Spy photos show the revised Austral testing on European mountain roads. Despite the heavy disguise, noticeable updates include boxy headlights and new DRLs that are less horizontal than the current design. Although not visible in the pictures, the DRLs are expected to be boomerang-shaped like those on the Clio, Captur, and Rafale.
The hood is also redesigned, now featuring a straight leading edge separated from the grille by a plastic filler panel, which helps reduce repair costs after minor collisions. This design, also seen on the Rafale, is expected to appear on the Espace, a three-row variant of the Austral.
While rear changes are harder to discern, it’s likely that the rear lights, which currently stretch across the hatch, have been updated. Interior changes are expected to be minor, focusing on trim revisions, as the Austral already features Renault’s latest dashboard design with a digital gauge pack and vertically mounted central touchscreen.
Under the hood, Renault will introduce changes. The UK market currently only offers the 197 hp (200 PS) 1.2 E-Tech full-hybrid, while other markets also have 128 hp (130 PS) 1.2 and 158 hp (160 PS) 1.3 mild hybrids, all front-wheel drive. Rumors suggest the older 1.3 engine will be replaced by an upgraded version of the 1.2. The updated Austral is expected to debut either this fall or early in 2025.
Source: Carscoops
