Renault Austral AUS vs Renault Captur MK2
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
Renault Captur
MK2 · 2019 – 2026
The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Renault Captur
Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.
Performance
1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol
| Renault Austral | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
200 hp
Winner
|
100 hp
|
| Torque |
—
|
160 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
13,0 s
|
| Top speed |
175 km/h
|
178 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
87,7 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
Winner
|
115 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
5,0 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Austral | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
430 L
Winner
|
422 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,64 m
|
| Length |
4,51 m
|
4,24 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
|
10,9 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
Winner
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Austral | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD3 | CMF-B |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 | 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158 |
| Transmission | E-Tech automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Hybrid | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| 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
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
- Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
- 1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips
Pros
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
- Bigger boot than the MK1
- Modern E-Tech hybrids available
- Keeps the clever sliding rear bench
Cons
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
- PHEV pricier and heavier
- Infotainment can be slow
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 firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
