Apparently there’s room for one more SUV providing in Renault’s vary – particularly if it comes with coupe styling traits
by Thanos Pappas
12 hours in the past
by Thanos Pappas
This story incorporates unbiased illustrations which can be neither associated to nor endorsed by Renault.
Renault already has the Austral and the Espace protecting the compact and midsize SUV segments in Europe, however there’s one other mechanically associated mannequin on the horizon. The Austral Coupe – or Avantime – is about to reach in 2024 including sexier styling into the combination whereas sharing the electrified underpinnings of its siblings.
Rumors a few compact coupe-SUV by Renault had been circulating the online for a very long time, however camouflaged prototypes solely made their spy debut in April 2023. These photographs proved that the brand new mannequin could be greater than only a coupe-SUV variant of the Austral, adopting the brand new design language of Renault.
Learn: New Renault Espace Debuts As A Longer Austral SUV With Seven Seats
The rendering we created integrates the brand new fashion of LED headlights that was not too long ago launched by the facelifted Renault Clio. Vertical DRLs attain decrease into the entrance bumper, merging with the intakes whereas being thicker than these present in rival Peugeot fashions. The flagship Esprit Alpine trim will probably function sportier bumpers, larger-diameter alloy wheels, and particular badging.
Different styling cues and the surfacing could possibly be shared with the Austral, though the tail can be absolutely redesigned to help the coupe-SUV stance. From the camouflaged prototypes, it’s evident that the SUV has toned-up shoulders and a closely inclined rear glass. Anticipate elongated LED taillights pointing to Renault’s emblem and twin spoilers.
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As for the inside, we might be shocked if Renault didn’t use the digital cockpit discovered within the Austral and the Espace because it already has the newest tech from the automaker’s elements bin – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12-inch OpenR Hyperlink infotainment touchscreen, and a 9.3-inch head-up show. Moreover, the 48-color ambient lighting and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system would improve the premium really feel as with the Alcantara patches on the Esprit Alpine.
The Austral Coupe is anticipated to experience on the newest evolution of the CMF-CD structure which underpins a number of fashions from the Renault Group. Chances are high that the mannequin will share the two,738 mm (107.8 inches) wheelbase with the Espace, giving the designers extra freedom to create a horny profile, and permitting for a roomier inside. Consequently, the general size of the coupe-SUV could be someplace between the 4,510 mm (177.6 inches) of the Austral and the 4,722 mm (185.9 inches) of the Espace. This measurement would permit it extra respiration room above the Captur-based Arkana which measures 4,570 mm (179.9 inches) lengthy.
Electrified However Not Absolutely Electrical
When it comes to powertrain choices, we anticipate a heavy dose of electrification and sufficient energy to justify the sporty appears. Choices may embrace the E-Tech self-charging hybrid producing a mixed 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque, as within the Austral / Espace. This setup includes a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, an electrical motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and an computerized gearbox sending energy to the entrance axle.
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There’s a excessive probability Renault may also supply a extra highly effective and extra environment friendly plug-in hybrid, with an honest zero-emission vary and greater than sufficient efficiency. In contrast to Peugeot which provides hybrid and absolutely electrical variants of its fashions, Renault makes use of a distinct platform for EVs, much like the technique of the VW Group. Which means the Austral Coupe / Avantime will most definitely miss out on a zero-emission variant, leaving different fashions to cowl this hole.
The Renault Austral Coupe, or Avantime if the corporate chooses to revive the nameplate of the two-door minivan, is rumored to debut someday in 2024. From what we perceive, the French mannequin will rival each the next-gen Peugeot 308 which is about to remodel right into a coupe-SUV, and the bigger 408 fastback, probably transferring nearer to the latter.