Renault Austral AUS vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Tiguan (AD1), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Tiguan

Pick the Tiguan for a roomy, practical family SUV with strong towing and a wide engine range.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	200 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	—	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,4 s Winner	9,2 s
Top speed	175 km/h	200 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	128,2 hp/t Winner	102,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km Winner	139 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	430 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,51 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	—	19,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,5 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	CMF-CD3	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	E-Tech automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Hybrid	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Volkswagen Tiguan

Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
Haldex 4MOTION service (fluid/clutch)
Software/infotainment glitches pre-facelift

Pros

Renault Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

Volkswagen Tiguan

Very roomy boot (615–1,655 l) with sliding rear bench
Allspace variant with 7 seats (option)
Towing up to 2,500 kg on 4MOTION diesels

Cons

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

Volkswagen Tiguan

Pre-facelift interior looks more dated
1.4 TSI (early) less smooth than the later 1.5 TSI

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.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Comfortable, easy to drive and predictably competent. The Tiguan II rides with good isolation over broken surfaces, stays quiet at a cruise, and steers lightly and accurately without much feedback. Front-drive versions are easy and economical; 4MOTION adds useful traction in poor weather and on loose surfaces. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the 2.0 TSI is brisk if unremarkable. The DSG is smooth in traffic. Body control is fine for a family SUV, but the Tiguan is set up for comfort and space, not cornering entertainment.