Renault Austral AUS vs Renault Captur MK1
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
Renault Captur
MK1 · 2013 – 2019
The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Renault Captur
Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.
Performance
1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol
| Renault Austral | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
200 hp
Winner
|
90 hp
|
| Torque |
—
|
135 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
12,7 s
|
| Top speed |
175 km/h
Winner
|
171 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
83,3 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
|
105 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,7 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Austral | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
430 L
Winner
|
377 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
Winner
|
1.235 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,61 m
|
| Length |
4,51 m
|
4,12 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
|
10,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
Winner
|
900 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Austral | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD3 | B (modified) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 | 0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi |
| Transmission | E-Tech automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel | Hybrid | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
- Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes
Pros
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
- Flexible sliding rear bench
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
- 1.2 TCe carries chain risk
- Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2
Driving experience
Renault Austral
A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.
Renault Captur
Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
