Renault has given us a glimpse at the cabin of the upcoming new Austral SUV, its replacement for the Kadjar. The Austral will be built on the CMF-CD3 platform, but while it will take on many of the styling cues of the new all-electric Megane E-Tech, it won't come with all-electric power - the Austral will be limited to hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.
Google tech in the dash
It will pinch from the Megane E-Tech though, especially its interior - the sketch that Renault has just shown of the Austral's interior seems to show that it lifts the 'OpenR' all-digital dashboard and squared-off steering wheel from the electric Megane. It mixes a 12.3-inch instrument panel with a tall, upright, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which has been designed in a collaboration between Renault and Korean electronics expert LG, and is running a new software setup based on Google's Android system. It'll come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections, as well as built-in Google search and Google Maps.
Thankfully, as with the Megane, it does look as if the Austral keeps a row of physical buttons and controls below the screen, which should make things slightly easier to use on the move. Either side of the screen are carefully disguised vertical air vents.
Storage space
The Austral's interior should be practical, too. According to Renault, there are "multiple storage areas, starting with a wide sliding armrest that can provide extra storage and makes using the OpenR Link multimedia system simpler" as well as cubbies where you can store and wirelessly charge your phones. All told, there's a useful 30 litres worth of storage space in the cabin.
Beyond that, the transmission tunnel has been eliminated, so the Austral gets a flat rear floor, which means extra space for legs and feet. The rear seats also slide as well as split-folding and can be controlled from a switch in the boot. Renault says that the front seats have been designed to taper inwards at the top, so as to let more light into the rear cabin, as well as making it easier for front and rear seat passengers to chat.
'Brimming with technology'
"When we created All-new Renault Austral's passenger compartment, the three recurring themes were the perception of space, edgy design and a protective feel. And all that based on high quality standards. We're proud of the result: All-new Renault Austral's cocoon is as comfortable as it's brimming with technology. The passengers are at the centre of the experience, the cockpit is as reassuring as it's streamlined, and they enjoy the feeling of sharing the space and having their individual space at the same time" said Agneta Dahlgren, Renault Design Project Director.