The Renault Austral 1.2 (130 hp) Mild Hybrid Advanced, launched in September 2022, represents Renault’s entry into the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Austral lineup, it aims to balance fuel efficiency with reasonable performance and a modern feature set. This variant is primarily targeted at European markets, where demand for smaller, more economical SUVs is strong. The Austral itself is built upon the CMF-CD3 platform, shared with other Renault and Nissan models, and represents a significant step up in terms of technology and interior quality compared to its predecessor, the Kadjar.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Austral |
| Generation | Austral |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (130 Hp) Mild Hybrid Advanced |
| Start of production | September, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6D Full + Euro 6E |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp, 91.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.9 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 0.925 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 48 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 108.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750-3500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HR12 |
| Engine displacement | 1199 cm3 (73.17 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75.5 mm (2.97 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.3 mm (3.52 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 1421 kg (3132.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1994 kg (4396.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 573 kg (1263.25 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1525 l (53.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 745 kg (1642.44 lbs.) |
| Length | 4510 mm (177.56 in.) |
| Width | 1825 mm (71.85 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1843 mm (72.56 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2083 mm (82.01 in.) |
| Height | 1644 mm (64.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2667 mm (105 in.) |
| Front track | 1482 mm (58.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1476 mm (58.11 in.) |
| Front overhang | 925 mm (36.42 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 917 mm (36.1 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 180 mm (7.09 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE and electric motor drive the front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 296×26 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 292×16 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R17; 235/55 R18; 205/55 R19; 235/45 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18; 19; 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Renault Austral 1.2 Mild Hybrid Advanced is powered by the HR12 engine, a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Renault’s latest generation of powertrains, designed for efficiency and reduced emissions. The HR12 utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver 130 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 3500 rpm. The “Mild Hybrid” aspect comes from a 48-volt starter-generator system. This system assists the engine during acceleration, allowing for smoother starts and improved fuel economy. It also enables a start-stop system that operates more quickly and seamlessly than traditional systems. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, directing power to the front wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2-liter engine, while adequate for everyday driving, doesn’t offer particularly brisk acceleration. The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 10.8 seconds reflects this. The mild hybrid system does provide a noticeable boost during initial acceleration, making city driving feel more responsive. However, on the highway, overtaking maneuvers require careful planning. Compared to higher-powered versions of the Austral, or those equipped with different engine options, this variant prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The 6-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering precise shifts and a reasonable spread of gears. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, rather than maximizing acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The “Advanced” trim level, as the name suggests, includes a comprehensive suite of standard features. These typically include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and a range of safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Interior upholstery is typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. Optional extras often include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium audio system. The Austral’s interior design is a significant improvement over the Kadjar, with higher-quality materials and a more modern aesthetic.
Chassis & Braking
The Renault Austral utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, well-suited for everyday driving. The torsion beam rear suspension is a cost-effective solution that helps to keep the vehicle’s weight down. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front (296×26 mm) and solid discs at the rear (292×16 mm). ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is electric power-assisted, providing a light and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Austral 1.2 Mild Hybrid Advanced has been generally well-received by automotive critics. Its fuel economy of 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg) is a key selling point, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a cost-effective SUV. Compared to other trims in the Austral lineup, this variant offers a good balance of price and features. Higher-powered versions provide more performance, but at a higher cost. The mild hybrid system contributes to lower CO2 emissions, making it compliant with increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Reliability reports are still emerging, but early indications suggest that the HR12 engine is a robust and dependable unit.
Legacy
The Renault Austral 1.2 Mild Hybrid Advanced represents a significant step forward for Renault in the compact SUV segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, modern technology, and comfortable ride quality makes it a competitive offering in a crowded market. The HR12 engine, with its mild hybrid system, is likely to become a mainstay in Renault’s lineup for years to come. As the used car market matures, this variant is expected to hold its value well, particularly among buyers seeking an economical and reliable SUV.
