Renault Austral AUS vs Skoda Karoq MK1
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
Skoda Karoq
MK1 · 2017 – 2026
The Karoq (MK1), on the MQB-A1 platform.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Skoda Karoq
Pick the MK1 for a roomy, practical and comfortable family SUV with a sweet 1.5 TSI or strong 2.0 TDI.
Performance
1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol
| Renault Austral | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
200 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
—
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
8,9 s
|
| Top speed |
175 km/h
|
205 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
111,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
Winner
|
130 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
5,6 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Austral | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
430 L
|
479 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
|
1.605 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,64 m
|
| Length |
4,51 m
|
4,38 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
18,3 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
Winner
|
11,3 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Austral | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD3 | MQB-A1 (shared with the VW Tiguan) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 | 1.0 TSI · 1.5 TSI · 2.0 TSI petrol · 1.6 TDI · 2.0 TDI diesel |
| Transmission | E-Tech automatic | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| 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
- 1.5 TSI: kangarooing on early cars
- DSG: jerkiness at low speed
- 2.0 TDI: DPF/AdBlue and timing belt
Pros
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
- Roomy boot and variable rear seats
- Comfortable and practical
- Strong 2.0 TDI
Cons
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
- Sparse base equipment
- Interior with hard plastics
- Not focused on sharp dynamics
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.
Skoda Karoq
Composed and secure for a compact SUV of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and practicality over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
