2022 Renault Austral Reviews

Many brands are now realising it isn’t feasible to go all-electric for all markets and as a result are pivoting to offer hybrid technology alongside.As reported by Autocar, Renault is the latest and could rework its next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) to also offer range-extender (REEV) powertrain technology, which it is tentatively calling ‘Super Hybrid’.“We’ve got a two-leg approach,” said Renault product boss Bruno Vanel to Autocar.“The direction is towards EVs, so we are focusing on EVs and the efficiency of the vehicles, but it doesn't prevent us from looking at solutions like the one Horse has presented.”At last year’s Munich Motor Show, Horse Powertrain, which is co-owned by Renault Group and Geely, revealed a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that can be installed in an EV and act as a generator to charge the battery pack.“Things which extend the electric range of EVs look to us to be a very interesting and probably relevant solution to go towards an electric world - for the south of Europe, for example, or for people who cannot charge every two or three days,” added Vanel.“It could be a very good solution for the C- and D-segment and the next platform we are developing.”Renault is currently working on a new platform, originally designed to be EV-only, which will underpin its forthcoming mid-size vehicles.At this stage the first vehicle on this new platform will be a production version of the 2024 Embléme concept and it’s reportedly due around 2028.It’s worth noting that Renault has not disclosed any plans to adapt its current EV platforms or models to accommodate REEV powertrain technology.A number of carmakers are using the term ‘Super Hybrid’. Though the exact implementations vary from brand to brand, they largely all encompass some form of plug-in hybrid (PHEV).In Australia MG uses Super Hybrid on the PHEV version of its HS SUV, Chery uses it on the PHEV versions of its Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 SUVs, plus Jaecoo uses it on the PHEV versions of its J7 SUV.Although it doesn’t use the exact term Super Hybrid, Leapmotor is currently the only carmaker in Australia to offer REEV powertrain technology. It’s currently offered in the mid-sized C10 SUV.Previously REEV powertrains featured in a version of the BMW i3, as well as the Holden Volt.“Super Hybrids can help people to get into the electric world with less anxiety than they have today,” said Vanel to Autocar.“When you are talking about cars with more than 1000km of range, you know that even if you don't find a charge point, you can still drive."

Renault has announced a new hybrid luxury large SUV called the Filante. Few details have been revealed about the car at this stage, but it will feature state-of-the-art technology and roominess, according to the brand. Renault has released one photo of the Filante, which is mostly shrouded in smoke.The teaser shows a sloped roofline and a rear spoiler, highlighting an overall sporty design.Renault says the Filante nameplate “alludes to shooting stars, outer space and journeys”, which lines up with the French meaning of the word being "shooting," "flying," "falling," or "spinning”. Renault has drawn further inspiration from its Etoile Filante record-breaking speedster, which on one run in 1956, reached an average speed of more than 300km/h over 1km and 5km distances.Etoile Filante means “shooting star” in French. Renault also says the name refers to its 'Filante Record 2025', which was a concept car that set a new record for energy efficiency late last year.The Filante will be manufactured at Renault’s biggest Asian factory in Busan, South Korea where it will be initially marketed highlighting a more sustained push outside of Europe for the brand. "Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is so important to Renault. Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027 to be designed in Korea,” Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea said.“It illustrates our vision of a distinctive and daring crossover, a bold expression of Renault's global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the brand's French roots." It will be built on a Geely-developed platform and have a hybrid powertrain, similar to the new-generation Koleos SUV also built at the Busan facility. The car forms part of the brand’s more than $5 billion ‘International Game Plan 2027’, being one of eight new models planned by the French-based company for launch outside of Europe. Renault recently confirmed the return of its iconic Scenic nameplate as the first of its 2027 initiative, with an all-electric Scenic E-Tech SUV.With driving range between 430km and 625km (WLTP), and a starting price tag of $55,990 (before on-road costs), deliveries on the Scenic E-Tech in Australia are scheduled to start this month. The range-topping Esprit Alpine ($65,990, before on-road costs) will launch before the Techno EV60 and Techno Long Range EV87 variants.It is unclear at this stage whether we will see the Filante in Australia, but given it will be manufactured in right-hand drive and Renault has already brought across the Scenic E-Tech, there are positive signs. The Filante will be officially unveiled in Seoul next week. 

The Dacia Duster is finally here! Well, it's actually here as the Renault Duster, but who cares when this well-liked small SUV has a reputation for off-road adventuring? And the Duster arrives as a family- and budget-friendly small 4x4 that is easy on the eye, very practical for day-to-day life and is reportedly capable off-road. Could the Duster be a legitimate rival for the Suzuki Jimny?

Some of Australia's favourite models will see their safety ratings lapse in 2026.

What might be a legitimate challenger to the Suzuki Jimny’s “Best Fun Small 4WD” title, the Renault Duster (aka the Dacia Duster in other markets), is here.

A landmark car ban in Europe could be overturned, according to reports.

Ford Fiesta could return.

A former family favourite has landed with an electric revamp.Renault has announced pricing and specifications for its revived Scenic, which re-joins the Aussie market as an all-electric SUV. The five-seat SUV will start from $55,990, before on-road costs.The car will have several all-electric rivals when it lands in Australia, but it's been competitively priced compared to some alternatives.It will directly rival BYD’s Sealion 7, which starts from $54,990, before on-road costs and the Zeekr 7X, starting from $57,900.  In terms of dimensions, it's more inline with smaller fare like the MG S5 small electric SUV.This tight pricing comes off the back of the brand shaving $10,000 off the price of its Megane E-Tech only months after Renault launched it in Australia last year. Car warranty: five-year/100,000km - Battery warranty: eight-year/160,000km.The Scenic E-Tech's single electric motor in the entry-level variant transfers 125kW and 280Nm to the front wheels and can shift the car from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds. The more powerful motor available in up-spec models trims that standard sprint time to 7.9 seconds, producing 160kW and 300Nm. The car has three optional paint choices which are metallic ($800), two-tone ($1000), and matt ($1200), which is exclusive to the range-topping variant. The last Renault to wear the Scenic badge left the market about 15 years ago, but it was a small, five-seater boxy MPV. Deliveries on the new Scenic E-Tech will begin later this year or early next year, with the top-of-the range Esprit Alpine launching before other model variants. Six-speaker sound systemApple CarPlay and Android AutoWireless phone charger12.3-inch digital driver’s display12-inch central displayAuto-folding door mirrorsAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorPower tailgateHeated steering wheelHeated front seatsCloth upholstery19-inch alloy wheelsEsprit Alpine EV87 getsInfrared windscreenMetal pedal coversSynthetic leather and cloth seat trim with Alpine stitchingMemory seatingMassaging driver’s seat9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system20-inch alloy wheelsAlpine badgingFacial recognition for seat and mirror settingsThe new Renault Scenic E-Tech has not been crash tested yet. 2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech safety features: Blind spot assist360-degree cameraAdaptive cruise controlSpeed sign recognitionRear cross-traffic alertFront, side and rear parking sensors

Renault's new electric city hatch shapes up to rival the BYD Atto 1

Two premium electric MGs from China have achieved five-star safety ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).