and the XC40 that apparently is “coming soon”. Will be interesting to see if that is electric only and what the AP is.
Interesting about the XC40. I should imagine that a new model must be due out before too long, so it would make sense for the run-out model to appear on Motability if they need to clear stock, although I would have thought that most are made to order given all the option possibilities. I didn’t like the exterior or the tech on the XC40 as much as the BMW that we went for, and we would ideally like something bigger next time, but I’d definitely consider that if it’s on the scheme when we change. I wouldn’t be interested if it was the EV version though
@kezo it made me smile when you called the Tucson a Tuscon. A mate of mine has 4 Hyundai’s in his family. His is a Santa Fe and his wife and two daughters all have Tucson’s which he pronounces as ‘Tuscan” rather than the correct “Tucson” (pronounced Too-sonn, as in Tucson Arizona). I keep meaning to tell him that there is a car called a Tuscan, but it’s made by TVR ? Mind you, I have incorrectly pronounced Hyundai as “Hi-un-dye” for years, whereas the advertising campaign now educates us that it’s pronounced “Hyun-day”. Perhaps these overseas manufacturers should use names that us Brits can cope with ?@Glos Guy
I bet your friend also had a Ford Angular back in the 60s ?
2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronic@Glos Guy I bet your friend also had a Ford Angular back in the 60s ?
? I don’t like to correct him, because I wonder if it’s a type of dyslexia, but his spelling is absolutely fine. However, he does pronounce some other things rather strangely as well, and I don’t mean from a regional accent perspective ?
@kezo it made me smile when you called the Tucson a Tuscon. A mate of mine has 4 Hyundai’s in his family. His is a Santa Fe and his wife and two daughters all have Tucson’s which he pronounces as ‘Tuscan” rather than the correct “Tucson” (pronounced Too-sonn, as in Tucson Arizona).
It seems ‘Hyun-day” isn’t the only maufacturer telling us. The fancy “Š” in Škoda changes it to “sh-koader” Thankfully China is doing the hard work for us with brands like “Build Your Dreams”, Surely BYD would have sufficed, though almost certainly a car one would debadge ?
@kezo it made me smile when you called the Tucson a Tuscon. A mate of mine has 4 Hyundai’s in his family. His is a Santa Fe and his wife and two daughters all have Tucson’s which he pronounces as ‘Tuscan” rather than the correct “Tucson” (pronounced Too-sonn, as in Tucson Arizona).
It seems ‘Hyun-day” isn’t the only maufacturer telling us. The fancy “Š” in Škoda changes it to “sh-koader” Thankfully China is doing the hard work for us with brands like “Build Your Dreams”, Surely BYD would have sufficed, though almost certainly a car one would debadge ?
Yes, that “BUILD YOUR BREAMS” emblazoned across the back of the car looks tacky in the extreme. I would definitely remove that. As well as not having to keep replacing letters when they fall off (given the exemplary build quality of all things made in China) it’s less to burn when it inevitably catches fire during a recharge ?
Yes, that “BUILD YOUR BREAMS” emblazoned across the back of the car looks tacky in the extreme. I would definitely remove that. As well as not having to keep replacing letters when they fall off (given the exemplary build quality of all things made in China) it’s less to burn when it inevitably catches fire during a recharge
I think a good few of them are up there with the build quality of most European brands – who also have their fingers firmly in the pot with Chinese manufacturers. A “vicious circle”
Thank you for responses. Going to car event in few weeks. Will also arrange a test drive especially since it is automatic only ever drove manual. Nothing much is jumping out and ap is unreal on some cars but I fall into Q4 so will see if nothing will extend kuga.
Good afternoon all.
Renault Clio rather than Austral in this post and the reason is the full hybrid. But not irrelevant nevertheless I believe.
First Renault I’ve had. Swapped it for a Corsa EV owing to geographic isolation and poor local infrastructure.
This full hybrid is quite interesting.
59.4%of the distance travelled was on electric only. I’ve travelled 1006 miles. So the petrol engine (1.6) has been used for 400 miles…. I’ve paid for 400 miles.
Average mpg , including electric, is 62.2mpg for a 1.6l petrol.
600 of the 1000 miles no emissions.
Tech is very good. Seats are good with firm side bolsters. We need no larger vehicle now and could get 4 of these on the driveway with no fussiness.
Very economical. Very comfortable. Environmentally it’s a far better choice, for us and others, than a petrol/diesel. It’s the perfect compromise….. for this end of Cornwall…..low emissions, dieselesque mpg.
Full hybrid gets an uptick from us.
If you need a larger vehicle and the Austral full hybrid is as good as it’s little brother/sister then well done Renault.
Hopefully this makes sense.
We all need information in order to make wiser decisions.
Cheers my dears.
Harry
I’m still being tempted by the Austral, my main problems with it are the raised floor in front of the driver seat where the battery is, this reduces leg room under the steering wheel when getting in and out (I have long legs!). The other thing is the lack of visibility over the shoulder as the headrest blocks the view (to the right) even with it right down there’s no view out of the rear drivers side window when reversing. As others have mentioned the rear suspension, would be nice to have the Iconic Espirit on the scheme.
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
raised floor in front of the driver seat where the battery is, this reduces leg room under the steering wheel when getting in and out (I have long legs!)
Colour me intrigued!
"Come on BYD Seal!"Fairly straight forward 🙂
I’m a bit over 6’5″ so getting in is fun, left leg first then duck down and into car. In my Ateca there’s at least 10cm free space between the steering wheel and my knee when getting in, the Austral has a raised area (about 5 to 9cm at a guess) that protrudes from the frone seat into the floor pan for about 20-30cm then the floor drops down again to the pedal area. When I get in my foot is on this raised area so I only have a gap of about 1cm between my knee and the wheel.
Even though the Kia Niro I tried is about 5cm lower I had more room under the wheel getting into it (but I did hit my right shoulder on the lower door opening the first time I tried!).
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
Good afternoon all. Renault Clio rather than Austral in this post and the reason is the full hybrid. But not irrelevant nevertheless I believe. First Renault I’ve had. Swapped it for a Corsa EV owing to geographic isolation and poor local infrastructure. This full hybrid is quite interesting. 59.4%of the distance travelled was on electric only. I’ve travelled 1006 miles. So the petrol engine (1.6) has been used for 400 miles…. I’ve paid for 400 miles. Average mpg , including electric, is 62.2mpg for a 1.6l petrol. 600 of the 1000 miles no emissions. Tech is very good. Seats are good with firm side bolsters. We need no larger vehicle now and could get 4 of these on the driveway with no fussiness. Very economical. Very comfortable. Environmentally it’s a far better choice, for us and others, than a petrol/diesel. It’s the perfect compromise….. for this end of Cornwall…..low emissions, dieselesque mpg. Full hybrid gets an uptick from us. If you need a larger vehicle and the Austral full hybrid is as good as it’s little brother/sister then well done Renault. Hopefully this makes sense. We all need information in order to make wiser decisions. Cheers my dears. Harry
Thanks for that Harry. Nice to know.
I have the new Clio 1.6 hybrid Esprit Alpine trim on my shortlist for January order (along with the facelifted Peugeot 208 GT). Looking forward to test driving the Clio. That is good MPG indeed for the Clio hybrid.
Fairly straight forward ? I’m a bit over 6’5″ so getting in is fun, left leg first then duck down and into car. In my Ateca there’s at least 10cm free space between the steering wheel and my knee when getting in, the Austral has a raised area (about 5 to 9cm at a guess) that protrudes from the frone seat into the floor pan for about 20-30cm then the floor drops down again to the pedal area. When I get in my foot is on this raised area so I only have a gap of about 1cm between my knee and the wheel. Even though the Kia Niro I tried is about 5cm lower I had more room under the wheel getting into it (but I did hit my right shoulder on the lower door opening the first time I tried!).
Understood! That does sound annoying, it’s a shame that more cars don’t have convenience entry (shuffle the wheel and seat out of the way). Though do I read correctly that there’s no space when in your driving position too?
"Come on BYD Seal!"No, once I’m in and sat the room under the wheel is OK as my feet are on the pedals which are at a normal height(?) floor, it’s only the part that comes out from under the seats that’s raised, then it slopes down to normal height/depth.
The only other gripe would be the height of the centre console, again it’s a lot higher than the Ateca and my left knee joint was knocking against it. To be fair it was the same in my previous Kuga and I just stuck a piece of padding to it with double sided tape 🙂
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
I’m going to have to see one in real life I think, the raised centre console sounds ideal for my stupid inoperable left arm! ?
"Come on BYD Seal!"Good afternoon all. Renault Clio rather than Austral in this post and the reason is the full hybrid. But not irrelevant nevertheless I believe. First Renault I’ve had. Swapped it for a Corsa EV owing to geographic isolation and poor local infrastructure. This full hybrid is quite interesting. 59.4%of the distance travelled was on electric only. I’ve travelled 1006 miles. So the petrol engine (1.6) has been used for 400 miles…. I’ve paid for 400 miles. Average mpg , including electric, is 62.2mpg for a 1.6l petrol. 600 of the 1000 miles no emissions. Tech is very good. Seats are good with firm side bolsters. We need no larger vehicle now and could get 4 of these on the driveway with no fussiness. Very economical. Very comfortable. Environmentally it’s a far better choice, for us and others, than a petrol/diesel. It’s the perfect compromise….. for this end of Cornwall…..low emissions, dieselesque mpg. Full hybrid gets an uptick from us. If you need a larger vehicle and the Austral full hybrid is as good as it’s little brother/sister then well done Renault. Hopefully this makes sense. We all need information in order to make wiser decisions. Cheers my dears. Harry
Thanks for that Harry. Nice to know. I have the new Clio 1.6 hybrid Esprit Alpine trim on my shortlist for January order (along with the facelifted Peugeot 208 GT). Looking forward to test driving the Clio. That is good MPG indeed for the Clio hybrid.
Solent 60 when is the new shape Clio in the showroom? I’d like folding mirrors and auto handbrake
Solent 60 when is the new shape Clio in the showroom? I’d like folding mirrors and auto handbrake
the Esprit Alpine joined the scheme today and should be viewable in showrooms mate.
Good afternoon all. Renault Clio rather than Austral in this post and the reason is the full hybrid. But not irrelevant nevertheless I believe. First Renault I’ve had. Swapped it for a Corsa EV owing to geographic isolation and poor local infrastructure. This full hybrid is quite interesting. 59.4%of the distance travelled was on electric only. I’ve travelled 1006 miles. So the petrol engine (1.6) has been used for 400 miles…. I’ve paid for 400 miles. Average mpg , including electric, is 62.2mpg for a 1.6l petrol. 600 of the 1000 miles no emissions. Tech is very good. Seats are good with firm side bolsters. We need no larger vehicle now and could get 4 of these on the driveway with no fussiness. Very economical. Very comfortable. Environmentally it’s a far better choice, for us and others, than a petrol/diesel. It’s the perfect compromise….. for this end of Cornwall…..low emissions, dieselesque mpg. Full hybrid gets an uptick from us. If you need a larger vehicle and the Austral full hybrid is as good as it’s little brother/sister then well done Renault. Hopefully this makes sense. We all need information in order to make wiser decisions. Cheers my dears. Harry
Thanks for that Harry. Nice to know. I have the new Clio 1.6 hybrid Esprit Alpine trim on my shortlist for January order (along with the facelifted Peugeot 208 GT). Looking forward to test driving the Clio. That is good MPG indeed for the Clio hybrid.
Solent 60 when is the new shape Clio in the showroom? I’d like folding mirrors and auto handbrake
Mike, the new Clio hybrid 1.6 Esprit Alpine has joined the scheme today (Aug 1st) with an AP of £875.00. When you consider the £750 new car payment, the difference you’ll have to pay is pocket money!
I guess that it’ll be in the showrooms about now in the top trim. It has some of the most comfortable seats in any car you’ll find (apparently – according to reviews) as well as adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, heated seats, electric folding mirrors, electronic parking handbrake with auto hold, even wireless charging for smartphone…
As always it comes down to preference, does the vehicle do what you need it do, after the initial excitement (for want of a better word) of the initial test drive and purchase is it a vehicle you can live with on daily basis.
I had a quick look at one the other day and was quite impressed (not sure if I was impressed enough to buy one though its one on the list for the possible for a test drive), feels and looks well enough put together, plenty of room inside and a big enough boot for our mobility gear.
many thanks Kezo and Solent that Clio has gone to top of my list looks fab in blue red or orange seats look amazing equipment is massive even heated steering wheel !
Solent are you having the blue ? Love the digital dash just watched the YouTube videos
I rather like that Ceramic Grey metallic Mike. The MPG is very impressive too – especially if you’re watching the pennies. I shall test drive one in a few weeks time Mike.
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