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So personally, i’m hanging on to see if Subaru make it back onto the scheme, and if so with what offering. Until thats over the line then i’m keeping an open mind.
The Austral has pinged my interest, which in itself is odd as ordinarily I dislike french cars. Can anyone explain in short summary what the spec difference is between :
a) the Techno Esprit Alpine,
and
b) the Iconic Esprit Alpine
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Agreed Macca, could be of interest.
There’s an excellent YouTube review by a guy called Max from SMC Motors.
The main difference between the two trim levels you mention is the Iconic Alpine thingy comes with a Harmon Kardon sound system and the 4control feature which is active rear wheel steering (opposite direction at low speed to aid manoeverabilty, and same way at high speed for sharp handling)
Both unfortunately get 20″ wheels as standard. Why ?? which may spoil the ride especially after our XC40s.B
But overall I’m quite interested, especially with the engine/battery combo of a 1.2L 3 pot combined with decent battery to give 197 BHP and the ability to do the majority of urban journeys on electric alone.
Entry level Techno is very well equipped, but you have to step up to middle level Techno Esprit Alpine to get heated and electric seats which is important for Mrs 72 Dudes. I think only Iconic Esprit Alpine gets a powered tailgate too
2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-Tronicany idea when it will be coming onto the scheme?
Ahh, found this which is quite useful …
Sounds and looks a very interesting car. Liking the Esprit Alpine styling ?
And a more straight talking review from Marek …
The 20’s wouldn’t concern me as we have those on the XC40 with no issues for my driving style.
Not for me I’m afraid, I don’t like hybrids, two systems, x2 systems to go wrong, no full electric version available.
Quite like the look of that spec in the video. Any word on AP’s and availability?
From Adrian_H:
Apparently it’s coming on scheme next week. AP of £2,499 for the Techno esprit alpine, and Iconic Esprit alpine. Both have powered tailgate, heated front seats and wheel, and loads of toys. The main difference between them seems to be the stereo and 4-motion which looks to be a grand name for some drive modes. Boot is 450l so not particularly large for the vehicle class but it’s a nice low entry, no load lip and a good square shape. 1 engine to choose from, an e-tech hybrid (not plug-in).
From Adrian The main difference between them seems to be the stereo and 4-motion which looks to be a grand name for some drive modes.
Not quite – the two cheaper trim levels have the usual comfort/sport/eco drive modes.
The Iconic Esprit Alpine has the proper bona fide 4 wheel steering called 4control. Probably wouldn’t be racing it around Silverstone though so a bit of a gimmick?
The other benefit of 4control is the tight turning circle of 10.1m which is less than a Clio.
2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-TronicLooking at the specs, the Iconic Esprit Alpine gives :
Wireless charger, All round camera, 4 wheel steer
Aint got any of them now, so wouldn’t miss em.
It also gives a pano roof but light sensitive eyes render a sunroof useless for me, plus it would chew into headroom, which at 6’2″ i could do without. Again, no point paying for that.
So actually the Techno Esprit Alpine would be a great balance of spec/styling & AP.
If the indications are correct that it will come on at £2499, thats a lot of car for the money.
Marek’s review saying that sound insulation is poor has worried me slightly, so I’ll reserve judgement until I drive one. Agree the middle trim level sounds best.
2024 - BMW i4 Grand Coupe eDrive 35 Sport
2020 - Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription
2017 - Audi Q3 TFSi Sport S-TronicThat looks very nice, I may be tempted away from the Kuga :p
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
Its good to see all sorts of reviews as it alerts you of things to look at when you see it up close.
Ultimately it will be your own feel for the car which gives it a thumbs up, or down.
I do like Marek’s reviews though as he delves in, a tells it like it is.
Mpg is a definite attention grabber, as is not having to plug it in.
Just wish they had pushed it a bit on colours and knocked out something lairy like lime green.
That would look superb with the dark 20’s ?
From what Ive read the auto box is verry slow to kick down when meging or overtaking! I asume unlike Alpine F1’s the box can’t make its mind up quicker enough!
Hmm ?, seems a little out of synch with what some of those that visited the Big Day were advised, but let’s see what morability publish on the search tool when they launch it.
It’s now on the Renault site techno E-Tech full hybrid 200hp | Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid | Motability | Renault Offers although only the Techno Esprit and with the AP I was told on Saturday would be for the Iconic Esprit. Guess we’ll have to wait a few days to see what works through.
SMC Renault have now amended the pricing (from the fb ad I posted above) on their fb page for the Austral on the scheme to:
Which ties in with the latest pricing for the two trim levels (£3495/£3995) displayed on the Renault website:
https://offers.renault.co.uk/motability/austral-motability/motability?offer=1286
It just needs to appear on the Motability website now!
it has now appeared on the Motability website:
WPMS AP’s shown – £3495/£3995 for PIP etc.
So the numbers are confirmed ?
We’re approaching the 3 year mark. If the Subaru Forester appears in the right spec at affordable money then i’d consider a change.
Otherwise, i’m minded to extend and let things settle over the next 24 months. In that time we’d see how this Austral performs and it would give Renault time to tweak software etc.
Could well be a future contender though ?
Wow really impressed with the Austral on paper, we have an application in with the grants team for a 4wheel or all wheel drive vehicle for our rural roads, I wonder if the alpine trim and it’s steering wizardry will fall into our category?
It’s not 4 wheel drive so I can’t see the rear steering being any advantage for you with bad road conditions.
I was also interested in it at the original quoted price (£2,499) but not at £3,499/£3,999.
The Kuga Vignale (FHEV) I have on order for £2.695 has heated front and rear seats as well as a heated windscreen and by all accounts much less road noise.
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
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