Renault Austral AUS vs Renault Kadjar KAD
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
Renault Kadjar
KAD · 2015 – 2022
The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Renault Kadjar
Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.
Performance
1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| Renault Austral | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
200 hp
Winner
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
—
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
9,6 s
|
| Top speed |
175 km/h
|
205 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
100,0 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
Winner
|
125 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
5,6 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Austral | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
430 L
|
472 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
Winner
|
1.478 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,65 m
|
| Length |
4,51 m
|
4,45 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
|
10,9 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Austral | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD3 | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi |
| Transmission | E-Tech automatic | 6-speed manual · EDC7 |
| 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
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC/X-tronic: juddery 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)
- Roomy boot and comfortable ride
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
- 1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
- Interior less modern than newer rivals
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 Kadjar
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
