Renault Austral AUS vs Renault Koleos KOL
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| Renault Austral | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
200 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
—
|
340 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
175 km/h
|
194 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
Winner
|
128 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
5,0 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Austral | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
430 L
|
458 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
|
1.690 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,71 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,51 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
Winner
|
11,4 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Austral | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | E-Tech automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Hybrid | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
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 Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
